Confessions of a Male Gynecologist

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80: Synthetic vs Bioidentical HRT - We Have to Differentiate Feb 15, 2024

Show notes

Did you know there are only four bioidentical hormones?

The amount of misinformation and confusion surrounding hormone replacement options - especially estradiol and micronized progesterone - is staggering. Many doctors act like synthetic hormones, and bioidenticals are the same thing when in reality, it's like comparing apples to cars.

Today, I'm doing a quick but deeper dive to clear up any confusion about estradiol, progesterone, ethinylestradiol, and micronized progesterone and why I recommend bioidentical hormones. In the maze of hormone replacement therapy options, it's essential to understand what truly aligns with your body's needs. Enjoy the episode!

Highlights

The controversy surrounding bioidentical hormones

The history of the use of diethylstilbestrol (DES) and the significant adverse side effects

What you need to know about ethinylestradiol, which used in most oral contraceptives

Concerns around the long-term use of birth control pills, particularly post-menopause

Bioidentical hormone replacement options

How the Women's Health Initiative study impacted the collective's perception of estrogen

Why you should be cautious about using conjugated equine estrogens like Premarin

Different types of progestins used in contraception and hormone replacement therapy

Contraindications of synthetic progesterone medications

The four types of bioidentical hormones

Differences between synthetic and bioidentical hormones

What's behind the national shortage of micronized progesterone and alternatives

A warning against predatory telemedicine clinics

The benefits of bioidentical progesterone

How different administration methods affect the risks and benefits of hormone replacement

Sponsored by:

Femmenessence

It's a rare occurrence to find a non-prescription supplement that becomes a go-to for hormone health and Femmenessence is just that.

Whether you're pre-menopausal, menopausal, or struggling with PMS, irregular periods, or other hormone imbalances, I highly recommend giving Femmenessence a try.

Visit Femmenessence.com (https://femmenessence.com/) and use my code SHAWN20 for exclusive savings.

Needed

Few things are as important in a woman's life as that journey to and through motherhood. There's so much that you can't control, but nutrition is a big one you can.

Needed is a perinatal and women's health brand that I recommend to all my clients, whether they're in that perinatal stage or navigating perimenopause. Needed offers radically better nutrition products and education, backed by over 4000 practitioners.

Visit ThisIsNeeded.com (https://thisisneeded.com/) and use my code DrT for 20% off your first month.

Resources

Dr. Tassone's Practice https://www.drshawntassone.com/

The Hormone Balance Bible https://tassonemd.com/hormone-balance-bible/

Hormone Archetype Quiz https://tassonemd.lpages.co/hormonearchetypequiz/

Disclaimer This podcast and website represent the opinions of Dr. Shawn Tassone and his guests. The content here should not be taken as medical advice and is for informational purposes only. Because each person is so unique, please consult your health care professional for any medical questions.

79: Semaglutide & Weight Loss - The Good, The Bad, and The Beautiful Feb 08, 2024

Show notes

Semaglutide is a fantastic medication when used the right way.

Anybody with a passing interest in weight loss has probably heard about semaglutide. Whether it's Ozempic, Wegovy, or Rybelsus, these antidiabetic medications have skyrocketed in popularity for the incredible weight loss results they can bring. There have even been shortages for the past couple of months!

On the flip side, critics point out that around 85% of patients taking semaglutide gain most of the lost weight back if they stop cold turkey.

Semaglutide really works, and it can be life-changing for many people. But like anything else, there are always side effects and risks. In this episode, I'm giving you a down and dirty on semaglutide, why I've used it in my clinic, what you need to know before taking this medication, and more.

