Confessions of a Male Gynecologist

Latest Episodes:

30: Weight Loss! Semaglutide - The Good, The Bad, and The Beautiful Feb 16, 2023

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/

Resources

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

Dr. Shawn Tassone's Book | The Hormone Balance Bible https://tassonemd.com/hormone-balance-bible/

Dr. Shawn Tassone's Integrative Hormonal Mapping System | 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.

29: Bad Breasts: Breast Implant Illness And Gaslighting with Candice Barley Feb 09, 2023

Show notes

It's not all in your head.

As you probably know, I'm a firm advocate for the removal of foreign bodies and foreign materials, particularly within my practice with the Essure coils. Many women go through a long journey to have the problem acknowledged and often spend years dismissed by doctors. A big part of this podcast is about patient advocacy and empowering you to stand up and speak your mind regarding your health.

Today I'm joined by actress Candice Barley, who has become a patient advocate after her harrowing experience with breast implant illness. Within a few months of getting breast implants at age 24, Candice started experiencing extreme chronic fatigue, which her doctor dismissed as a side effect of having two young children. From then on, Candice experienced one issue after the next, with increasingly debilitating symptoms, until she connected her implants and her illness. Almost immediately after her explant surgery, everything began to improve.

In this episode, Candice shares her journey with breast implant illness and explant surgery, the symptoms many women experience but never connect to their implants, the dismissive response most women receive from their doctors, what to do if you think you might be experiencing breast implant illness, and more.

Breast implant illness is a relatively new topic, and many people in the medical community still shrug it off. If you have breast implants, you'll get a lot of insights from this episode and the resources on Candice's website. Enjoy the episode!

Highlights

The first signs that something was wrong

Candice's repeated saline ruptures and implant exchanges

Escalating health and hormonal issues after each procedure

Misinformation about the safety of silicone implants

How Candice made the connection between her implants and ongoing illnesses

Why it's crucial to remove the capsule in explant surgery

Candice's rapid symptom reversal after explant

Why many doctors won't make the connections between these symptoms and breast implants

The ongoing lawsuit between women and the breast implant companies

The emotional and psychological impact of implant removal

Where to start your journey if you are considering removing your implants

Critical considerations for a post-explant protocol

Connect with Candice Barley

Website https://www.olisticolife.com/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/olisticolife/

Explant Surgeons https://www.olisticolife.com/explant-doctors

Resources

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

Dr. Shawn Tassone's Book | The Hormone Balance Bible https://tassonemd.com/hormone-balance-bible/

Dr. Shawn Tassone's Integrative Hormonal Mapping System | Hormone Archetype Quiz https://tassonemd.lpages.co/hormonearchetypequiz/

28: PCOS: The Devil Inside with Angela Grassi Feb 02, 2023

Show notes

"You have to trust your gut and be an advocate for yourself." - Angela Grassi

There is no one-size-fits-all approach for managing polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). It's a very common, very misunderstood condition that often goes undiagnosed for years. Even after diagnosis, many women are quickly put on birth control pills that mask the symptoms and do nothing to address the underlying issues.

Today I'm joined by nutrition and health expert on PCOS, Angela Grassi. After a long, complicated journey to her diagnosis, Angela took matters into her own hands and gained control over her PCOS. Since then, she has dedicated her career to being on the leading edge of helping people with PCOS improve their health and their lives through evidence-based nutrition.

In this conversation, Angela and I talk about why PCOS is so misunderstood, the difficult situations many women are forced to endure with doctors, why you need a multi-faceted approach for managing PCOS, common signs and symptoms, how you can start to establish sustainable lifestyle changes, Angela's supplement recommendations, and more.

If you've been diagnosed with PCOS, but you're still struggling, get a second opinion, educate yourself, and know that you have options. Angela is a fantastic resource for anyone with PCOS, and I highly recommend checking out her website and all she has to offer.

