Confessions of a Male Gynecologist

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60: MASTERCLASS - Jenn Reed on Fit in your 50s and Beyond Sep 21, 2023

Show notes

"Building muscle is key. It's the organ of longevity; we need it." - Jenn Reed

As a midlife woman going through menopause, Jenn Reed faced the same challenges many women have to navigate and lost her sense of self. In trying to figure out what she wanted to do with the next phase of her life, she found her passion for fitness and started sharing her journey on Instagram.

Today, I'm excited to welcome Jenn to the podcast to talk about age positivity and makeup and fitness for mature women. We discuss the importance of fitness and self-confidence for women over 50, how social media affects women's perception of themselves, how the right makeup can enhance natural beauty for mature women, Jenn's experience with hormone replacement therapy, how you can get started on your fitness journey, and more.

Jenn is a fantastic person to connect with for information and practical tips for women in midlife. I highly recommend following her, and I think you'll learn a lot. Enjoy the episode!

Highlights

Jenn's journey as an empty nester, her struggle with menopause, and her motivation to share her story on Instagram

Why you shouldn't worry about getting too bulky from working out

Self-confidence and embracing the beauty of growing older

Jenn's recommendations for makeup for mature women

The benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopausal women

Different dietary approaches and their effects on women in menopause

Getting started with your fitness journey

Focusing on consistency rather than perfection

The importance of nutrition and its impact on various bodily processes

Jenn's approach to supplementation

Simplifying workouts and the importance of fitness for women over 50

Jenn's struggles with sleep and the influence of hormone changes on sleep patterns

Connect with Jenn Reed

Jenn Reed on Instagram @TheJennReed https://www.instagram.com/thejennreed/

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 code SHAWN20 for exclusive savings.

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.

59: PCOS PRIMER: Options and Treatment Plans Sep 14, 2023

Show notes

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a relatively common condition that affects many women of reproductive age. Despite that, we still lack clear diagnostic criteria, resulting in many women receiving an incorrect diagnosis of PCOS or having PCOS and remaining undiagnosed.

September is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Awareness Month, and in honor of that, I'm doing a bit of a masterclass on what it is and how we can deal with it.

We've already had a couple of episodes on the podcast with some amazing women who have come on to talk about their adventures, mishaps, gaslighting, and all of the things that happen to women with PCOS. In this episode, I'm sharing the different types of PCOS, why there are so many challenges in diagnosing and treating it, the importance of addressing the primary complaints of PCOS, medications and surgical options for PCOS, and the importance of finding the right health team for you.

Whether you were diagnosed with PCOS but don't feel confident in your diagnosis or if you feel you might have it but it's been missed, I would encourage you to seek medical advice from another provider. Let's get you the diagnosis you need to help you along the way. Enjoy the episode!

Highlights

Challenges in diagnosing PCOS

What is PCOS?

The current treatment approach for PCOS

Frustrating interactions many women with PCOS have with their doctors

Foundational elements of a healthy diet, including adequate protein and fiber intake

What we know about the genetic component of PCOS

Medications used to treat PCOS, how they work, and potential side effects

Treating insulin resistance with insulin-sensitizing agents and lifestyle modifications

What you need to know about metformin

How GLP-1s, statins, oral contraceptives, and low-dose naltrexone (LDN) can help PCOS patients

Addressing the problem of vitamin D insufficiency

Alternative treatment options like berberine or Femenessence

How the different types of PCOS are interconnected

Pros and cons of surgical options for PCOS

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 code SHAWN20 for exclusive savings.

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/

58: Supplement Quality and Efficacy Unveiled: Wisdom from Industry Insiders Sep 07, 2023

Show notes

"The most expensive supplement is the one that doesn't work."

Whenever I go on Instagram, I'm inundated with ads from supplement companies. They all make crazy claims about what they can fix, and I'm skeptical.

The regulation of the supplement industry is complex, and consumers are faced with labels filled with acronyms and terms that are more confusing than anything else.

So, how do you know what's good and what's not?

Today, I'm joined by James Frame and Dr. Deanna Minich from Symphony Natural Health. James and Deanna are breaking down the industry jargon and sharing insider tips for finding the right supplements for you. In this conversation, we talk about manufacturing practices, product quality, certifications, the importance of clinical evidence, the need for personalized supplements, how to become an educated consumer, what to think about when evaluating the credibility of products and companies, and more. Enjoy the episode!