Highlights

Why semaglutide is suddenly in the spotlight

The development of semaglutide and how it works

Comparing semaglutide with other weight loss interventions

Why I recommend using semaglutide as one part of a broader change

Common side effects and criticisms

Patients and providers need a mindset shift when it comes to obesity

It's critical to work with a qualified provider before starting these medications

What you need to know about the most popular brands

Considerations for getting semaglutide from a compounding pharmacy

How 43 lbs snuck up on me over 20 years and how I turned it around

Why I created H.E.R. University and how the program can support you

Mentioned in this episode

Rocio Salas on Instagram @NewYorkEndocrinology https://www.instagram.com/newyorkendocrinology/

Sponsored by:

Femmenessence

It's a rare occurrence to find a non-prescription supplement that becomes a go-to for hormone health and Femmenessence is just that.

Whether you're pre-menopausal, menopausal, or struggling with PMS, irregular periods, or other hormone imbalances, I highly recommend giving Femmenessence a try.

Visit Femmenessence.com (https://femmenessence.com/) and use my code SHAWN20 for exclusive savings.

Needed

Few things are as important in a woman's life as that journey to and through motherhood. There's so much that you can't control, but nutrition is a big one you can.

Visit ThisIsNeeded.com (https://thisisneeded.com/) and use my code DrT for 20% off your first month.

Resources

Dr. Tassone's Practice https://www.drshawntassone.com/

The Hormone Balance Bible https://tassonemd.com/hormone-balance-bible/

Hormone Archetype Quiz https://tassonemd.lpages.co/hormonearchetypequiz/

78: Does Estrogen Cause Breast Cancer? Feb 01, 2024

Show notes

How are we at a point where women are terrified of a hormone they've had in their bodies most of their lives?

Many of us have heard horrible things about estrogen and its connection to breast cancer. A lot of this public aversion stems from a study that came out in the early 2000s called the Women's Health Initiative (WHI).

The WHI was a landmark study designed to define the risks and benefits of interventions, notably hormonal therapy. Unfortunately, when journals and the media reported on the findings, they didn't put them into the appropriate clinical context and did not mention the study's limitations. Ultimately, this led to women ditching their hormones en masse, suffering in silence without an alternative.

Today I'm sharing what you need to know about the WHI, what the data shows about the connection between hormone therapy and the risk of disease, why we need to shift our perspective on hormone therapy, and alternatives for women who can't benefit from estrogen therapy.

Let's try not to be afraid of estrogen - it's not a bad thing.

Highlights

Telling women across the board not to go on hormones is a misogynistic statement

What you need to know about the Women's Health Initiative study

The problem with how the media reported the results of the WHI study

Positive outcomes of hormone therapy identified in the study

Limitations of the WHI

Considerations for women with a history of breast cancer

What the studies showed about the benefits for osteoporosis prevention

The relationship between estrogen therapy and increased risk of dementia and stroke

Detoxifying estrogen in your body

My confession for estrogen replacement

Alternatives to estradiol for menopause symptoms

Sponsored by:

Femmenessence

It's a rare occurrence to find a non-prescription supplement that becomes a go-to for hormone health and Femmenessence is just that.

Whether you're pre-menopausal, menopausal, or struggling with PMS, irregular periods, or other hormone imbalances, I highly recommend giving Femmenessence a try.

Visit Femmenessence.com (https://femmenessence.com/) and use my code SHAWN20 for exclusive savings.

Needed

Few things are as important in a woman's life as that journey to and through motherhood. There's so much that you can't control, but nutrition is a big one you can.

Visit ThisIsNeeded.com (https://thisisneeded.com/) and use my code DrT for 20% off your first month.

Resources

Dr. Tassone's Practice https://www.drshawntassone.com/

The Hormone Balance Bible https://tassonemd.com/hormone-balance-bible/

Hormone Archetype Quiz https://tassonemd.lpages.co/hormonearchetypequiz/

77: Hormone Testing 101 Jan 25, 2024

Show notes

Confession: You are being lied to about hormone testing, and, in many cases, you're either not being tested enough or being tested way too much.

There are many "hormone experts" out there, and the information they share is often wildly contradictory. From providers who say hormone imbalance doesn't exist to those who only want to see results from a specific day of your cycle, how do you filter out the valuable insights from the noise?