Highlights

Angela's long journey to her PCOS diagnosis

The problem with the way many OBGYNs diagnose and treat PCOS

Common signs and symptoms of PCOS

Why Angela starts all her patients with a PCOS nutrition assessment

The most critical piece is establishing sustainable lifestyle changes

The potential connection between PCOS and eating disorders

Elements of a balanced plate

Anti-inflammatory foods to include in your diet

Angela's love-hate relationship with metformin

Why Angela recommends inositol for her clients

Building your healthcare team

The protective effects of muscle

Exercising for PCOS

Key considerations around intermittent fasting

A typical daily schedule for Angela - supplements, diet, exercise, mindfulness

Paying attention to trends, not numbers

The pros and cons of GLP-1 drugs

How you can work with Angela

What you need to know about berberine

Testing and markers for a PCOS diagnosis

Angela's message for anyone who's frustrated with their PCOS journey

Angela's confession: Being shamed and criticized by doctors

Connect with Angela Grassi

Angela Grassi's Website | PCOS Nutrition Center https://www.pcosnutrition.com/

PCOS Nutrition Center on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pcosnutrition/

Resources

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

Dr. Shawn Tassone's Book | The Hormone Balance Bible https://tassonemd.com/hormone-balance-bible/

Dr. Shawn Tassone's Integrative Hormonal Mapping System | Hormone Archetype Quiz https://tassonemd.lpages.co/hormonearchetypequiz/

27: Do It For Your Heart: Heart Disease Prevention with Dr. Joel Kahn Jan 27, 2023

Show notes

"If it's made in a factory, skip it. If it's made in nature, eat it." - Dr. Joel Kahn

Diet has become a controversial topic, and people quickly turn confrontational. From the carnivore diet to keto to veganism, chances are that talking publicly about what you eat will be met with opposition. So how can you navigate these conversations and figure out the best diet for you?

Today I'm joined by integrative cardiologist Dr. Joel Kahn. After years as a traditional cardiologist, Joel committed to a plant-based vegan diet, changed his focus, and started a practice devoted to preventative medicine.

In this episode, Joel shares his approach to heart health and how he counsels patients to treat disease ten years before a heart attack. We talk about Joel's lifelong interest in nutrition, the simple rule that we should all be following when it comes to diet, what research shows about how different diets affect the body, what you need to know before taking statins, Joel's testing recommendations, and more.

Heart disease is the number one cause of death in women, so it's essential to do as much as possible to support your heart health. This was a fantastic interview, and I learned a lot. Enjoy the episode!

Highlights

Making a move from traditional cardiology to a focus on preventative medicine

Dr. Joel's lifelong interest in studying nutrition

The simple rule that we should all be following when it comes to diet

What research shows about the benefits of plant-focused diets

Why we need to take a more personalized approach to statins

Testing you should consider before taking statins

Post-menopausal hormone therapy for heart disease prevention

The connection between your hormones and cardiovascular health

Dr. Joel's testing recommendations

Connect with Dr. Joel Kahn

Dr. Joel Kahn's Website | DrJoelKahn.com https://www.drjoelkahn.com/

Dr. Joel Kahn's Clinic | Kahn Longevity Center https://www.kahnlongevitycenter.com/

Dr. Joel Kahn on Instagram @DrJKahn https://www.instagram.com/drjkahn/

Dr. Joel Kahn's Podcast | Heart Doc VIP with Dr. Joel Kahn https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/heart-doc-vip-with-dr-joel-kahn/id1268172276?mt=2

Dr. Joel Kahn's Books https://www.drjoelkahn.com/products-shop/

Dr. Joel Kahn on The Joe Rogan Experience https://open.spotify.com/episode/5JV8Qco8cLa1NCMI1n4UI0?si=uRhvLwW2QFmADnJFI50XzQ

Dr. Kahn's Joe Rogan Experience Podcast Reference Guide https://www.drjoelkahn.com/joe-rogan-experience-reference-guide/

Resources

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

Dr. Shawn Tassone's Book | The Hormone Balance Bible https://tassonemd.com/hormone-balance-bible/

Dr. Shawn Tassone's Integrative Hormonal Mapping System | Hormone Archetype Quiz https://tassonemd.lpages.co/hormonearchetypequiz/

26: Hard To Kill with OBGYN Dr Jaime Seeman Jan 19, 2023

Show notes

"Those that don't have time for wellness will eventually have to make time for illness." - Dr. Jaime Seeman

You should be the number one advocate for your health. Like I tell my patients, I can give you the tools, and I can give you ideas, but ultimately you've got to do it yourself. We all have an innate drive to propagate our DNA. Do you want that to be a legacy of heart disease, or do you want it to be a legacy of longevity and healthiness?

Today I'm joined by OBGYN and author of Hard to Kill, Dr. Jaime Seeman. While pregnant with her third daughter, Dr. Jaime tragically lost one of her best friends, and the experience made her consider her mortality for the first time. Wanting to be an example for her patients and daughters, she started walking the walk and went from pre-diabetic and sedentary to strong and healthy.

