The Hormone Solution | Menopause, Perimenopause, & Women's Midlife Health Part 2: What Midlife Women Need to Know About Testosterone & Steroids with Victoria Felkar
In this second of two parts, I sit down with Victoria Felkar again to unpack the complicated, often glamorized world of androgens, testosterone therapy, and anabolic steroids for women. Are these hormones empowering tools—or ticking time bombs? How do you know the difference? We dive into what's really happening beneath the surface when women start layering in testosterone or other androgens, especially without a solid hormonal foundation in place.
Have you ever wondered why some women feel amazing on testosterone, while others spiral into acne, hair loss, mood swings, or worse? What role do estradiol and progesterone really play? And why might "more" hormones actually push you further from health instead of closer to it? Victoria breaks down the science in a way that makes sense—and shares why context, dosing, and metabolic health matter more than most clinics admit.
We also talk about the cultural shift around hormone optimization, the risks of black-market sourcing, cycling versus long-term use, and why chasing side effects with more prescriptions can backfire. Is it possible to use these compounds responsibly? What should you monitor? And how do you protect your future fertility, heart, and brain while pursuing strength, libido, or physique goals?
In this episode, we uncover:
- How high androgens interact with insulin resistance and inflammation.
- Why estradiol and progesterone should be your hormonal foundation first.
- What happens to fertility and the HPO axis on steroids.
- How black market and compounded hormones increase hidden risks.
- Why hormone balance works like an ecosystem, not isolation.
Listen now to learn how to approach hormone optimization with clarity, caution, and confidence!
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When: April 30th 11 am PST
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Visit Victoria's website here.
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Are you in perimenopause or postmenopause and struggling with symptoms—but not getting the support you deserve?
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Your host:
Karen Martel
Certified Hormone Specialist, Transformational Nutrition Coach, & Weight Loss Expert