Confessions of a Male Gynecologist

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50: Stress, Paps, and Pineapples with Dr Doni Wilson Jul 06, 2023

Show notes

"A lot of times what the body needs is gentleness." - Dr. Doni Wilson

In a world where we're told to do more and push through the pain, it's a hard lesson to learn that sometimes less is more when it comes to our health. Whether that means listening to your body and doing a 15-minute low-impact workout or scaling back in your work, it's not all or nothing. Moderation and tuning in to identify individualized ways of taking care of ourselves is the recipe for good health in the long term.

Today I'm joined by my longtime friend and naturopathic physician, Dr. Doni Wilson. Dr. Doni is an amazing human, and she's here to talk about the impact of stress on your health and what to do about HPV and abnormal pap smears. Through her research and clinical experience, Dr. Doni developed her Stress Recovery Protocol, which takes stress management to the next level by utilizing epigenetics to individualize the optimization of cortisol, adrenaline, and neurotransmitters.

In this conversation, Dr. Doni and I discuss the problems with the hustle culture ingrained in us from a young age signals your body is sending that you're pushing too hard, what adrenal distress looks like, how to start recovering your health, naturopathic approaches to HPV and abnormal pap smears, treatment options for mild or moderate dysplasia, and more.

If you're not already following Dr. Doni, I highly recommend you start now. I also encourage you to get a copy of her book, Master Your Stress, Reset Your Health. It's a masterclass for any woman struggling with sleep or weight issues, two significant factors contributing to your longevity. Enjoy the episode!

Highlights

What adrenal distress really looks like

Dr. Doni's five stress types

Methods for testing cortisol levels

Dr. Doni's C.A.R.E. Protocol for adrenal recovery

Recognizing that sometimes less is more when it comes to improving your health

Naturopathic approaches to HPV and abnormal pap smears

Factors that contribute to the persistence of HPV

The emotional impact of receiving an abnormal pap smear

Treatment options for dysplasia

What to expect from escharotic treatments

Connect with Dr Doni Wilson

Dr Doni Wilson's Website | DoctorDoni.com https://doctordoni.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/

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.

49: Must-Have Supplements for Women: What You Need to Know Jun 29, 2023

Show notes

Which supplements do you recommend? Do they really work? How do you identify which brands are good quality?

With so many supplement options available, it can be hard to sift through the noise and find the ones that make sense for you. Plus, just because something is natural doesn't automatically mean it's safe.

For over ten years, I've worked to hone in on the most beneficial supplements, and today I'm sharing the top ten supplements I recommend for most women. I'll discuss the right way to think about supplements, what you can expect from each one, how and when I use them, and which brands are worth it. Enjoy the episode!

Highlights

Supplements are a complement, not a standalone therapy

Natural doesn't mean safe

Supplement #1: Omega-3

How to check the quality of oil-based supplements in capsules

Choosing the best source of omega's for you

Balancing Omega-3, Omega-6 & Omega-9

How much flaxseed oil to take each day

Supplement #2: Magnesium Glycinate

The role of magnesium in your body

Conditions and symptoms that can improve with magnesium supplementation

Whole food sources of magnesium

Supplement #3: Maca root

Traditional uses of maca

Maca for balancing hormones

Different types of maca and their properties

Potential side effects of maca

Supplement #4: Myo-inositol

Especially beneficial for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Typical symptoms of PCOS

Research on inositol for improving fertility

Supplement #5: Zyflamend™

Who can benefit most from using Zyflamend™?

Why I recommend solitary supplementation and why Zyflamend™ is the exception

Side effects from Zyflamend™

Supplement #6: Probiotics

Why I prefer MegaSporeBiotic™

Understanding the Estrobolome

The gut-vagina connection

Supplement #7: Vitex/Chaste Tree

How vitex impacts your hormones

How much vitex to take per day

Who can benefit most from taking vitex

Research on the mode of action of vitex

Supplement #8: Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is part of many proprietary blends

Traditional uses of ashwagandha in Ayurveda

Benefits of ashwagandha

Recommended daily dosage for ashwagandha

Supplement #9: Rhodiola

Benefits of Rhodiola

Who will benefit most from Rhodiola

Supplement #10: Hops

Transitioning patients off of sleep medication

Sedative effects of hops

Different formats available

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/

48: PCOS Nutrition: Eating to Win Against PCOS with Cory Ruth Jun 22, 2023

Show notes

"PCOS is something we have to continuously work on managing, so whatever we choose in terms of diet has to be sustainable." - Cory Ruth

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common conditions I encounter in my practice, yet it's surrounded by misinformation. Without a cure, a lot of the information online focuses on restrictive approaches that are difficult to maintain for most women and don't consider life's realities.