Health is all-encompassing, and being Hard to Kill is about more than being physically fit. In the book, Dr. Jaime covers the five pillars of becoming Hard to Kill and the steps you can take to get there.

This was one of my favorite interviews, and Dr. Jaime shared a ton of actionable recommendations. In this conversation, we talk about her journey from nutritionist to OBGYN, why she decided to train in integrative medicine, why the five pillars matter, how you can start integrating them into your life, and more. Dr. Jaime is an all-around badass and a wealth of information, and I know you'll enjoy this episode.

Highlights

How Dr. Jaime became Doctor Fit & Fabulous

Dr. Jaime's integrative medicine training

The vast majority are going to have to live for a long time with the choices we make about our health

The inspiration behind Dr. Jaime's book Hard to Kill: Master the Mindset to Maximize Your Years

Healthy doesn't only look like an Instagram model

Nobody's coming to save you

The five pillars of Hard to Kill

#1: Nutrition

#2: Movement

#3: Sleep

#4: Mindset

#5: Environment

Dr. Jaime's confession

How you can get started on the five pillars for your health

Connect with Dr. Jaime Seeman

Dr. Jaime Seeman's Book | Hard to Kill: Master the Mindset to Maximize Your Years https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B8D5X736/

Dr. Jaime Seeman on Instagram @DoctorFitAndFabulous https://www.instagram.com/doctorfitandfabulous/

Dr. Jaime Seeman's Website | DoctorFitAndFabulous.com https://www.doctorfitandfabulous.com/

Resources

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

Dr. Shawn Tassone's Book | The Hormone Balance Bible https://tassonemd.com/hormone-balance-bible/

Dr. Shawn Tassone's Integrative Hormonal Mapping System | Hormone Archetype Quiz https://tassonemd.lpages.co/hormonearchetypequiz/

25: Q +A with Dr. T: PCOS, Fibroids, Essure, Weight Loss, Hormones and Hysterectomy Jan 12, 2023

Show notes

Every Saturday for the past year, I've been doing "ask me a question" on my Instagram (@ShawnTassoneMD). Over time, I've noticed specific questions and themes that come up over and over. Now, I'm bringing them to the podcast!

Starting with today's episode, I'm going to create some Q&A episodes where I hit some of the more popular questions and go a little deeper than I can on Instagram.

I love responding to your questions, so if you want an opportunity to have your question answered here, head to Instagram at @ShawnTassoneMD on Saturday and ask away! I can't give medical advice specific to you, but I can tell you what I might do for my patients.

Today we're exploring questions like "Do I have to take birth control pills to manage my PCOS?" "Are bioidentical hormones safe?" and "Should I try weight loss drugs like Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Ozempic?" Enjoy the episode!

Highlights

Q1: I have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS); why does every doctor want to put me on birth control?

What is PCOS, and what are the most common symptoms?

PCOS affects 20% to 30% of women in the U.S.

Why a multi-pronged approach is needed

My treatment approach when working with women with PCOS

Q2: Are bioidentical hormones safe?

Confessions of a Male Gynecologist | Episode 12: Does Estrogen Cause Breast Cancer?

No medication is 100% safe

Potential side effects associated with hormone replacement

Protective effects of bioidentical hormones

Like anything else, some people could have side effects.

Q3: What do you think of the weight-loss drugs: incretins, GLP-1s, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Ozempic?

They work on multiple levels

How incretin-based drugs work

Potential side-effects of these drugs

Why it's crucial to source these medications from the right places

Q4: What are your favorite supplements?

Confessions of a Male Gynecologist | Episode 8: 10 Must-Have Supplements for Women

The Big 3: maca, fish oil, magnesium glycinate

Q5: What are the different types of hysterectomies?

Total vs partial hysterectomy

How laparoscopic hysterectomies are performed

What you need to know about pelvic floor prolapse

Other types of hysterectomies

Why I prefer minimally invasive surgeries

Q6: Can you update me on Essure?

Why many women chose Essure

The three categories of women who had Essure implanted

Essure's removal from the market

Confessions of a Male Gynecologist | Episode 4: Working It With The Betty Rocker: Essure, Exercise, and Energy

Q7: What are my options for fibroids?

