Testosterone, Mast Cells & Menopause: What Women Aren't Being Told

madman

Super Moderator

In this episode of You Are Not Broken, Dr. Kelly Casperson sits down with Dr. Carrie Cashel to explore the overlooked connections between testosterone, mental health, and women's wellness.

From the impact of hormones like testosterone and DHEA on brain health to the hidden role of mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) in unexplained symptoms, this conversation dives deep into the medical mysteries that affect women in midlife and beyond. Discover how cultural taboos and outdated beliefs are holding women back—and what you can do to advocate for better care.




Topics Covered

  • Testosterone’s role in women’s mental and sexual health
  • Why mast cell activation might explain “mystery” symptoms
  • The mental health–hormone connection
  • What you need to know about vaginal DHEA
  • How curiosity in medicine leads to better outcomes
  • The truth about lifestyle changes, advocacy, and access to treatment



Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
04:53 Testosterone and Women's Health
09:37 Gender Bias in Sexual Health
16:20 Dementia and Women's Health
18:52 The Role of Estrogen in Bone Health
23:23 The Evolution of Menopause Care
27:58 The Impact of Hormones on Mental Health
31:40 Exploring Mast Cells and Their Role in Women's Health
36:33 Identifying and Managing Mast Cell Activation Syndrome
38:11 Lifestyle Changes and Treatment Options for Mast Cell Activation
42:46 Real Patient Stories and the Importance of Listening
48:31 The Connection Between SSRIs and Mast Cell Activation
50:37 The Need for Holistic Approaches in Women's Health
51:25 Vaginal DHEA and Hormonal Treatments in Australia
 
 

hCG Mixing Calculator

HCG Mixing Protocol Calculator

TRT Hormone Predictor Widget

TRT Hormone Predictor

Predict estradiol, DHT, and free testosterone levels based on total testosterone

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This tool provides predictions based on statistical models and should NOT replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your TRT protocol.

ℹ️ Input Parameters

Normal range: 300-1000 ng/dL

Predicted Hormone Levels

Enter your total testosterone value to see predictions

Results will appear here after calculation

Understanding Your Hormones

Estradiol (E2)

A form of estrogen produced from testosterone. Important for bone health, mood, and libido. Too high can cause side effects; too low can affect well-being.

DHT

Dihydrotestosterone is a potent androgen derived from testosterone. Affects hair growth, prostate health, and masculinization effects.

Free Testosterone

The biologically active form of testosterone not bound to proteins. Directly available for cellular uptake and biological effects.

Scientific Reference

Lakshman KM, Kaplan B, Travison TG, Basaria S, Knapp PE, Singh AB, LaValley MP, Mazer NA, Bhasin S. The effects of injected testosterone dose and age on the conversion of testosterone to estradiol and dihydrotestosterone in young and older men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010 Aug;95(8):3955-64.

DOI: 10.1210/jc.2010-0102 | PMID: 20534765 | PMCID: PMC2913038

Beyond Testosterone Podcast

Online statistics

Members online
4
Guests online
303
Total visitors
307

Latest posts

Back
Top