Today I'm joined by dietitian and PCOS expert Cory Ruth to talk about how the right diet can support you in managing your PCOS symptoms. Living with PCOS herself, Cory recognized the power of diet and lifestyle in affecting her symptoms. As a dietitian, she's committed to evidence-based nutrition and helps women better understand the powerful connection between their body systems and optimal health.

In this conversation, Cory and I discuss her experience with PCOS, the prevalence of bad information about PCOS, the need for a balanced approach to nutrition, the challenges of accurate diagnosis, and more. Cory is a fantastic resource for anyone with PCOS. I've learned a lot from her, and I know you will too. Enjoy the episode!

Highlights

Cory's experience with PCOS and why she decided to make it her specialty as a dietitian

Common misconceptions and the major problem with restrictive diets

Why it's crucial to develop a sustainable and balanced approach to nutrition

The pros and cons of intermittent fasting

Finding the right supplementation protocol and how working with a professional can help you avoid potential harm

The challenges of accurate diagnosis

How menopause impacts PCOS symptoms

Cory's experience with an infertility diagnosis followed by two successful pregnancies

The risks and benefits of using weight loss drugs as part of PCOS management

Connect with Cory Ruth

Cory Ruth's Website | TheWomensDietitian https://thewomensdietitian.com/

Cory Ruth on Instagram @TheWomensDietitian https://www.instagram.com/thewomensdietitian/

Cory Ruth on TikTok @TheWomensDietitian https://tiktok.com/@thewomensdietitian

Cory Ruth on YouTube @TheWomensDietitian https://www.youtube.com/@thewomensdietitian

Cory Ruth's Supplements | VITA-PCOS https://shopvitapcos.com/collections/vita-pcos-1

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/

47: Birth Control Pills: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly Jun 15, 2023

Show notes

Birth control pills have been around for decades, and most of that time, they were viewed as a net positive. Nowadays, you can't say "birth control pills" without being bombarded with their evils.

The truth is, they're not evil. If you need the pill for birth control, they're empowering and allow you to be in control of your reproductive health.

But physicians prescribe birth control pills for every problem under the sun, and I believe we are to blame for the stigma around the pill. The pill has become the band-aid solution for lazy medicine, whether it's acne, painful cramps, heavy periods, or many more symptoms. Add to that the lack of education these doctors give to their patients, and you find that many women choosing the pill did not do so from an informed place.

Today I'm doing a deep dive into everything you need to know about birth control pills. I'm discussing the different types of pills, how they work, benefits and risks, how to choose the right one for you, and more. The most important thing I want you to take from this episode is that you are your best healthcare advocate. Do your own research and make the choice you feel is best for you. Enjoy the episode!

Highlights

What's in birth control pills?

Three different types of birth control pills

Possible benefits of combination pills

The problem with using birth control pills as a band-aid solution

Potential benefits and risks of progesterone-only pills

How birth control pills work and how to use them

Side effects, risks, and considerations of taking birth control pills

Myths and frequently asked questions about the pill

The good, the bad, the ugly, and the uglier

Why it's crucial to address underlying issues

Being your best healthcare advocate

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/

46: Snake Oil, Semmelweis, and the Sanity of Evolved Medicine Jun 08, 2023

Show notes

There's room in the world for all the different ideas. Unfortunately, many of my colleagues would disagree.

I've been on Facebook a lot lately, and I've noticed that many doctors who don't share my opinion on alternative medicine jump straight to name-calling. Instead of respectful disagreement or sharing of ideas, culturally, we've gotten to a place where everything is so polarized that it's them and us, and there is no room for a middle ground.

The sad part is that the patients will suffer the most as a result.

Today I'm sharing a little bit of a history lesson and talking about how I deal with the rude and condescending doctors who refuse to have an open conversation about alternative ways of thinking. I'll also discuss different philosophical concepts and how medicine has evolved. Enjoy the episode!