Highlights

James and Deanna's experience in the supplement industry

Understanding the different types of claims on dietary supplements

Regulations in the manufacturing process and labeling of dietary supplements

Product vetting as a consumer and how different retailers curate the products they sell

Potential issues and considerations when using proprietary formulas with multiple ingredients.

The trend toward personalized supplements

The relevance of low FODMAPs in dietary supplements and the type of testing done

Why you may want to look for companies following EU standards

Issues associated with products produced by third parties

Challenges of differentiating between products with similar formulations

Why third-party doctors' recommendations and results from clinical practice are key

What makes a study a good study

The significance of having a medical team to provide support and guidance in determining the best supplement protocol for you

How different packaging makes a big difference between products

Industry organizations that work to protect consumer interests

Why testing is essential

Preconception health and preventing specific genetic issues from being expressed in children

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 code SHAWN20 for exclusive savings.

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/

57: America is Failing Women's Health Aug 31, 2023

Show notes

Culture, politics, medical practices, and scientific understandings of the female body all influence our knowledge of women's health.

In today's episode, I'm doing something different and talking about how the medical field is failing women in the United States. The reality of women's health in this country leaves much to be desired, from exclusion from biomedical research to gaslighting by providers and everything in between.

It's a controversial topic, and we need to increase awareness because definite improvements need to be made. I'm discussing the social factors that influence the state of women's health, the silence and stigma surrounding menstruation and menopause, the far-reaching impact of racism on health outcomes, and more. This is my plea for us to do more to promote women's health. Enjoy the episode.

Highlights

The historical exclusion and marginalization of women and the impact it's had on women's health

Denial of bodily autonomy and the experience of Henrietta Lacks

The lack of biomedical research on women and ongoing challenges in collecting research data

Why the Office of Research on Women's Health was established

The current state of women's health in the US

Differences in women's health outcomes

Limited medical attention given to menstruation and menopause despite the social significance

Racial disparities and leading causes of maternal mortality

Cervical cancer and the HPV vaccine

Poor treatment of women with pelvic pain and the misdiagnosis of endometriosis

The high rates of violence against women in the US

Opportunities to improve women's experiences in the medical system and health outcomes

The need to promote equity in women's health and research

Mentioned in this episode

Rebecca Skloot's Book | The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks https://www.amazon.com/Immortal-Life-Henrietta-Lacks/dp/1400052181

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 code SHAWN20 for exclusive savings.

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/

56: MASTERCLASS with SILVY KHOUCASIAN - Attachment Types and Relationships Aug 24, 2023

Show notes

According to attachment theory, there are four different attachment styles: secure, anxious, fearful-avoidant, and dismissive-avoidant. These are shaped by a child's early interactions with their primary caregiver and, as adults, they tend to show up most clearly in romantic relationships.

Today, I'm joined by relationship coach and writer Silvy Khoucasian to explore how these attachment styles show up in our lives and how we can better navigate them and nurture healthy relationships.

In this conversation, Silvy and I discuss her work as a relationship coach, what the four attachment styles look like in relationships, how you can figure out your attachment style, the way attachment patterns pass down through generations, strategies for breaking unhealthy patterns, what you can learn from Silvy's courses and books, why healthy boundaries are crucial, and more. Enjoy the episode!

Highlights

Silvy's work as a relationship coach and how she became interested in attachment theory

Understanding the four different attachment styles and how they are formed

The impact of attachment styles on our romantic relationships, friendships, and work relationships

Figuring out your attachment patterns and how they can change over time

How attachment patterns can be passed down through generations and strategies for breaking these patterns

Why Silvy created the 12 Months of Self-Discovery and how it can help with self-awareness

What boundaries are and the four types of boundaries that we need

Silvy's ideal clients and how she works with them

How attachment patterns can influence your leadership style

The benefits of understanding your partner's attachment style

Navigating different attachment styles while dating

Why people are attracted to certain attachment styles and the importance of self-awareness and mindset work

First steps you can take if you're feeling frustrated in your relationship

Connect with Silvy Khoucasian

Silvy Khoucasian's Website | SilvyKhoucasian.com https://silvykhoucasian.com/

Silvy Khoucasian on Instagram @SilvyKhoucasian https://www.instagram.com/silvykhoucasian/

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 code SHAWN20 for exclusive savings.

