Welcome! 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. Through successful case after successful case, Dr. McCarthy has been dedicated to hormone balance, healthy metabolism, and the best quality of life. Dr. McCarthy’s hallmark is his unorthodox approach to mental/emotional wellness and its link to hormone balance in women and men. Throug ...
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Why I Practice Medicine Differently
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21:16In this episode, I open up about my personal journey into medicine, how my son’s health crisis during medical school shaped the doctor I am today, and why I believe in practicing medicine with time, care, and accountability. As a licensed naturopathic medical doctor and primary care provider, I share how I balance conventional treatments with holis…
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From Self-Silencing to Healing: Women's Health, Stress & Weight Gain
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28:35In this powerful series finale, Dr. Brendan McCarthy, Chief Medical Officer of Protea Medical Center, shares a personal story about the humble beginnings of his practice—and then dives deep into a critical but often overlooked topic in medicine: self-silencing in women and how it profoundly impacts health. In this episode, you'll learn: How emotion…
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The Silent Stress That’s Harming Women’s Health
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29:47Why do so many women struggle with autoimmune issues, fertility challenges, cardiovascular disease, and weight gain—despite following medical advice? In this episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy, NMD, explores the overlooked connection between self-silencing—the habit of suppressing your voice, needs, and emotions—and women’s health. Drawing on years of p…
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The Hidden Link Between Self-Silencing and Fertility
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18:42In this episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy, Chief Medical Officer at Protea Medical Center in Tempe, Arizona, explores how self-silencing—the cultural pressure for women to suppress their voices and needs—can directly affect fertility. Dr. McCarthy discusses: The emotional toll of self-silencing on women’s identity and value How chronic stress impacts o…
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Self-Silencing in Women: The Hidden Link to Stress, Hormones & Heart Health
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28:33Why do so many women struggle with stress-related health issues without ever speaking up? In this episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy continues his series on self-silencing in women—a powerful yet often overlooked cultural and psychological pattern. Dr. McCarthy breaks down: What “self-silencing” really means and how it shows up in everyday life The four…
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Self-Silencing, Stress & Autoimmunity in Women
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29:59In this episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy explores how self-silencing behaviors—putting others first, suppressing your own needs, and avoiding conflict—can contribute to chronic stress and trigger autoimmune conditions in women. From the science of immune misfires to the cultural pressures women face, Dr. McCarthy shares how deep, patient-centered care…
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The Hidden Cost of Self-Silencing: How It Impacts Women’s Health
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27:01Welcome to the first episode in a five-part series on self-silencing and its profound effect on women’s health. I’m Dr. Brendan McCarthy, Chief Medical Officer at Protea Medical Center, and in this episode, I break down how self-silencing — the learned suppression of one’s needs, emotions, and voice — directly influences weight gain, hormone disrup…
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Men & Fertility: What No One Tells You About Showing Up for Her
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24:38In today’s episode, we’re talking about the role men play in fertility and women’s health. Too often, the fertility journey places the burden entirely on women, physically, emotionally, and medically. Dr. McCarthy unpacks why that’s both inaccurate and damaging, and shares what true masculinity looks like during this chapter: support, presence, and…
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Male Fertility & Emotional Avoidance: Why Men Need to Show Up
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26:41Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! In this episode, Dr. McCarthy opens up about the psychological hurdles men face when it comes to reproductive health, how avoidance can create deep relationship wounds, and why it's critical for male partners to step into fertility conversations with courage and compassion. He breaks down: ✔️ The em…
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Understanding PMS: A Guide for Men on Hormones, Relationships & Self-Silencing
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27:05Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! PMS isn’t just a hormone issue—it affects relationships too. In this episode, Dr. McCarthy breaks down how hormone shifts impact emotions, communication, and connection. It’s a message for men who want to understand what’s really going on—and how to show up better. 💡 Topics: Why PMS can trigger rela…
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Why Your Doctor Says You're "Fine" (When You're Actually Not) | Testosterone Q&A Pt. 2
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27:25Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! Today he continues answering your most pressing questions about testosterone and hormone therapy in Part 2 of our Testosterone Q&A series. In this episode, Dr. McCarthy dives into: Why your labs can look "normal" while you still feel terrible The difference between DHEA and actual testosterone thera…
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Testosterone in Women: FSH, Hair Loss & Real Questions Answered
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22:34Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! In this episode, I’ll be responding to your questions and comments. As always, thank you for being part of this community. Your questions fuel these episodes — and I’m honored to keep showing up for you. 🧪 Have questions about your labs? Drop them in the comments — I may cover them in the next episo…
