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The Testosterone Replacement for Women Conundrum: Libido Highs and Hair Loss Lows with James O’Hara

The Hormone Solution Podcast with Karen Martel

Release Date: 05/18/2024

Part 2 Q&A with Karen: Cortisol Replacement, Optimal Levels, HRT Absorption Issues, Estrogen Detox, BIEST Troches, Perimenopause Confusion & More!

The Hormone Solution Podcast with Karen Martel

This episode picks up right where part one leaves off as I dive into more of your thoughtful, honest questions in the second-part of this year-end Q&A. What happens when hormone therapy doesn’t seem to be working the way you expected? And how do you know if your dose is actually doing what you need it to do? I answer questions about achy joints, stubborn symptoms, cortisol replacement, thyroid interactions, and why some delivery methods work beautifully for one person and fail another. Why do absorption issues happen? What does “optimal” really mean when it comes to hormone levels?...

Q&A with Karen: High Ferritin, Injectable HRT, Breakthrough Bleeding, Optimizing Hormones, Histamine Intolerance and MORE!

The Hormone Solution Podcast with Karen Martel

I’m wrapping up the year by answering your questions in this first of a two-part Q&A, and we cover a lot of ground. From confusing lab results to hormone dosing debates, I dig into the questions so many of you are quietly wondering about. What does high ferritin really mean? Is it iron—or something else entirely? We’ll also take a look at hormone replacement frustrations. Why do some people still bleed months into HRT? Are injections better than patches or creams? And how do you know if your body is actually absorbing what you’re taking? I share real-world context, common patterns...

From Belly Fat to Brain Fog: The Top Peptides, & Hormones Helping Women in Menopause with Dr. Aleksandra Gajer

The Hormone Solution Podcast with Karen Martel

What’s really driving the sudden belly fat, brain fog, and sleep chaos so many women hit in midlife? And why do the usual “eat less, move more” solutions stop working overnight? In this episode featuring Dr. Aleksandra Gajer, we dig into the hormones and peptides that may finally explain why your body feels like it’s changing without your permission. Together, we unpack what’s happening beneath the surface (insulin resistance, inflammation, mitochondrial slowdown, hormonal roller coasters), and ask the questions women are never told to ask. What if your symptoms aren’t a lack of...

Hair Loss, Chin Whiskers & More: How to Avoid the Not-So-Pretty Side Effects of Testosterone HRT for Women

The Hormone Solution Podcast with Karen Martel

Are you curious about the buzz surrounding testosterone therapy for women, but wondering about the side effects? In this episode, we dive deep into the world of testosterone replacement therapy’s unwanted side effects, and more importantly, how to fix them. What happens when testosterone levels spike too high? Could the very treatment meant to enhance your energy and libido lead to unwanted changes in your body? Join us as we discuss real stories from women navigating their hormone journeys and uncover the truth behind the glamorous narratives often shared on social media. Are you ready to...

The Surprising Root Cause of the Dreaded 3 A.M. Wake-Up—And the Fix No One Told You About

The Hormone Solution Podcast with Karen Martel

Are you one of those people who wakes up at 3 A.M. and can’t fall back asleep? Have you ever wondered if there’s a deeper reason behind those late-night wake-ups? In this episode, we explore the shocking link between blood sugar fluctuations and nighttime awakenings. Blood sugar expert Dani Hamilton joins us to shed light on the root cause of these sleep disruptions. Have you ever thought about how your dietary habits could be impacting your sleep? Or how embracing fats might be the key to stable energy levels? We challenge the misconceptions around dietary fat and reveal the essential...

The Most Asked HRT Questions of 2025 — Answered by Karen (a.k.a. The Ones She Hears 10,000 Times a Year)

The Hormone Solution Podcast with Karen Martel

Curious about the future of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and its impact on menopause? This episode features my answers to the most common HRT questions of 2025. Can HRT be your secret weapon for a healthier, longer life, even if you aren't experiencing typical menopause symptoms? Is HRT the missing piece in your weight loss journey? Explore the fascinating link between hormone cycling and midlife wellness. What does the latest research say about personalized hormone approaches, and how might these strategies keep cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis at bay? Ever wondered about the...

