Interpreting Total vs Free Testosterone

In this powerful episode, board-certified urologist Dr. Kelly Casperson exposes the gender bias in medicine and reveals why testosterone may be the missing link in women’s mood, motivation, and longevity.

One of the few female urologists in the U.S., Dr. Kelly is rewriting the narrative on hormones—explaining why testosterone isn’t “just for men” and why, after 90 years, the FDA still hasn’t approved it for women.

Her message is clear: women are not broken. Whether you’re in your 30s, perimenopause, or beyond, this episode will change how you see your biology—and your power.

About Dr. Casperson

Dr. Kelly Casperson is a urologist, author, speaker, and educator transforming the way women understand their bodies. She empowers women of all ages to embrace sexual health, hormone balance, and intimacy with confidence and curiosity. With humor and candor, she dismantles shame-based myths and teaches one powerful truth: You Are Not Broken.

Follow Dr. Kelly Casperson:

• Instagram: @kellycaspersonmd

• Podcast: You Are Not Broken

• Website: https://kellycaspersonmd.com/

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I’m Louisa Nicola — clinical neurophysiologist — Alzheimer’s prevention specialist — founder of Neuro Athletics.

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Topics discussed:

00:00 – Intro

03:14 – From Sex Ed to Menopause

05:15 – FDA Bias & Hormone Approval

07:26 – Redefining HRT as PET (Progesterone, Estrogen, Testosterone)

07:51 – Hormones 101 & Testosterone Misconceptions

10:13 – Perimenopause vs. Stress

11:51 – The “Bricks of the House” Analogy

13:57 – Symptoms of Low Testosterone in Women

15:15 – Lab Values vs. Reality

17:14 – DHEA & Supplementation

20:10 – Emotions on Testosterone

21:23 – Testosterone & Mental Health

22:33 – Vitamin D & Hormone Synergy

23:07 – Debunking Testosterone Myths

26:35 – The “Married-Only” Paradox

27:14 – Perimenopause Misdiagnosis

28:19 – Myth #2 – Masculinization Fear

29:15 – Fertility & Testosterone

30:07 – Pregnancy & Safety

31:01 – Blood Tests Explained

32:41 – Dr. Casperson’s Book & Treatment Guidance

33:24 – Contraindications & Safety

34:06 – Breast-Cancer Data

35:12 – The Menopause Divorce Rate

36:47 – Untreated Menopause & Relationships

39:25 – Testifying at the FDA

41:35 – The Estrogen Box Warning

43:35 – Why the FDA Still Hasn’t Acted

45:59 – Risk Tolerance Gap

46:17 – Systemic Discrimination in Medicine

47:28 – Neurological Protection of Testosterone

48:11 – Alzheimer’s & Hormone Decline

50:11 – Prevention vs. Treatment

52:04 – Brain Receptors & Protection

55:14 – The Brain Literally Eats Itself

57:18 – FDA Hearing Reflection 

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