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What We’re Learning About TRT and Breast Cancer Risk
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23:12Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! In this episode, he dives deep into the powerful potential, and the necessary precautions, of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in women. He shares why this once-taboo treatment is gaining traction, how it may reduce the risk of breast cancer by up to 50%, and why lab testing and clinical nuanc…
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Why I Always Run Labs Before Hormone Therapy: The Real Risks of Skipping FSH
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21:12Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! In this deeply personal episode, he shares why lab work—especially testing FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)—is non-negotiable in hormone replacement therapy. This is not about gatekeeping. It’s about understanding. It’s about caring. Dr. McCarthy recounts a formative memory of meeting a woman who …
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Why Perimenopausal Hormone Labs Do Matter — Debunking Dangerous Myths
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30:27Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! In this video, Dr. Brendan McCarthy breaks down common misconceptions about hormone testing and treatment during perimenopause — including why many influencers and physicians get it wrong. From the misuse of expensive boutique tests like the Dutch test, to the dangers of suppressive hormone therapie…
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Should You Get HRT Without Lab Work? Why I Always Test First
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18:15Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! Can you start hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or bioidentical hormones without lab testing? Technically—yes. But should you? In this episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy, Chief Medical Officer of Protea Medical Center, shares his medical perspective on why skipping labs could put your health at risk. Res…
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Testosterone in Women: Dosing, Labs & What Most Doctors Miss
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27:03Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! This episode takes you deep into the real-world practice of prescribing testosterone therapy for women. This is not a high-level overview—this is a nuts and bolts breakdown: ✅ Who it's for ✅ How it's dosed ✅ What labs to run ✅ What delivery methods are safest ✅ Why it's often done wrong—and how to g…
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The Truth About Testosterone in Women: What Your Doctor May Not Be Telling You
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21:50Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! In this episode we dive deep into one of the most misunderstood and debated topics in hormone health: testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for women. You may have heard horror stories—or glowing reviews. But what’s the truth? Dr. McCarthy discusses: - Why testosterone matters for women’s health - …
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Testosterone Therapy for Women: Breaking the Stigma
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17:38Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! Today’s episode is all about testosterone therapy in women—a topic that’s often misunderstood, highly debated, and rarely taught in depth. I’m sharing what I’ve learned over my years of clinical experience, how I approach testosterone use in women safely, and why the conversation around it needs to …
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Progesterone Delivery Methods Explained: How It Actually Works in Your Body
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30:47Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! Explore how progesterone travels through the body depending on the method of delivery—oral, transdermal, or injection. Dr. McCarthy explains why certain forms may not be effective for all patients and discusses how the body metabolizes progesterone, influencing its therapeutic impact. This episode i…
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Answering Your Hormone Questions: Progesterone Reactions, MTHFR, Estrogen Detox & More
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33:35Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! Today’s episode is all about answering YOUR submitted questions — real concerns from real women — about hormone therapy, reverse responses to progesterone, MTHFR, estrogen detoxification, and more. This episode is packed with insights to help you better understand your body and your options. Dr. Bre…
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Progesterone, Testosterone & HRT Questions You’re Afraid to Ask
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42:12Welcome to the podcast! In this deeply personal Q&A episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy—Chief Medical Officer at Protea Medical Center—responds to your most powerful and vulnerable questions about hormone replacement therapy, including: - Why some women reverse-respond to progesterone - What to do when testosterone creams trigger migraines - How to safel…
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When Progesterone Backfires: Understanding Reverse Responders
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16:14Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! Welcome to Part 3. In this episode, Dr. McCarthy dives deep into the complex world of reverse responders—women who experience increased anxiety or worsened symptoms from progesterone instead of the calming effects it typically provides. If you’ve felt forgotten or unsupported in your hormone journey…
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When Progesterone Backfires: The Hidden Link Between Hormones, Anxiety & Trauma
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16:43Welcome 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 neu…
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Why Progesterone Doesn’t Work for Everyone