Reverse Dieting, Metabolic Recovery, and the Real Way to Fix Your Fat Loss Plateaus with Philip Pape

The Hormone Solution Podcast with Karen Martel

Are you struggling with weight loss despite following a strict diet? Ever wondered if eating more could actually help you lose weight? Join us in this episode as we dive into the intriguing world of reverse dieting and metabolic recovery with Philip Pape, a high-performance nutrition coach. Do you know about GLP-1 medications and their revolutionary role in weight management? Are you curious about how to optimize your metabolism and finally break through those frustrating weight loss plateaus? Philip unpacks these groundbreaking topics, providing you with the knowledge to transform your...

Tesofensine: The Next Big Weight Loss Compound That Boosts Dopamine, Burns Fat and Lights up the Midlife Brain

The Hormone Solution Podcast with Karen Martel

Ready to hear about a new revolutionary weight loss strategy tailored for midlife women? Ever wondered how cutting-edge peptides and hormones can transform your wellness journey? This episode dives deep into the world of tesofensine, a fascinating compound originally researched for Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, now making waves in weight management. What makes tesofensine a potential game-changer for women experiencing hormonal shifts during perimenopause and menopause? How does it work to enhance neurotransmitter balance and boost metabolic health? Discover the unexpected benefits and...

The Forgotten Molecule That 98% of Women Lose in Midlife—And How It Can Revive Your Libido, Energy & Glow with Cathy Eason

The Hormone Solution Podcast with Karen Martel

Curious about the molecule that's been dubbed the "molecule of energy?” Ever wonder how it impacts women's health, especially during midlife? Join us as we dive into the world of nitric oxide with Cathy Eason, Chief Science Officer at Berkeley Life. Discover why this often-overlooked molecule might be the missing piece in your health puzzle. What if your midlife vitality could be revitalized with a simple molecule? How does nitric oxide influence libido, heart health, and even skin vitality? Cathy debunks myths and uncovers the hidden connections between nitric oxide and hormones like...

Menopause Besties Q&A: Hormone Testing, Progesterone Truths, Late-Start HRT & More with Zora Benhamou

The Hormone Solution Podcast with Karen Martel

Are you curious about the mysteries of menopause and how to navigate this transformative life stage with confidence? In this Q&A episode, we sit down with Zora Benhamou to answer all your burning questions about hormone management and replacement therapy. How do you know if your hormone levels are optimal, and what can you do if they're not? Ever wondered about the truths and myths surrounding progesterone? Zora shares invaluable insights into the world of hormone testing and what those numbers really mean for your health. Why is it crucial to consider both estradiol and progesterone, and...

More Episodes

James O'Hara is a family nurse practitioner who utilizes a utilizes an integrative approach to health which combines lifestyle interventions, appropriate supplementation, and medications when indicated to empower patients to feel better and live longer, healthier lives.

Today we’re speaking with James about testosterone replacement for women plus the benefits and drawbacks that come along with it, particularly during the transformative stages of perimenopause and menopause. We’ll talk about how testosterone and other hormones play a role not just in sexual desire, but also mood, energy, and cognitive functions. From sleep patterns to genetic predispositions, we explore how to address different health concerns while also recognizing the importance of prescription medications and the power of lifestyle changes.

In this episode:

Why testosterone therapy can both boost libido and cause hair thinning in women.
How hormonal balances involving testosterone, estradiol, dopamine, and progesterone impact sexual health.
Why androgens like testosterone and DHT enhance libido through increased dopamine.
How women's sensitivity to androgens influences their response to testosterone therapies.
Why natural and pharmaceutical 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors manage DHT levels.
How cardiovascular health and blood flow play crucial roles in sexual wellness for women.
Why supplements like citrulline can improve sexual function.
How peptides like PT-141 and Melanotan affect sex drive and overall health.
Why the melanocortin receptors link sunlight exposure to sexual drive.
How early-onset baldness in women can relate to genetics, stress, and hormonal changes.
Why ferritin levels and thyroid function are vital for hair growth.
How treatments like dutasteride and oral minoxidil offer solutions for hair loss.
Why patience is essential when using medications for hair loss, and side effects to consider.
How different treatments, like herbal DHT blockers and copper peptides, aid hair health.
Why bridging functional and conventional medicine creates personalized health plans.
How integrating lifestyle changes with prescription medications optimizes treatment approaches.

Work with James https://www.gilletthealth.com

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