When it comes to your hormones, I always say, "test, don't guess." Today I'm sharing everything you need to know about hormone testing so you can be empowered when you go to your OBGYN, naturopath, or whichever provider you prefer to see. We're talking about the pros and cons of different hormone tests, how you can determine which tests to ask for, details about how testing is done, how to spot red flags, and more.

Highlights

Why a rigid approach to testing doesn't make sense

The right time to test your hormones

Why hormone testing is crucial

Red flags that suggest your provider isn't a hormone expert

The problem with saliva testing and the cases where it's worth it

Pros and cons of serum/blood testing

Hormones and proteins I prefer to check through serum testing

How DUTCH tests work

Advantages and disadvantages of urine testing

Why I believe DUTCH tests are overused

Sponsored by:

Femmenessence

It's a rare occurrence to find a non-prescription supplement that becomes a go-to for hormone health and Femmenessence is just that.

Whether you're pre-menopausal, menopausal, or struggling with PMS, irregular periods, or other hormone imbalances, I highly recommend giving Femmenessence a try.

Visit Femmenessence.com (https://femmenessence.com/) and use my code SHAWN20 for exclusive savings.

Needed

Few things are as important in a woman's life as that journey to and through motherhood. There's so much that you can't control, but nutrition is a big one you can.

Visit ThisIsNeeded.com (https://thisisneeded.com/) and use my code DrT for 20% off your first month.

Resources

Dr. Tassone's Practice https://www.drshawntassone.com/

The Hormone Balance Bible https://tassonemd.com/hormone-balance-bible/

Hormone Archetype Quiz https://tassonemd.lpages.co/hormonearchetypequiz/

76: Estriol Face Creams: The New Scams and Old False Claims Jan 18, 2024

Show notes

"I think it's scammy. I think it's dangerous. And I'm saddened that many women are being lied to about these products."

Have you seen those ads on social media for menopause or perimenopause supplements and creams that claim that they will fix all your woes? None of these products have a shred of proof behind their dramatic claims, and many of them are backed by huge celebrities promoting them like they're a godsend for women.

The sad thing to me is that, ultimately, they're spreading misinformation.

Today, I'm talking all about these scammy topical face creams, from those promoting the fact that they have estrogen in them to wild yam creams and those that are over the counter while exposing women to prescription-strength progesterone.

As a consumer, be cautious, seek medical advice, and opt for evidence-based skincare and nutritional products. As always, if you feel like you're being gaslit by the medical community, keep searching because there are doctors like me out there who want to help you feel better. Enjoy the episode!

Highlights

Deceptive marketing tactics used by companies promoting menopausal and perimenopausal supplements

Potential dangers associated with the use of these products

What you need to know about estriol

The confusing meaning behind the term "research-backed"

Why wild yam creams are one of the biggest scams in women's health

What research tells us about the effectiveness of topical progesterone creams

The hidden dangers of using over-the-counter progesterone creams marketed as moisturizers

Calling out the predatory tactics used by these companies

What you can safely do to feel better and look better

Sponsored by:

Femmenessence

It's a rare occurrence to find a non-prescription supplement that becomes a go-to for hormone health and Femmenessence is just that.

Whether you're pre-menopausal, menopausal, or struggling with PMS, irregular periods, or other hormone imbalances, I highly recommend giving Femmenessence a try.

Visit Femmenessence.com (https://femmenessence.com/) and use my code SHAWN20 for exclusive savings.

Needed

Few things are as important in a woman's life as that journey to and through motherhood. There's so much that you can't control, but nutrition is a big one you can.

Visit ThisIsNeeded.com (https://thisisneeded.com/) and use my code DrT for 20% off your first month.

