About this episode

Dr. Brendan McCarthy explains the complexities of estradiol and its implications in hormone replacement therapy.

In this episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy breaks down one of the most misunderstood topics in hormone replacement therapy: estradiol. Not all estrogen is the same—and how estradiol is delivered can dramatically affect hormone balance, inflammation, clotting risk, testosterone levels, and overall health outcomes. Dr. McCarthy discusses: • Why route of administration matters (oral, patch, injectable, topical, vaginal, pellet)• How oral estradiol converts to estrone• The differences between estradiol (E2), estrone (E1), and estriol (E3)• Estrone's relationship to inflammation and metabolic health• Oral estrogen and clotting risk• Oral estrogen's effect on SHBG and free testosterone• The impact of oral estrogen on IGF-1 and growth hormone signaling• Why informed consent should be central to hormone therapy• Benefits and limitations of pellets, patches, creams, and injections• Estriol and emerging research in autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis At Protea Medical Center, our philosophy is simple: patients deserve complete information so they can make empowered decisions about their health. 📍 Protea Medical CenterTempe, Arizona 👍 If you found this episode helpful, please…

More episodes of Dr. Brendan McCarthy

• Why the Same Hormone Works Differently for Every Woman · July 15, 2026 · 24 min
• The 5 Questions Every Woman Should Ask Before Starting Hormone Therapy · July 8, 2026 · 22 min
• Hormone Replacement Therapy Explained: What Every Woman Needs to Know | Episode 1 · July 1, 2026 · 32 min
• The Hidden Risks of Oral Estrogen: What Every Woman Should Know About Estrone · June 24, 2026 · 28 min

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