Fibroids are muscular knots that happen in the muscle of the uterus

Different types of fibroids and treatment options

Resources

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

Dr. Shawn Tassone's Book | The Hormone Balance Bible https://tassonemd.com/hormone-balance-bible/

Dr. Shawn Tassone's Integrative Hormonal Mapping System | Hormone Archetype Quiz https://tassonemd.lpages.co/hormonearchetypequiz/

24: Hemp Your Hormones with Hemplily Jan 05, 2023

Show notes

"Consider natural alternatives; your body wants to heal." - Terri Long

For years Terri Long suffered from chronic pain and fatigue that left her struggling to function in everyday life. She bounced from doctor to doctor before finally being given a fibromyalgia diagnosis. But even with the medication she received, she still felt horrible.

Eventually, fed up with being stuck and believing her body could heal itself given the right circumstances and environment, Terri decided to take matters into her own hands. Her research started her natural healing journey and led to her discovery of the benefits of cannabis and hemp products. In 2017, Terri founded Hemplily with the mission of helping people get to rid of their pain and balance their minds and bodies.

Today Terri is joining us to dispel a lot of the misinformation about hemp and CBD products. Since CBD hit the mainstream, tons of new products hit the market, and many bad players have come out with low-quality products sold under misleading labels. Unfortunately, that left many people with a negative impression of CBD.

In this conversation, Terri and I talk about how hemp extracts have been integral on her healing journey, what you need to look for in a high-quality product, the pros and cons of different formats, how you can get started, and more. In my practice, I've prescribed it for issues like menstrual cramps, migraines, fibromyalgia, insomnia, and anxiety. I encourage you to be open to exploring natural alternatives and how the right hemp extracts could be helpful for you.

Highlights

Terri's fibromyalgia journey and the start of the natural wellness journey that led to Hemplily

The critical distinction between hemp seed oil and plant extract

How hemp extract is made

The active components of full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate hemp extracts

Understanding the different formats of hemp extracts

How Hemplily Menopause Complex helps women with menopause symptoms

What to do if you don't see results while using hemp extracts

Finding relief for period pain

When to use a topical versus an internal format

Federal and state laws around CBD and hemp products

How to find the right product for your needs

Cognitive benefits of functional mushrooms

Getting started with Hemplily

Connect with Hemplily

Website | Hemplily.com https://hemplily.com/ - use my code DRT for a discount on your first order!

Hemplily on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hemplily/

Hemplily on Instagram @hemplily_helps https://www.instagram.com/hemplily_helps/

Resources

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

Dr. Shawn Tassone's Book | The Hormone Balance Bible https://tassonemd.com/hormone-balance-bible/

Dr. Shawn Tassone's Integrative Hormonal Mapping System | Hormone Archetype Quiz https://tassonemd.lpages.co/hormonearchetypequiz/

23: Shut Your Pie-Hole: Intermittent Fasting and Weight Loss with Cynthia Thurlow Dec 29, 2022

Show notes

"We would not have evolved as a species if we could not have gone through periods of food feasting and famine." - Cynthia Thurlow

From ancient Rome to the Industrial Revolution, people have been fasting for various reasons, including religious rites and social customs. But while it's not a new practice, modern-day intermittent fasting exists in a new environment where food is abundant, but nutrient density is much lower than in the past.

Today I'm joined by my friend, intermittent fasting expert Cynthia Thurlow. A nurse practitioner and bestselling author, Cynthia used intermittent fasting in perimenopause to reverse some of the changes she didn't like seeing in her body. Now she's passionate about helping women find wellness through the healing power of nutrition and fasting.

About Cynthia Thurlow

Cynthia Thurlow is a nurse practitioner, author of the best-selling book Intermittent Fasting Transformation: The IF45 Plan, a 2X TEDx speaker, with her second talk having more than 10 million views, and she's also the host of the Everyday Wellness Podcast. With over 20 years of experience in health and wellness, Cynthia is a globally recognized expert in intermittent fasting and women's health and her mission is to educate women on the benefits of intermittent fasting and overall holistic health and wellness so they feel empowered to live their most optimal lives.

Highlights

Cynthia's pivot from allopathic nurse practitioner to entrepreneur

Why Cynthia decided to focus on helping women in particular

How being metabolically flexible saved Cynthia after her appendix ruptured

What allopathic medicine lacks when it comes to prevention and chronic disease management

Benefits of allopathic and integrative perspectives coming together

The driving factors behind our collectively rising metabolic issues

Why what you eat for breakfast matters and the crucial role of protein

Understanding the role of digest and rest

Does the length of your fasting window matter?