Highlights

How standards of care change and the four humors in ancient medicine

Ignaz Semmelweis and his discovery of the origin of puerperal fever

The terrible backlash that Semmelweis faced before ultimately being proven right

Planck's principle and the unfortunate truth about the evolution of medicine

Joseph Lister's struggle to get mainstream acceptance for his antiseptic practices

The dismissal of alternative medicine by modern doctors and the over-weighting of evidence-based medicine

Supporting patients' choices and empowering patients to walk a path that's right for them

How the thoughts and accepted norms of the medical community change over the years

Why we need to make room for different ideas and respectful disagreement in medicine

The current state of medicine and why doctors need to fight to get medicine back

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/

45: Hysterectomy 101: What, Why, and How Removing the Uterus Jun 02, 2023

Show notes

Hysterectomy is one of the most commonly performed and probably overutilized surgeries worldwide. In most circumstances, a hysterectomy is not done in a life-or-death situation but as a final course of action after other options have been exhausted.

Unfortunately, there's still a lot of misinformation and a big gap between how medical professionals approach hysterectomies and the public perception of the procedure. Patients will call it one thing, and the doctor calls it another, leading to confusion.

Today I'm clearing up common misconceptions about hysterectomies because they're not all alike. From different types and techniques to recovery expectations, I'll bring all the common issues to light. As usual, I hope you find this valuable, and I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Highlights

Types of hysterectomies and how the outcomes are different

How the uterus, cervix, ovaries, and tubes are connected

The three methods of hysterectomy and the benefits and drawbacks of each

My opinion on the benefits of robotic hysterectomies

The importance of the vaginal cuff

Common reasons for hysterectomy, including fibroids, pelvic pain, and bleeding, and when surgery is considered

Getting yourself into the right headspace for surgery

What to expect on surgery day and for the recovery period

Why it's essential to contact your surgeon if you have questions about your hysterectomy recovery

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/

44: Semaglutide: Wonder Drug or Chemical Anorexia May 26, 2023

Show notes

Weight loss products are a magnet for controversy. From fraudulent claims to critics and copycats, everybody has an opinion. Today I'm talking about the one currently on everybody's mind, GLP-1 drugs like Ozemic and Mounjaro.

There are a lot of people in the healthcare community, especially alternative health, who are demonizing these medications. And why? I think it's because they work and put some people out of business.

While there are risks and potentially serious side effects, there's a lot of misinformation out there on these drugs. In this episode, I'm sharing how they work, the truth about the problems, what you need to know before taking them, and why I believe they are an excellent option for many women struggling to lose weight.

Being on medication to lose weight doesn't mean you're cutting a corner. It means you need some assistance, and that's okay. Try not to get bogged down in the negativity, find yourself a doctor that's an expert with these medications, and feel good about yourself. Enjoy the episode!

Highlights

Red flags around compounded semaglutide

Why I'm ranting about the semaglutide offerings from some plastic surgeons

My thoughts on the people out there shaming women for taking GLP-1s

How Ozempic works

Common reactions and risks associated with Ozempic

Why you need to be on a good program alongside the medication

Lifestyle strategies that can help you to maintain your weight loss

The importance of working with a knowledgeable provider

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/

43: Under Your Skin: Hormones And Skin with Dr. Trevor Cates May 18, 2023

Show notes

"The first step is to realize that you deserve to be healthy." - Dr. Trevor Cates

Your skin is your body's largest organ, and one of its most significant functions is protecting your body from the environment. The problem is that many of us are damaging that barrier function between the issues with our gut health and the things we put on our skin.

Today I'm joined by Dr. Trevor Cates, a naturopathic doctor specializing in skin health. Dr. Cates has helped patients, especially women, around the world improve their skin and hormones through a more natural approach. She believes everyone can enjoy graceful aging, a clear complexion, and natural beauty when they supplement their body with the right nourishment.

In this conversation, Dr. Cates and I discuss the importance of a holistic approach to skin health and hormone balance, the four key factors that can help with hormone imbalances, red flag ingredients to avoid in your skincare routine, and more. The right time to start thinking about your skin health is now. Enjoy the episode!

