In this episode, Dr. Brendan McCarthy, Chief Medical Officer of Protea Medical Center, dives deep into estrone, one of the three key estrogens, and explains why understanding it is crucial for women’s health.
Learn about:
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The differences between estradiol, estriol, and estrone
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How estrone levels shift during perimenopause and menopause
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Why oral estrogen can dramatically increase estrone
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The impact of lifestyle factors like diet, body fat, stress, alcohol, and sedentary behavior on estrogen balance
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Practical tips to support healthy estrogen metabolism naturally
Dr. McCarthy breaks down complex biochemistry in a clear, actionable way so you can take charge of your hormonal health.
Citations: 1. Bulun, Serdar E., et al. “Aromatase and Estrogen Biosynthesis in Adipose Tissue.” Endocrine Reviews, vol. 23, no. 3, 2002, pp. 305–342. 2. Labrie, Fernand, et al. “Importance of the Intracrinology of Estrogen Synthesis in Peripheral Tissues in Postmenopausal Women.” Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, vol. 118, nos. 4–5, 2010, pp. 273–279. 3. Sasano, Hironobu, and Toshihiko Harada. “Differential Expression of Aromatase and 17β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Isoenzymes in Human Tissues.” Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, vol. 86, no. 3–5, 2003, pp. 327–333. 4. Yager, James D., and Nancy E. Davidson. “Estrogen Carcinogenesis in Breast Cancer.” New England Journal of Medicine, vol. 354, no. 3, 2006, pp. 270–282. 5. Cavalieri, Ercole L., and Eleanor G. Rogan. “Depurinating Estrogen-DNA Adducts, Mechanisms of Formation, and Prevention.” Clinical Cancer Research, vol. 16, no. 3, 2010, pp. 596–602. 6. Suba, Zsuzsanna. “Circulating Estrogens and Estrogen Metabolism in Obese Women.” Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, vol. 98, no. 11, 2013, pp. 4336–4344. 7. Simpson, Evan R., and Konstanze C. Pike. “Aromatase Expression in Adipose Tissue: Relationship to Obesity and Insulin Resistance.” Endocrinology, vol. 156, no. 9, 2015, pp. 3422–3435. 8. Key, Timothy J., et al. “Circulating Sex Hormones and Breast Cancer Risk Factors in Postmenopausal Women: Reanalysis of 13 Studies.” British Journal of Cancer, vol. 105, no. 5, 2011, pp. 709–722. 9. Stanczyk, Frank Z., et al. “Oral, Transdermal and Injectable Hormone Therapy: Pharmacokinetics and Effects on Estrone/Estradiol Ratios.” Menopause, vol. 24, no. 9, 2017, pp. 1080–1090. 10. Santen, Richard J., et al. “Estrogen Bioidentical Hormone Therapy: Route of Administration and Risk.” Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, vol. 105, no. 7, 2020, pp. 2062–2074. 11. Zeleniuch-Jacquotte, Anne, et al. “Postmenopausal Levels of Estrone, Estradiol, and Estrone Sulfate and Breast Cancer Risk.” Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, vol. 23, no. 8, 2014, pp. 1531–1539. 12. Dall, Gabriella V., and Christine L. Clarke. “Local Estrogen Biosynthesis and Signaling in Breast Cancer Progression.” Steroids, vol. 78, no. 7, 2013, pp. 639–646. 13. Heald, Anthony H., et al. “Relationships Between Serum Estrone, Insulin Resistance, and Adiposity in Postmenopausal Women.” Clinical Endocrinology, vol. 67, no. 3, 2007, pp. 340–345. 14. Kuiper, George G. J. M., et al. “Estrogen Receptor β Selectivity of Estriol and Implications for Tissue-Specific Effects.” PNAS, vol. 94, no. 17, 1997, pp. 9105–9110. 15. Michnovicz, Joseph J., et al. “Dietary Indoles and Estrogen Metabolism: Effects of Cruciferous Vegetable Intake.” Journal of Nutrition, vol. 134, no. 12, 2004, pp. 3479S–
Dr. Brendan McCarthy is the founder and Chief Medical Officer of Protea Medical Center in Arizona. With over two decades of experience, he’s helped thousands of patients navigate hormonal imbalances using bioidentical HRT, nutrition, and root-cause medicine. He’s also taught and mentored other physicians on integrative approaches to hormone therapy, weight loss, fertility, and more. If you’re ready to take your health seriously, this podcast is a great place to start.
👇 Tap Subscribe to learn more about what’s actually happening in your body, and what to do about it.
📘 Read Dr. McCarthy’s Book: Jump Off the Mood Swing – A Sane Woman’s Guide to Her Crazy Hormones https://www.amazon.com/Jump-Off-Mood-Swing-Hormones/dp/0999649604
📲 Follow Dr. McCarthy:
Instagram: @drbrendanmccarthy
TikTok: @drbrendanmccarthy
Website: www.protealife.com
💬 Got a question or topic for a future episode? Let us know in the comments!
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