Resources

Dr. Tassone's Practice https://www.drshawntassone.com/

The Hormone Balance Bible https://tassonemd.com/hormone-balance-bible/

Hormone Archetype Quiz https://tassonemd.lpages.co/hormonearchetypequiz/

75: MY KIDS: Third Child Angelo - Covid, Finance, and the Myth of Sisyphus Jan 11, 2024

Show notes

Welcome back to the final installment of my special series of interviews with my kids. So far, you've heard from my firstborn, Hannah, my eldest son, Hunter, and my youngest, Anthony. Today, I'm chatting with my thirdborn, Angelo.

Angelo and I share very similar birthdays - only four days apart - and he's the one who's most like me emotionally. He was born about five weeks early, right before 9/11, and was the only one of my children who was breech. Unlike his older siblings, I never know what to expect from Angelo in terms of his school and career journey, and it's always interesting to see where he ends up.

In this episode, Angelo and I talk about his early days, experiences in private school, developing self-awareness and empathy, how his academic outlook has changed between high school and college, his career aspirations, how he developed his philosophical outlook, and more. Thanks for your support, and enjoy the episode!

Highlights

The unique circumstances around Angelo's birth

Early childhood memories in Tucson

What it was like to transition to a new school in the sixth grade in Austin

Benefits and drawbacks of attending a private school versus a public school

How your socioeconomic background influences your perspective on relationships and interactions with people from different walks of life

The impact of distractions and unhealthy coping mechanisms on Angelo's academic performance in high school

What it was like to have senior year in high school and first year of college during the peak of the pandemic

The challenges and adjustments in adapting to the environment as an intern at Charles Schwab

Angelo's philosophical outlook on life

Sponsored by:

Femmenessence

It's a rare occurrence to find a non-prescription supplement that becomes a go-to for hormone health and Femmenessence is just that.

Whether you're pre-menopausal, menopausal, or struggling with PMS, irregular periods, or other hormone imbalances, I highly recommend giving Femmenessence a try.

Visit Femmenessence.com (https://femmenessence.com/) and use my code SHAWN20 for exclusive savings.

Needed

Few things are as important in a woman's life as that journey to and through motherhood. There's so much that you can't control, but nutrition is a big one you can.

Visit ThisIsNeeded.com (https://thisisneeded.com/) and use my code DrT for 20% off your first month.

Resources

Dr. Tassone's Practice https://www.drshawntassone.com/

The Hormone Balance Bible https://tassonemd.com/hormone-balance-bible/

Hormone Archetype Quiz https://tassonemd.lpages.co/hormonearchetypequiz/

74: Youngest Child - Navigating Gen Z with a Positive Attitude Dec 28, 2023

Show notes

Welcome back to part three of my special series of interviews with my kids. So far, you've heard from my firstborn, Hannah, and my eldest son, Hunter, and today we're jumping to my youngest, Anthony.

Anthony was born via C-section on November 22 in Tucson, Arizona. Named after his great-great-grandfather, Antonio, his name is in many middle names and first names throughout my family. As my youngest, I often joke about him being my favorite, but one of the things I am most proud of him for is his ability to turn difficult situations into opportunities for growth and leadership. Never one to mindlessly follow the pack, I am confident he will be super successful, and I'm excited to see what he does.

In this conversation, Anthony and I talk about his childhood, the experience of moving to a new city and feeling behind in school, how sports helped him to overcome his concerns about his height, struggles, and triumphs in football and theater, Anthony's college experiences at Blinn, his future career aspirations, and more. Thanks for your support, and enjoy the episode!

Highlights

The perks of being the youngest in a family of four kids

Anthony's experience of feeling behind starting at a new school in third grade after moving to Austin

How sports helped Anthony overcome his doubts about being smaller

The transformative experience Anthony had over his years on his high school football team

Embracing a love of theater and music

The challenges of balancing multiple activities and interests at the same time

Anthony's initial disappointment and ultimate decision to attend the Texas A&M-Blinn TEAM Program

The experience of pledging a fraternity and finding your place in college

Anthony's career aspirations

Sponsored by:

Femmenessence

It's a rare occurrence to find a non-prescription supplement that becomes a go-to for hormone health and Femmenessence is just that.