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18:02Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! Today he addresses a topic many women have been waiting to hear more about: why some people don't tolerate progesterone well. Often overlooked in both conventional and alternative medicine, "reverse responders" experience heightened anxiety, insomnia, or mood shifts when taking progesterone — a reac…
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Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! In this episode we're wrapping up our migraine series by answering your most frequently asked questions. Dr. Brendan McCarthy, Chief Medical Officer at Protea Medical Center, dives deep into the science behind progesterone, its effects on the brain, and why some people experience negative reactions.…
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Triptans and Beyond: Understanding the True Causes of Migraines
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20:08Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! In this episode, we dive into the complexities of migraines, particularly the role of triptans in treating them. Dr. McCarthy addresses a common misconception about migraine pathophysiology, discusses the importance of lifestyle and genetic factors, and explains why understanding the root causes of …
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Unlocking the Root Cause of Migraines: The Role of Progesterone and GABA
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21:24Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! In this episode we dive deep into the root causes of migraines in women, with a focus on the powerful role of progesterone and the GABA pathway. Learn why simply treating symptoms with medication isn’t enough and how understanding hormone balance can lead to long-term relief. This is part two of our…
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The Role of Estrogen in Migraines: Understanding the Link & Treatment Options
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21:24Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! In this episode we go over the connection between estrogen and migraines. He explores how hormone fluctuations can trigger migraines, the role of serotonin, and how proper medical testing can lead to better treatment options. Dr. McCarthy also addresses common failures in traditional medicine, the i…
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Understanding Headaches
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13:34Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! In this episode we dive into headaches—particularly how women suffer from them more frequently than men. If you’ve been dealing with headaches that no one seems to understand, you’re not alone. This series is designed to offer insight and actionable advice, empowering you with the information you ne…
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Your Voice Matters—Let’s Talk Menopause
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30:13Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy, Chief Medical Officer of Protea Medical Center in Tempe, Arizona. Your feedback and comments shape the discussions we have here—because your voice matters. In this episode, Dr. McCarthy addresses some of the most common questions and misconceptions about menopause and hormone replacement therapy (HR…
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Menopause & Hormone Therapy: Treatment Pt. 2
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16:52Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! We continue our menopause series as we dive into the treatment segment! Struggling with menopause symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, or sleep issues? Hormone therapy (HRT) could be the solution! In this video, we break down how hormone treatment works, its benefits, risks, and who it’s best for…
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Menopause & Hormone Therapy: Treatment Pt. 1
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14:36Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! We continue our menopause series as we dive into the treatment segment! Struggling with menopause symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, or sleep issues? Hormone therapy (HRT) could be the solution! In this video, we break down how hormone treatment works, its benefits, risks, and who it’s best for…
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How to Recognize the Signs of Menopause: Symptoms & Diagnosis Explained
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25:09Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! Are you experiencing changes in your body and wondering if it might be menopause? I’ll guide you through the key signs and symptoms of menopause, the role of hormonal changes, lab values and how to approach an accurate diagnosis. Understanding your body is the first step to managing this transition …
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Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! In this video, I'm giving a brief overview of what women experience during menopause and trying to find proper treatment. From common symptoms to the changes your body goes through, this is the first step in understanding this natural phase of life. Stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll dive deep…
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Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! Autoimmune diseases can be complex and unpredictable, making treatment a significant challenge. From managing symptoms to addressing root causes, we uncover the hurdles in combating these conditions. How doctors should truly be helping YOU. Join me as we shed light on this crucial topic. Don’t forge…
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Answering YOUR Questions About PMS | Everything You Need to Know! (Part 4)
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27:48Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! Got questions about PMS? I'm here to help! In this Q&A, we’re going over the most common (and some not-so-common) questions from our viewers about premenstrual syndrome during this series. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more content like this! Dr. Brendan McCarthy founded Protea Me…
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Balancing Hormones to Treat PMS: Effective Strategies Explained! (Part 3)
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27:16Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! This episode brings you Part 3, the treatment segment. Hormonal imbalances might be the key to understanding and managing them effectively. In this video, we explore how hormonal treatments can help alleviate common PMS symptoms like mood swings, bloating, and fatigue. Learn about the types of hormo…
