Meet Carol Petersen

Carol Petersen

With 31 years of experience in bio-identical hormone therapies, attending 100’s of complementary medicine conferences, writing and editing two newsletters, reading and researching staggering numbers of books and scientific papers, co-hosting Take Charge of Your Health at WBAI radio, and in practice with a compounding pharmacy specializing in bio identical hormone therapies I am grateful to have access to so many resources for healthy living. I am reaching out to my baby boomers and beyond to come along with me to explore aging gently with vitality and exuberance.

My passion to optimize health and commitment to compounding is evident in my involvement with organizations including the International College of Integrated Medicine and the American College of Apothecaries. I am also the founder and first chair for the Compounding Special Interest Group with the American Pharmacists Association.

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Latest Videos

Featured Article

Hormones on a Methylation Leash: Calming the Endocrine Storm

April 7, 2025 by Carol Petersen

Methylation is the biochemical maestro orchestrating a symphony of processes in the body, from gene expression to hormonal harmony. This subtle yet powerful mechanism involves adding methyl groups—tiny chemical tags—to molecules, influencing how genes behave and how hormones function. It’s a linchpin for keeping estrogens, progesterone, adrenaline, histamine, thyroid hormones, testosterone, and DHEA in check. Without proper methylation, these hormones can veer off script, leading to a cascade of physiological chaos. Read More…

  • Why DHT Blockers Cause Insomnia & Anxiety: How Progesterone Solves the 5-Alpha Paradox
    In the pursuit of optimized health, hormonal balance, and aesthetic preservation, the enzyme 5-alpha reductase (5-AR) often plays the role of the villain. It is the biological catalyst responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the potent androgen blamed for male pattern baldness, acne, and prostate enlargement. Consequently, a massive market has emerged for “DHT … Read more
  • Breaking the Insulin-Adrenaline Cycle of Hot Flashes
    Hot flashes are not simply the price of admission to menopause. They are a dynamic signal of neuroendocrine stress, metabolic inflexibility, and sympathetic overdrive—often amplified by inefficient catecholamine clearance. Emerging evidence from Jerilynn Prior’s work with oral micronized progesterone 300 mg, alongside the arrival of neurokinin-3 (NK3) receptor antagonists like fezolinetant, now allows a more … Read more
  • Acetylcholine: Key to Hormones & Metabolism Balance
    Acetylcholine (ACh) stands as one of the most vital neurotransmitters in the human body. It plays fundamental roles in muscle contraction, autonomic nervous system regulation, and cognitive functions.
  • Zinc and Hormonal Balance: Essential Connections for Endocrine and Reproductive Health
    Zinc and hormonal balance go hand in hand, making zinc essential for maintaining endocrine health in today’s stressful world. This essential trace mineral isn’t just a buzzword in multivitamins—it’s a fundamental player in the symphony of hormones that regulate everything from metabolism and mood to reproduction and stress response. Zinc deficiency affects over a billion … Read more
  • Understanding Brain Fog: Causes, Mechanisms, and Management
    Imagine staring at your to-do list, but your brain feels like it’s wrapped in cotton wool. That’s brain fog—a sneaky thief of focus, memory, and mental sharpness that affects millions. In fact, it’s often amplified by the lingering shadow of Long COVID. Moreover, while it’s not a standalone diagnosis, it serves as a clear signal … Read more
  • The Enigmatic Life of Histamine: Hormonal Intrigues, Detox Strategies, and Natural Modulation
    Histamine is synonymous with allergic reactions—sneezing, itching, or swelling—but its influence extends far beyond these symptoms. As a biogenic amine, histamine shapes immune responses, hormonal interactions, detoxification pathways, and neurological function. Its complex interplay with mast cells, sex hormones, enzymatic systems, and natural compounds reveals a dynamic molecule requiring nuanced management. This exploration delves into … Read more

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Follow Carol as she continues to write amazing articles regarding bio-identical hormones with a focus on successful aging. Carol has read, researched, and reviewed a staggering number of books and scientific papers and attended hundreds of conferences and brings you the best and latest information on bioidentical hormones and other cutting edge therapies.

