Welcome back to the Self-Selecting Podcast! In Episode 33, we’re joined by the brilliant Dr. Victoria Felkar, an expert in female endocrinology and androgen use. Dr. Felkar shares her extensive knowledge of women's hormones, both endogenous and exogenous, and the complexities of using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) in female athletes. We discuss the importance of individualized care, the risks and realities of using androgens, and the long-term health implications for women pursuing high-level performance. This episode is a must-listen for any female athlete or coach navigating these complex topics.

Timestamps:

- [00:00] - Introduction and welcoming Dr. Victoria Felkar

- [01:01] - Victoria’s background: Researcher in female steroid hormones, focusing on androgens, estrogens, and progesterone

- [03:10] - Victoria’s personal health journey and her start in bodybuilding

- [05:00] - The importance of female endocrinology knowledge in bodybuilding

- [07:15] - Assessing clients: The intake process and understanding physiological and performance goals

- [09:35] - Creating realistic goals for female athletes and aligning them with long-term health

- [12:00] - The importance of client honesty and communication regarding goals and risks

- [13:50] - Examining lab work and medical history: A comprehensive approach to health

- [16:10] - The role of education in making informed decisions about PEDs and long-term impacts

- [18:40] - Balancing client goals with the risks and benefits of androgen use

- [21:20] - Understanding androgen use in the context of a female athlete’s performance goals

- [23:10] - The complex interplay of hormones, past medication use, and metabolic health

- [25:00] - The importance of customizing PED use based on the individual’s history and goals

- [28:30] - The dangers of using androgens without addressing other modifiable factors

- [31:50] - Misuse of testosterone and other androgens in female athletes and the consequences

- [35:00] - Why lab work alone is insufficient for understanding a female athlete’s hormonal health

- [38:10] - The problem with over-reliance on single lab markers and the importance of context

- [42:10] - Proper monitoring: Going beyond lab work to ensure long-term health

- [45:30] - The dangers of using spironolactone alongside TRT for women

- [50:10] - The lack of long-term studies on the effects of certain drugs in female athletes

- [54:40] - GLP-1 drugs and their off-label use in fitness and wellness: The potential risks and benefits

- [01:00:00] - Victoria’s thoughts on the relationship between GLP-1 drugs and estrogen metabolism

- [01:08:30] - BPC-157 and its potential effects on estrogen and hormone regulation

- [01:12:30] - The need for a more nuanced understanding of drug interactions and individual responses

- [01:16:50] - The importance of an individualized approach to hormone and PED use

- [01:20:30] - Wrapping up: Upcoming events and ways to contact Victoria Felkar for consulting

Links & Resources

Connect With Victoria: https://www.victoriafelkar.com/links

Follow Victoria Felkar on Instagram: @victoriafelkar

Swiss Symposium Information: https://www.swis2024.com/

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