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!
Join our FREE upcoming masterclass: Why Midlife Weight Gain Won't Budge
A smarter way to use GLP-1s in midlife without wrecking muscle or metabolism
When: April 30th 11 am PST
Register here: https://coaching.karenmartel.com/glp1-masterclass
Visit Victoria's website here.
Follow Victoria on Instagram.
Sponsors
Get 15% off Masszymes products at bioptimizers.com/hormone with coupon code HORMONE.
Timeline is offering up to 39% off your first order of Mitopure. Gummies. Go to timeline.com/HORMONE use coupon HORMONE
Are you in perimenopause or postmenopause and struggling with symptoms—but not getting the support you deserve?
At Midlife Solutions, we specialize in hormone optimization for women in midlife. Our all-female clinical team offers telehealth care across all 50 U.S. states, with the ability to prescribe bioidentical estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid medication.
Book your FREE Hormone Discovery Call
Find out what's really driving your symptoms and what your next best steps are.
Visit the website: https://karenmartel.com
Shop the Midlife Solutions Store
Over-the-counter bioidentical hormone creams and oils — no prescription needed.
Including:
• Progesterone
• Estrogen Face Cream
• Vaginal Moisturizer
and more!
Take the Hormone Quiz
Discover hidden hormone imbalances that could be driving your symptoms.
Get personalized results (and yes, they may surprise you).
Women's Peptide Weight Loss Program
Clinically guided, hormone-aware weight loss for midlife women.
Midlife RESET HRT Program
A complete, supportive approach to hormone replacement therapy in midlife.
Your host:
Karen Martel
Certified Hormone Specialist, Transformational Nutrition Coach, & Weight Loss Expert
Karen's Facebook
Karen's Instagram