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Take Charge of Your Health Radio

Take Charge of Your Health – Addressing Brain Fog: Sleep, Hormones, and Nutrition Take Charge of Your Health

 In this episode of Take Charge of Your Health, hosts Corinne Furnari, and Carol Petersen, take on the increasingly common and often misunderstood issue of brain fog. They describe it not as a singular disorder but as a multifactorial symptom reflecting deeper imbalances in the body’s interconnected systems. The discussion examines several root causes, beginning with poor-quality or insufficient sleep, which disrupts the brain’s ability to repair and reset. The hosts also highlight the impact of blood sugar fluctuations, noting that sharp insulin surges followed by low glucose levels can significantly impair concentration, energy, and mental clarity. In addition, hormonal imbalances—particularly low levels of cortisol and progesterone—are explored as key contributors, especially in cases of long COVID, where persistent fatigue and cognitive sluggishness often overlap. Furnari and Petersen emphasize the importance of addressing brain fog through holistic means rather than quick fixes. They discuss the benefits of regular exercise, strategic fasting, and targeted nutritional support, including B1, Vitamin D, and proteolytic enzymes, which can all enhance metabolic and cognitive resilience. Throughout the program, the hosts invite listener participation, fielding questions and sharing practical insights aimed at helping individuals understand and reverse the underlying causes of mental fatigue. By connecting sleep, hormones, and nutrition, the episode underscores that clear thinking and sustained focus depend on a healthy, balanced internal environment—one that can be restored through mindful lifestyle choices and integrative care.
  1. Take Charge of Your Health – Addressing Brain Fog: Sleep, Hormones, and Nutrition
  2. Take Charge Of Your Health: Hormonal Balance for Male Health and Vitality
  3. Take Charge Of Your Health: Heavy Bleeding, Hormones, and Healing
  4. Take Charge Of Your Health: Histamine Intolerance: Unmasking the Allergy Impostor
  5. Take Charge Of Your Health: Hormone Truths: Debunking the Estrogen–Cancer Myth

Testimonials

Carol combines an enquiring mind with a passion for helping people achieve abundant health. I have invited her to my team as a writer and editor for www.worldhealth.net, the original voice of the American Academy of Anti-Aging, Preventative, and Regenerative Medicine

Dr. Ronald Klatz Founder and President of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M)

Your letter to the FDA was valuable at the November 2019 hearings (on mercury amalgam) – a pharmacist who has intensely studied pharmacology. I was the one who stood and read it into the record.

Charles G. Brown
National Counsel, Consumers for Dental Choice

I met Carol Petersen at a Functional Medicine conference and we had an immediate intellectual connection. She is very easy to get along with and; she is also a fountain of knowledge, and this is more accurate when it comes to hormonal physiology, imbalances and deficiencies. She is always integrating new knowledge and cutting edge… Read more “Lief Destrade Sosa, MD, Quantum Health Coach”

Lief Destrade Sosa, MD
Quantum Health Coach

Carol is one of the most knowledgeable pharmacists I have the pleasure and privilege of meeting! Intelligent, to the point, well researched and trustworthy information. Love her!

Dr. Linda D'Eramo

Carol Petersen has literally saved my life and the life of my mother by her extensive knowledge of hormones. I first spoke to Carol about 25 years ago when I thought I was going to have a heart attack on Christmas eve. After being hysterical and hopping from one doctor to another misdiagnosed, it was… Read more “Francesca Romina”

Francesca Romina

Carol was my seat mate on an airplane, within minutes of meeting she had saved my relationship and changed my life for the better. I kid you not, she is that good.

Jerry Stocking
Author, Personal Coach, and Grandfather

I am a biochemist who has spent years researching hormones. Carol Petersen is an extraordinary colleague and we have written together and spoken together at various scientific meetings. She has an unusual ability to get to the heart of hormone data, which is the arena I know. She is able to draw out fascinating, little… Read more “Phyllis J. Bronson, Ph.D.”

Phyllis J. Bronson, Ph.D.

I have the pleasure of knowing Carol Petersen, RPh and CNP for over 25 years. Carol has become a true friend after years of generously consulting with me regarding my patients on various health protocols and hormonal health options. She is a font of knowledge and is well connected with some of the most leading… Read more “J.A. May, D.O.M, DHm, L.Ac.”

J.A. May
D.O.M, DHm, L.Ac.