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Is It PMS or Something Else? Diagnosing PMS Symptoms (Part 2)
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34:23Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! Are you experiencing mood swings, bloating, fatigue, or irritability and wondering if it's PMS — or something more? In this video, I break down the symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and how to identify it accurately. As a hormone replacement specialist, I’ll explain how your hormones fluctuate…
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Understanding PMS: An Intro to Symptoms, Causes, and Management (Introduction, Part 1)
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23:54Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! In this video, we dive into everything you need to know about PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome). An introduction into the a 4 part series. 1. Introduction 2. Diagnosis 3. Treatment 4. Q&A Whether you're experiencing PMS or want to better understand it, this introduction will provide helpful insights and t…
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Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! Are testosterone and prostate cancer connected? In this video, we dive into the science and myths surrounding testosterone therapy and its potential impact on prostate health. Learn what research really says about testosterone levels, prostate cancer risks, and what every man should know to make inf…
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The Evolution of Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)
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11:35Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) has undergone a remarkable transformation over the years. Recently i received an email regarding new available TRT here in my local area. In this video, we dive into the goal behind their email and if its worth trusting these large medical establishments. Wheth…
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Ways for Managing Autoimmune Diseases Naturally & Effectively (Part 3)
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29:08Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! Struggling with autoimmune symptoms? In this video, we dive into the most effective ways to manage and treat autoimmune diseases. Learn about lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, natural remedies, and medical treatments that can help reduce inflammation, boost your immune system, and improve your…
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Understanding Autoimmunity: A Guide to Diagnosis and Early Detection (Part 2.2)
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13:25Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! Autoimmune diseases affect millions worldwide, yet many struggle to get a timely diagnosis. In this video, we dive into the world of autoimmunity, exploring what triggers these conditions and common symptoms. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms or just want to learn more, we’ll break down steps in …
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Understanding Autoimmunity: A Guide to Diagnosis and Early Detection (Part 2.1)
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17:54Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! Autoimmune diseases affect millions worldwide, yet many struggle to get a timely diagnosis. In this video, we dive into the world of autoimmunity, exploring what triggers these conditions and common symptoms. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms or just want to learn more, we’ll break down steps in …
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Autoimmunity Explained: Understanding the Body's Defense Gone Wrong (Introduction, Part 1)
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13:06Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! In this video, we introduce the basics of autoimmunity, specifically focusing on how it affects women. In this series you will learn how the immune system, which is designed to protect your body, sometimes turns against your healthy cells, leading to autoimmune diseases. We’ll break down why women a…
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Endometriosis Q&A: Doctor Answers to Your Most Asked Questions! (Part 4)
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15:27Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! Welcome to our Q&A session for the Endometriosis Awareness series! 🎥 In this episode, we dive into your most pressing questions about endometriosis, a condition affecting millions of women worldwide. We’ll cover key topics like diagnosis, symptoms, treatment options, lifestyle management, and how to…
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Understanding and Treating Endometriosis (Part 3)
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19:51Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! In this video, we dive deep into endometriosis, a common but often misunderstood condition affecting millions of women worldwide. If you've been experiencing chronic pelvic pain, painful periods, or fertility issues, this video will help you better understand the condition and explore the best treat…
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How to Diagnose Endometriosis: Symptoms, Tests, and What to Expect (Part 2)
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16:28Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! In this video, we dive into the process of diagnosing endometriosis, a condition that affects millions of women worldwide. Learn about common symptoms to look out for, the various tests and procedures doctors use to confirm a diagnosis, and what you can expect during the process. Whether you're expe…
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Endometriosis 101: Understanding Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment (Introduction, Part 1)
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14:17Welcome to the podcast with Dr. Brendan McCarthy! In this video, I provide an introduction to endometriosis, a common but often misunderstood condition affecting millions of women worldwide. Learn about the symptoms, causes, and potential treatment options for managing this chronic illness. Whether you're seeking to understand more about your own h…
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