What if everything you thought you knew about testosterone was completely wrong? This episode of Innovate and Elevate features a groundbreaking conversation with Dr. Kelly Casperson, a renowned urologist and women’s health advocate who is rewriting the narrative around testosterone and women. She makes a compelling case for why testosterone is not just for men and why it is so much more than just a hormone for libido. Dr. Casperson, whom host Sharon saw speak in-person at the FDA Menopause Panel, unpacks the outdated medical dogma that has created a massive gap in women's health. The message is clear: our midlife journey isn't just about managing symptoms, but about aging with power, which starts with advocating for proper hormone health and understanding what your body needs to thrive. This is a must-listen for every woman who loves HRT and wants to live a better, stronger second half.

What You’ll Learn from this Episode:

• The New Testosterone Story: Learn why testosterone is a human hormone that helps with motivation, energy, and brain clarity—not just libido. Dr. Casperson reveals that female bodies have four times the amount of testosterone than estrogen and why this hormone is vital for longevity.
• Barriers to Access: Understand the shocking truth about what’s holding women’s health back—from outdated regulations and the misinterpretation of data that has driven black box warnings to the lack of training for well-meaning doctors. You'll hear why the system is in "catch-up mode," and how doctors and organizations, including the FDA, are now working hard to correct the misinformation from decades ago and bring accurate information to the public.
• The Power of Patient Advocacy: Discover why women are turning to sources like Instagram and ChatGPT for medical advice and how this is a sign of a larger problem. Dr. Casperson provides a powerful call to action for women and men to advocate for proper health and to stop accepting a life of struggle and ill health.

Connect with Sharon:

• On LinkedIn
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Connect with Dr. Kelly Casperson:

• On LinkedIn
• On Instagram
• Learn more on her website
• Buy The Menopause Moment now

Additional Resources:

• FDA Menopause Panel Video
• Dr. Kelly Casperson at the FDA Menopause Panel Video
• Dr. Heather Hirsch Academy - Testosterone and Sexual Health Course
• The Menopause Society
• You Are Not Broken - Dr. Kelly’s first book
• The 2002 JAMA WHI Study
• Menoposse

Skip to the Good Part:

(1:19 ) How Dr. Casperson Got Into Hormone Health

(1:34 ) Introduction

(2:59 ) Medical Education Gaps Around Women's Health

(5:44 ) The New Testosterone Story

(23:55 ) The Challenge of Getting Care

(29:33 ) The Scale of the Problem

(33:27 ) The Importance of Treating Both Partners

(38:10 ) Closing Thoughts

Please note: The information on this podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional regarding your individual health needs.

About Dr. Kelly Casperson: Dr. Kelly Casperson is a board-certified urologist, speaker, author, and women's health advocate. After realizing the significant gap in women's sexual health and hormone education, even within the medical community, she dedicated herself to empowering women through her work. As the host of the popular podcast "You Are Not Broken," and author of books like You Are Not Broken and The Menopause Moment, she uses humor, candor, and science to demystify complex topics around sexuality, menopause, and hormonal health, helping women to advocate for themselves and live their best intimate lives.

About Sharon: Sharon Kedar is a co-founder and partner at Northpond Ventures, a multi-billion-dollar science-driven venture capital firm. Her extensive career includes leadership roles at Sands Capital and McKinsey & Company, and she is a published author on personal finance. As the host of the Innovate and Elevate podcast, she passionately advocates for menopause care and HRT (hormone replacement therapy), challenging the silence around women's health. She aims to help women navigate midlife and achieve longevity by aging with power. Sharon holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and is a CFA charter holder. She lives in the Washington, DC area with her husband, Greg, their three kids, and their dog Bo.

This podcast is produced by Brave Moon Podcasts.