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/

55: MASTERCLASS: NLP - You are what you say with Brandon and Deb Yager Aug 17, 2023

Show notes

"If we believe we will we, will we. If we believe we won't, we won't."

When my mom died 20 years ago, I went on a spiritual journey, leading to massive growth over several years. Eventually, that growth slowed, and I feel like I've stagnated over the last seven years. I knew I needed something but couldn't figure out what it was. After trying masterminds and other programs, I kept hitting the same roadblocks.

As entrepreneurs and professionals, we sometimes forget the importance of personal growth and development and how that influences our capacity to become better leaders. But as Brandon says, embracing our self-confidence can make a massive impact on this planet.

Today, I'm joined by Brandon and Deb Yager, the founders of Yager Training, a premier NLP and personal growth training company. I challenge everyone: seek these two out at Yager Training if you need help with a business or just your belief structure. Enjoy the episode!

Highlights

Deb's struggles with self-worth and addiction before finding her purpose

Brandon's motivation to create a different life for himself

The soul's journey of personal growth and transformation

The belief system that has kept Deb and Brandon's relationship going through ups and downs

How open and honest communication can positively impact our relationships and society

Why Brandon and Deb are passionate about working with leaders who want to make a difference

Common patterns that sabotage leadership

Breaking through feelings of unworthiness

The importance of self-worth in entrepreneurship

Misconceptions and misuse of NLP in marketing, government, and corporations

Exploration of the role of language, beliefs, and unconscious programming in NLP

Taking responsibility for personal growth and success

Societal programming around self-worth and the significance of confidence in our personal and professional lives

What you'll learn in Deb and Brandon's upcoming three-part masterclass

My transformative experience with Yager Training

Connect with Brandon and Deb Yager

Yager Training Website | YagerTraining.com https://www.yagertraining.com/

Deb & Brandon's Upcoming Masterclass - August 29-31, 2023 | Confidence Accelerator 3 Part Series https://nlp.yagertraining.com/shawn

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 code SHAWN20 for exclusive savings.

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/

54: MASTERCLASS with UDO ERASMUS - Godfather of Fats Aug 10, 2023

Show notes

"A supplement is not a substitute for a good foundation; it's an add-on." - Udo Erasmus

In the early 90s, I found a book that changed my life and career. It was Udo Erasmus' Fats That Heal, Fats That Kill, and it was a groundbreaking read that blew my mind. Udo's perspective on oils and fats went against all the mainstream recommendations for low-fat diets and butter substitutes and explored how damaged oils negatively impact our health. He has been a massive influence in my career and is one of the reasons why I am where I am today.

Today, I'm excited to have Udo on the podcast to explore the topic further and share why we should all be using oils made with health in mind. Udo Erasmus, Ph.D. Nutrition is one of North America's foremost authorities on dietary fats and oils' role in human health. Trained in biochemistry and genetics at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Udo has been a guest on over 400 radio and television programs, and his advice on health and nutrition has appeared in newspapers and magazines worldwide.

In this conversation, Udo and I discuss how he became passionate about oils, the importance of healthy fats, the dangers of processed oils, the essential nature of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, why we need to rethink our approach to carbohydrates, the benefits of omega-3s on brain function and performance, and more. Enjoy the episode!

Highlights

The history of margarine and the negative health effects

The truth about canola oil

How damaged oils impact our bodies

Udo's journey to developing his healthy oil line

The need for balancing omega-3 and omega-6

Rethinking our approach to carbohydrates

Getting started with supplementing with oils

Benefits of omega-3s on brain function and performance

How Udo's Choice oils are different from fish oil or algae-based oils

Udo's perspective on the carnivore diet

The need for refrigeration and careful storage of oils to maintain their health benefits

The inspiration behind The Book on Total Sexy Health

The eight key parts designed by nature on total health

Connect with Udo Erasmus

Dr. Udo Erasmus' Oils | Udo's Choice https://www.udoschoice.com/

Dr. Udo Erasmus' Website | UdoErasmus.com https://udoerasmus.com/

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 code SHAWN20 for exclusive savings.