Fasting at each stage of the menstrual cycle

Why it's important to work with a medical professional to determine the best course of action for you

The connection between fasting, longevity, muscle protein synthesis, and insulin sensitivity

What you can expect from Cynthia's book, Intermittent Fasting Transformation

Who will benefit the most from intermittent fasting, and who should avoid it?

Cynthia's Confession: Evolving as an allopathic practitioner

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow

Website https://cynthiathurlow.com/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cynthia_thurlow_/

Resources

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

Dr. Shawn Tassone's Book | The Hormone Balance Bible https://tassonemd.com/hormone-balance-bible/

Dr. Shawn Tassone's Integrative Hormonal Mapping System | Hormone Archetype Quiz https://tassonemd.lpages.co/hormonearchetypequiz/

22: The Power Of Progesterone and The Unbalanced Heroine Dec 22, 2022

Show notes

Progesterone is the great calmer. It's the hormone responsible for pregnancy and is probably my second favorite (right after testosterone). With its central role in the menstrual cycle, I've seen progesterone help many women in my practice.

In my book, The Hormone Balance Bible, the archetype for progesterone deficiency is the Unbalanced Heroine. It's a common archetype associated with insomnia, irritability, and feeling out of control. Unfortunately, in the media, they are often portrayed as the stereotypical "hormonal" woman and are typically cast as the mean girl or the laughing stock.

For today's episode, I'm sharing what progesterone deficiency typically looks like, how progesterone levels fluctuate over the four stages of the menstrual cycle, what you need to know about testing and hormone replacement, and how Unbalanced Heroines can get back in balance using my S.H.I.N.E.S. protocol. Enjoy the episode!

Highlights

Understanding the Unbalanced Heroine archetype

How progesterone levels change throughout your menstrual cycle

A patient story: Anna, the Unbalanced Heroine

Why I look at the estrogen-progesterone ratio

Common symptoms of progesterone deficiency

How Unbalanced Heroines can use my S.H.I.N.E.S. protocol to get back in balance

Famous Unbalanced Heroines and cultural stereotypes

Why I don't prescribe pregnenolone

Dr. T's Confession: "I've taken progesterone"

Resources

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

Dr. Shawn Tassone's Book | The Hormone Balance Bible https://tassonemd.com/hormone-balance-bible/

Dr. Shawn Tassone's Integrative Hormonal Mapping System | 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.

21: Feminade and Affordable Hormone Testing: Roya Pakzad, CEO Dec 16, 2022

Show notes

"Honor your body. If something doesn't feel right, it's because it's not right." - Roya Pakzad

Being in control of your health is empowering, but often, that's easier said than done. High deductibles, restrictions on insurance coverage, and the cost of working with functional medicine practitioners are just some of the barriers that prevent women from accessing the full range of testing and modalities that could provide them with the help they need.

Today I'm joined by Roya Pakzad, CEO and founder of Feminade, to talk about women's health and hormones and how the medical system has minimized women. After dealing with hormonal imbalances and nightmare experiences in the traditional medical system, Roya was determined to create a platform that gives women answers. From that mission, Feminade was born.

In this conversation, Roya and I talk about why most women would benefit from annual hormone testing, the problems with access to appropriate testing and understanding the results, why Feminade has been life-changing for so many people, what you can do to support the women-led uprising in Iran, and more.

About Roya Pakzad Roya Pakzad is a fierce doer with the mind of an engineer and the heart of an advocate. Her interest in helping all women take charge of their hormones is personal. Her journey led to many naturopathic and functional medicine doctors who listened to her story and helped her get to the root cause of her symptoms. Along the way, she discovered protocols that balance hormones instead of masking them. Because she wasn't satisfied with simply healing herself, she founded Feminade to make holistic healthcare that targets hormonal imbalances accessible and affordable for everyone with a uterus.

Highlights

Roya's repeated negative experiences with doctors, starting with her first visit to a gynecologist at age 19

The motivation and inspiration behind starting Feminade

Highlighting the problems of affordability and access to quality healthcare

Getting started with Feminade's extremely accessible options for at-home testing and telehealth

The markers tested in Feminade's hormone testing kit

Why most women will benefit from hormone testing

What you need to know about the current women-led uprising in Iran

How you can support the movement in Iran

Roya's message for women getting minimized by the medical system

Connect with Roya Pakzad & Feminade

Website https://feminade.com/