Highlights

Dr. Cates' background and how she got into naturopathic medicine and skin health

How hormones can affect skin health and the signals to look out for

The connection between the gut microbiome and skin health

Why your hygiene practices might be harming more than helping your skin

What to look out for in your personal care products

How endocrine-disrupting chemicals can alter the way your hormones work in your body

Four key factors for harmonizing your hormones

Why we need different skincare practices for different seasons

Dr. Cates' resources for supporting your hormones

Why your self-worth is the starting point for good health

Skincare products for men

Connect with Dr. Trevor Cates

Dr. Trevor Cates' Book | Natural Beauty Reset: The 7-Day Program to Harmonize Hormones and Restore Radiance https://www.amazon.com/Natural-Beauty-Reset-Harmonize-Hormones/dp/163774126X

Dr. Trevor Cates' Skin Care System | The Spa Dr. https://thespadr.com/collections/the-spa-dr-products

Dr. Trevor Cates' on Instagram @TheSpaDr https://www.instagram.com/thespadr/

Dr. Trevor Cates Docuseries | Hormones, Health and Harmony https://www.hormoneseries.com/eg/trailer

Dr. Trevor Cates' Podcast | The Woman's Doctor https://thewomansdoctor.com/

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/

42: You Are What You Eat: Culinary and Integrative Medicine with Dr. Melinda Ring May 11, 2023

Show notes

Culinary medicine exists at the intersection of the art of cooking and the science of medicine.

When we understand the connection between nutrition and health, we are empowered to make better choices that strengthen our bodies and put us on the path to optimal health.

Unfortunately, many of us never learned how to cook healthy meals. Packaged foods and Wonder bread were staples in our diets, and we carried those habits into adulthood. At the same time, there's so much conflicting information about what we should and shouldn't eat, making it challenging to figure out which way to go.

Today I'm joined by Dr. Melinda Ring, Director of the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine at Northwestern University, to talk about the power of food as medicine. Melinda is an expert in integrative medicine, lifestyle medicine, and culinary medicine, and she's spent over two decades witnessing the transformative power of food as medicine.

In this conversation, Melinda and I discuss the differences between different fields within preventative medicine, why learning to cook is especially valuable, how to use food as medicine, and why we need to tailor our diets according to our individual health conditions, goals, and genetics.

Whether you want to lose weight or improve your health, I highly recommend following Melinda on Instagram and checking out all her available resources.

Highlights

Dr. RIng's background and journey to integrative medicine

The differences between integrative medicine, functional medicine, and lifestyle medicine

Defining culinary medicine and how it can help to promote health

How to get started with the right diet for you

Why Dr. RIng recommends limiting your consumption of red meat and seafood

Addressing concerns surrounding nightshades and autoimmunity

What you need to know about oxalates

The best types of diets for women with PCOS

Shifting mindset and addressing cravings for long-term weight management

Dr. Ring's experience as a caregiver for her husband

Why it's always worth it to focus on prevention

How herbalism developed primarily from observing nature

The benefits of incorporating fruits into your diet

Resources to help you get started

Connect with Dr. Melinda Ring

Dr. Melinda Ring on Instagram @DrMelindaRing https://www.instagram.com/drmelindaring/

DrMelindaRing.com https://www.drmelindaring.com/

Resources

Practice https://www.drshawntassone.com/

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

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

41: Time To Bone Up: Bone Health with Kevin Ellis May 04, 2023

Show notes

Strong bones are foundational to leading an active life, yet bone health is a topic that's often overlooked or ignored until age 60 or beyond. At the same time, women are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis than men, making them more susceptible to fractures and other bone-related issues.

Prioritizing bone health helps prevent osteoporosis and contributes to overall well-being and quality of life. Luckily, there's a lot we can do to improve our bone health and reduce bone loss actively.

Today I'm joined by the Bone Coach™, Kevin Ellis, who is passionate about helping people improve their bone health. In this episode, Kevin and I discuss his osteoporosis diagnosis, why we need to think about bone density and quality, different types of bone medications and how they work, common causes of osteoporosis, and more.

It's never too early or too late to work on your bone health, and Kevin shares many insights and resources you can apply right now. Enjoy the episode!

About Kevin Ellis Kevin Ellis is an Integrative Nutrition Certified Health Coach, Stronger Bones Solution™ Program Instructor, osteoporosis "thriver," and founder of BoneCoach™. He has made it his mission to help over 1+ million people around the globe address bone loss, build bone strength, stop fearing fractures, and lead active lives. He's most famous for helping people with osteopenia and osteoporosis gain clarity and confidence that improvement is possible.

Highlights

Kevin's experience with osteoporosis and how he became the Bone Coach™

The importance of bone density scans, how they work, and what the scores mean

Types of bone medications and their respective effects on bone physiology

How hormones impact bone health

The differences between primary and secondary osteoporosis

How you can figure out if you're actively losing bone

Common causes of osteoporosis

Supplement considerations and dosages

Kevin's favorite dietary sources of calcium and supporting nutrients

Kevin's take on bone marrow and bone broth

How you can work with Kevin