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/

53: Current Topics in Women's Health: Vaginal Secretions as a Perfume? Jul 27, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to Dr. Tassone's tips and tricks for the news cycle of the day!

Today, I'm doing things differently and talking about the women's health topics that are doing the rounds on the news and social media. I'll be sharing what you need to know about these topics, separating the truth from the fiction, and empowering you to be the best advocate for your health.

In this episode, I'm exploring the new over-the-counter birth control pill, TikTok trends, the rising cost of healthcare, issues with telehealth, and more. Enjoy the episode!

Highlights

What you need to know about Opill, the new over-the-counter birth control pill

Pros and cons of using Opill

My thoughts on Texas' low ranking in women's health

Tips for safeguarding vaginal health during the summer

Debunking the TikTok trend of vaginal secretions as perfume

Potential benefits and drawbacks of telehealth

Censorship of women's health issues on social media platforms

The financial burden faced by women experiencing menopause

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 code SHAWN20 for exclusive savings.

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/

52: RANT - Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Dementia Jul 21, 2023

Show notes

The thing with research is that new studies tend to get passed around on social media, sensationalized, and spread like wildfire. In many cases, it's probably not something you need to be overly worried about.

Today, I'm breaking down a new study that came out earlier this year, reported in the New York Times. It was about menopausal hormone therapy and dementia, and it's been kicking up a stir. I'm talking about this today as an example of how to look at these types of studies and determine what's legit in a world where seemingly contradictory research seems to be constantly popping up.

In this episode, I'm highlighting the strengths and limitations of the study and discussing the need for critical analysis when interpreting research studies, the differences between bioidentical hormone replacement and synthetic progestin, how to evaluate the risks and benefits of hormone therapy, why you need to do your research and more. I hope this discussion will empower you to examine the next study you see with a critical eye. Enjoy the episode!

Highlights

Why I want to talk about a new study on menopausal hormone therapy and its potential association with dementia

The study parameters, including the types of hormones used, duration of use, and age of participants

Results and conclusions of the study

Assessing the strengths and limitations of the study

The significance of considering the route of administration and dosage of hormone replacement therapy

Further research needed to clarify these results

Remembering to take sensationalized reports with a grain of salt

Why it's challenging to compare different types of medications used in hormone replacement therapy

Mentioned in this episode

New York Times Article | Do Hormone Treatments for Menopause Increase Dementia Risk? https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/10/well/live/hormone-therapy-menopause-dementia-alzheimers.html

Menopausal hormone therapy and dementia: nationwide, nested case-control study https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2022-072770

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 code SHAWN20 for exclusive savings.

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/

51: Fibroids 101: Great Balls of Fire with A Little Brimstone Jul 13, 2023

Show notes

Fibroids are a topic I'm constantly asked about in my office, on Instagram, and whenever I do my Saturday Q&As.

They are nasty little tumors that grow on and in the uterus, and around 80% of women will have developed fibroids by the time they reach 60 years old. While they're super common, most women don't have symptoms and can leave them without treatment. Unfortunately, fibroids can be difficult to live with for women who do have symptoms.

Today I'm sharing the ins and outs of fibroids. I'm talking about what they are, factors that can contribute to their development, treatment options, how different phases of life can affect fibroids, the best diagnostic techniques, how to find the right doctor for you, and more. Remember, you deserve to feel comfortable and empowered in all aspects of your health, and there are always options for treatment. Enjoy the episode!

Highlights

What are fibroids, and how do they present?

Common symptoms of fibroids

Potential complications of fibroids, including risks during pregnancy

Factors that can contribute to the development of fibroids

How pregnancy, medications, and menopause can impact existing fibroids

Imaging techniques, tests, and procedures used to diagnose fibroids

What you need to know about fibroids and cancer

Treatment options for fibroids, including medications and medical procedures

Understanding the two types of myomectomy: laparoscopic and abdominal

Pros and cons of alternative treatments

The importance of being given options for treatment and why it's crucial to keep looking if you don't feel comfortable with what a doctor presents

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 code SHAWN20 for exclusive savings.

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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