About this episode

Dr. Brendan McCarthy explains the complexities of Hormone Replacement Therapy and its importance for women's health throughout their lives.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is far more than simply taking estrogen or progesterone. In this first episode of a new 36-part series, Dr. Brendan McCarthy explains why hormone therapy should never be viewed as a one-size-fits-all treatment. From puberty through menopause, he explores how hormones change throughout a woman's life, why lab testing matters, and how personalized care leads to better outcomes. You'll learn the differences between estradiol, estrone, estriol, progesterone vs. progestins, testosterone therapy, delivery methods, and why true informed consent is essential when making decisions about your health. In this episode: ✔️ Why "HRT" is an oversimplified term✔️ The different types of estrogen and why they matter✔️ Progesterone vs. synthetic progestins✔️ Testosterone therapy for women explained✔️ Why hormone testing and lab work are critical✔️ Oral vs. topical vs. injectable vs. pellet hormone therapy✔️ How inflammation, stress, sleep, nutrition, and metabolism affect hormones✔️ Why hormone health starts long before menopause✔️ What informed consent should actually look like in medicine This episode lays the foundation for the next 36 episodes, where Dr…

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
• The Hidden Risks of Oral Estrogen: What Every Woman Should Know About Estrone · June 24, 2026 · 28 min
• Estradiol Explained: The Truth About Oral Estrogen, Estrone, Testosterone & Informed Consent · June 17, 2026 · 19 min

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