Search a title or topic

Over 20 million podcasts, powered by 

Player FM logo
Artwork

Content provided by Dr. Brendan McCarthy. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Dr. Brendan McCarthy or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.
Player FM - Podcast App
Go offline with the Player FM app!

When Progesterone Backfires: The Hidden Link Between Hormones, Anxiety & Trauma

16:43
 
Share
 

Manage episode 476081321 series 3411346
Content provided by Dr. Brendan McCarthy. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Dr. Brendan McCarthy or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy!

While progesterone is often prescribed for its calming and hormone-balancing effects, some women experience the exact opposite—increased anxiety, depression, and emotional instability. This phenomenon, known as reverse responding, is more common than many realize.

In this episode we explore:

The neurological effects of progesterone and why it can backfire

The role of allopregnanolone and the GABA receptor

How trauma, PTSD, and adverse childhood experiences impact hormonal response

Safer and more personalized treatment options—including transrectal delivery, low-dose titration, and supportive therapies like EMDR and testosterone modulation

Why addressing hormone imbalances requires more than symptom management—it requires a deeper understanding of the brain-body connection

This science-driven, trauma-informed conversation offers vital insights for any woman who’s felt worse after starting progesterone—and for the healthcare providers who want to help them.

Dr. Brendan McCarthy founded Protea Medical Center in 2002. While he’s been the chief medical officer, Protea has grown and evolved into a dynamic medical center serving the Valley and Central Arizona. A nationally recognized as an expert in hormone replacement therapy, Dr McCarthy s the only instructor in the nation who teaches BioHRT on live patients. Physicians travel to Arizona to take his course and integrate it into their own practices. Besides hormone replacement therapy, Dr. McCarthy has spoken nationally and locally before physicians on topics such as weight loss, infertility, nutritional therapy and more.

Thank you for tuning in and don't forget to hit that SUBSCRIBE button! Let us know in the COMMENTS if you have any questions or what you may want Dr. McCarthy to talk about next!

Check out Dr. Brendan McCarthy's Book! https://www.amazon.com/Jump-Off-Mood-...

-More Links-

Instagram: www.instagram.com/drbrendanmccarthy

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/drbrendanmccarthy

Clinic Website: www.protealife.com

  continue reading

141 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 476081321 series 3411346
Content provided by Dr. Brendan McCarthy. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Dr. Brendan McCarthy or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy!

While progesterone is often prescribed for its calming and hormone-balancing effects, some women experience the exact opposite—increased anxiety, depression, and emotional instability. This phenomenon, known as reverse responding, is more common than many realize.

In this episode we explore:

The neurological effects of progesterone and why it can backfire

The role of allopregnanolone and the GABA receptor

How trauma, PTSD, and adverse childhood experiences impact hormonal response

Safer and more personalized treatment options—including transrectal delivery, low-dose titration, and supportive therapies like EMDR and testosterone modulation

Why addressing hormone imbalances requires more than symptom management—it requires a deeper understanding of the brain-body connection

This science-driven, trauma-informed conversation offers vital insights for any woman who’s felt worse after starting progesterone—and for the healthcare providers who want to help them.

Dr. Brendan McCarthy founded Protea Medical Center in 2002. While he’s been the chief medical officer, Protea has grown and evolved into a dynamic medical center serving the Valley and Central Arizona. A nationally recognized as an expert in hormone replacement therapy, Dr McCarthy s the only instructor in the nation who teaches BioHRT on live patients. Physicians travel to Arizona to take his course and integrate it into their own practices. Besides hormone replacement therapy, Dr. McCarthy has spoken nationally and locally before physicians on topics such as weight loss, infertility, nutritional therapy and more.

Thank you for tuning in and don't forget to hit that SUBSCRIBE button! Let us know in the COMMENTS if you have any questions or what you may want Dr. McCarthy to talk about next!

Check out Dr. Brendan McCarthy's Book! https://www.amazon.com/Jump-Off-Mood-...

-More Links-

Instagram: www.instagram.com/drbrendanmccarthy

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/drbrendanmccarthy

Clinic Website: www.protealife.com

  continue reading

141 episodes

All episodes

×
 
Loading …

Welcome to Player FM!

Player FM is scanning the web for high-quality podcasts for you to enjoy right now. It's the best podcast app and works on Android, iPhone, and the web. Signup to sync subscriptions across devices.

 

Copyright 2025 | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | | Copyright
Listen to this show while you explore
Play