Whether you're pre-menopausal, menopausal, or struggling with PMS, irregular periods, or other hormone imbalances, I highly recommend giving Femmenessence a try.

Visit Femmenessence.com (https://femmenessence.com/) and use my code SHAWN20 for exclusive savings.

Needed

Few things are as important in a woman's life as that journey to and through motherhood. There's so much that you can't control, but nutrition is a big one you can.

Visit ThisIsNeeded.com (https://thisisneeded.com/) and use my code DrT for 20% off your first month.

Resources

Dr. Tassone's Practice https://www.drshawntassone.com/

The Hormone Balance Bible https://tassonemd.com/hormone-balance-bible/

Hormone Archetype Quiz https://tassonemd.lpages.co/hormonearchetypequiz/

73: Hormone Pellets for Women - Misogyny and Malpractice in Women's Health Dec 21, 2023

Show notes

I can't bring myself emotionally, spiritually, psychologically, or physically to use hormone pellets with my patients.

Hormone pellets are tiny pellets containing hormones and medications inserted under your skin and replaced every three to six months.

In my clinic, many unhappy patients come to me with complications from pellets. Outside of my clinical experience, I also tried pellets myself a few years ago, which was the worst experience of my life.

Looking at the science, there are much better methods of getting bioidentical hormones, such as topical creams and sublingual troches, and they don't come with the downsides of hormone pellets.

Today I'm sharing the top ten reasons why I'm a pellet anarchist, misleading ways that pellets are marketed, the things women need to know before using pellets, and what to do if you've had pellets and want to make a change.

Highlights

How hormone pellets work

Pitfall #1: They're expensive

Pitfall #2: Hormone levels are too high

Pitfall #3: It's a surgical procedure

Pitfall #4: Once they're in, they don't come out

Pitfall #5: You're subjected to minor surgery every 3-6 months

Pitfall #6: Irregular absorption rates

Pitfall #7: It's a cash cow for providers

Pitfall #8: Who's inserting them?

Pitfall #9: It's a club

Pitfall #10: You're a number

What you can do if you've had pellets and you want to make a change

Bioidentical hormones versus synthetic hormones

This episode is sponsored by:

Femmenessence

It's a rare occurrence to find a non-prescription supplement that becomes a go-to for hormone health and Femmenessence is just that.

Whether you're pre-menopausal, menopausal, or struggling with PMS, irregular periods, or other hormone imbalances, I highly recommend giving Femmenessence a try.

Visit Femmenessence.com (https://femmenessence.com/) and use my code SHAWN20 for exclusive savings.

Needed

Few things are as important in a woman's life as that journey to and through motherhood. There's so much that you can't control, but nutrition is a big one you can.

Visit ThisIsNeeded.com (https://thisisneeded.com/) and use my code DrT for 20% off your first month.

Resources

Dr. Tassone's Practice https://www.drshawntassone.com/

The Hormone Balance Bible https://tassonemd.com/hormone-balance-bible/

Hormone Archetype Quiz https://tassonemd.lpages.co/hormonearchetypequiz/

72: MY KIDS: Second Born Hunter: Adaptation, Persistence and Medical School Dec 14, 2023

Show notes

We're back for part two of this special series of interviews with my kids. Last week, you heard from my oldest- and only daughter - Hannah, and today, I'm talking to my oldest son, Hunter.

Hunter is 28, and the only one of my children who decided to go into medicine, and he's currently in medical school. Hunter was born in Oklahoma City during the third year of my residency in 1996. Probably the most adaptable of the four, his mother and I divorced when he was young, and later, in the sixth grade, he came to live with me and his stepmom, Katie.

In this conversation, Hunter and I talk about his childhood and education, philosophical views on free will, Hunter's decision to pursue medicine, his aspirations to specialize in psychiatry, and more. I'm so thankful to Hunter for having this conversation, and I'm so proud of him for his accomplishments and resilience. Thanks for your support, and enjoy the episode!

