326. Australia, Testosterone, Mast Cells and More

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Ceri Cashell for a wide-ranging conversation that spans continents and dives deep into women’s health—from hormones to mast cells to medical mindset. Dr. Cashell and I talk about what we’re seeing in clinical practice and what women around the world are still fighting for: access, advocacy, and actual answers.

We unpack the critical role of testosterone in women’s health (yes, women have and need testosterone), and explore how cultural perceptions—especially around sexuality—still shape what treatments women are offered or denied. We also talk about mast cell activation syndrome and how it might explain so many symptoms that often get brushed off or misdiagnosed in women.

We get into why vaginal DHEA is so underutilized, how lifestyle changes make a real impact, and why curiosity in medicine is a superpower. There’s also a deep dive into the hormone–mental health connection and why so many women are struggling in silence because of outdated medical thinking.

This episode is a reminder: women’s health is not niche, and we deserve better.

Takeaways:

• Testosterone isn’t optional—it’s vital for women’s health, especially during midlife.

• Cultural norms around sexuality still impact the care women receive.

• Mast cell activation syndrome might be the missing puzzle piece for many women with unexplained symptoms.

• We need more advocacy to break through the outdated thinking that limits women’s treatment options.

• Lifestyle changes matter—more than most doctors admit.

• Staying curious as a clinician can change the game for patients.

• Vaginal DHEA is safe, effective, and overlooked far too often.

• Hormones are deeply connected to mental health—this isn’t just about libido.

• Access to hormone therapy is often blocked by stigma, not science.

• Education and awareness are the keys to transforming women’s healthcare.

  Australian petition to put Androfeme on PBS

  https://www.instagram.com/drcericashell/

  https://www.healthyhormones.au/

  https://drcericashell.com/

  
  

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