Highlights

Hunter's memories of living in Oklahoma and Arizona during his childhood

Moving to Austin during high school and Hunter's adaptability to new environments

Hunter's interest in studying consciousness and his goal of going to medical school.

Debating the concept of free will and Hunter's favorite philosopher

Hunter's experience applying to medical school

Preparing for the MCAT and improving your application

The difference between MD and DO degrees

The history and techniques of osteopathic medicine

Why there's a lack of utilization of osteopathic medicine despite the extensive training involved

Hunter's interest in psychiatry and anesthesia

Our experiences choosing a career path

The emotional toll of a career in oncology

This episode is sponsored by:

Femmenessence

It's a rare occurrence to find a non-prescription supplement that becomes a go-to for hormone health and Femmenessence is just that.

Whether you're pre-menopausal, menopausal, or struggling with PMS, irregular periods, or other hormone imbalances, I highly recommend giving Femmenessence a try.

Visit Femmenessence.com (https://femmenessence.com/) and use my code SHAWN20 for exclusive savings.

Needed

Few things are as important in a woman's life as that journey to and through motherhood. There's so much that you can't control, but nutrition is a big one you can.

Visit ThisIsNeeded.com (https://thisisneeded.com/) and use my code DrT for 20% off your first month.

Resources

Dr. Tassone's Practice https://www.drshawntassone.com/

The Hormone Balance Bible https://tassonemd.com/hormone-balance-bible/

Hormone Archetype Quiz https://tassonemd.lpages.co/hormonearchetypequiz/

71: MY KIDS: First Born Hannah - Divorce, Abortion, and Weight Loss Dec 07, 2023

Show notes

This month, I'm doing something different. I have four special guests, my kids, and I'll share their interviews with you each week.

To start things off, today's guest is my firstborn child, Hannah, who will be turning 30 this month! Hannah was born in Papillion, Nebraska, on December 10, 1993, in my third year of medical school. Later, we moved to Oklahoma, where I did my residency, and when she was around five, her mom and I divorced.

Going into the interview, Hannah told me that no questions were off the table, and we had an open conversation on everything from her earliest childhood memories to her divorce and weight loss journey.

One of the things I've realized as a parent is that if you can raise your kids without injecting your pathologies into them, you've done a good job. Enjoy the episode!

Highlights

Hannah's earliest memories, including my divorce from her mom and memories of living in different houses

Moving from Oklahoma to Arizona

Hannah's emo phase and her identification as a "shadow child"

Our experiences with drugs and music

The need for euphoric experiences and how Hannah managed to avoid addiction

Hannah's decision to get divorced and how she managed the process

Hannah's thoughts on approaching her thirties and why age doesn't hold much significance for her

The decision to have an abortion and Hannah's reluctance to undergo a medical procedure

Considering parenthood and lifestyle

Hannah explains her shift in perspective on liberal values and personal protection

Why your perspective on taxes change as your financial situation changes

How Hannah's weight loss journey has positively impacted her mental health and overall wellbeing

Parenting and self-reflection

This episode is sponsored by:

Femmenessence

It's a rare occurrence to find a non-prescription supplement that becomes a go-to for hormone health and Femmenessence is just that.

Whether you're pre-menopausal, menopausal, or struggling with PMS, irregular periods, or other hormone imbalances, I highly recommend giving Femmenessence a try.

Visit Femmenessence.com (https://femmenessence.com/) and use my code SHAWN20 for exclusive savings.

Needed

Few things are as important in a woman's life as that journey to and through motherhood. There's so much that you can't control, but nutrition is a big one you can.

Visit ThisIsNeeded.com (https://thisisneeded.com/) and use my code DrT for 20% off your first month.

Resources

Dr. Tassone's Practice https://www.drshawntassone.com/

The Hormone Balance Bible https://tassonemd.com/hormone-balance-bible/

Hormone Archetype Quiz https://tassonemd.lpages.co/hormonearchetypequiz/

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