Confessions of a Male Gynecologist

Thyroid hormone is one of the two hormones that are critical to our survival. Unfortunately, thyroid disease is very common, and women are around five to eight times more likely to be diagnosed with a thyroid condition than a man. In my practice, I see many women who have either been diagnosed with thyroid disease or who have subclinical thyroid disease, where they have all the symptoms but have often been dismissed by doctors because their labs are within the normal range. Today I'm exploring the role of the thyroid in our bodies, different types of thyroid disease, why I don't think we should be satisfied with being on the low end of normal lab ranges, common symptoms of thyroid disease, my approach to thyroid testing, how you can advocate for yourself with your doctor, and more. Enjoy the episode! Highlights My approach to interpreting hormone levels What is the thyroid and where is it located? Your thyroid plays an essential role in keeping you alive Why I often choose NP-Thyroid for patients with hypothyroidism What your TSH levels really mean Why you might not feel good even though your thyroid hormone levels are "normal" Women are at higher risk for thyroid disease Conditions and medical history that can increase the risk of developing thyroid disease Common causes of thyroid problems and the differences between them Taking iodine without being supervised by a medical professional can be dangerous Diabetes increases the risk of thyroid disease Why TSH shouldn't be used to diagnose thyroid disease Symptoms of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism Thyroid disease and hair loss How thyroid disease is diagnosed It's important to look at symptoms in conjunction with thyroid hormone levels My recommendations for thyroid testing When imaging is useful in diagnosis You have to be a persistent advocate for yourself Understanding treatment options for thyroid disease What you can learn about the Underdog (hypothyroidism) and Over-Achiever (hyperthyroidism) archetypes in the Hormone Balance Bible A thyroid panel should include: Basic: TSH, free T4, and free T3 Advanced: TSH, free T4, free T3, thyroid peroxidase antibodies, thyroglobulin antibodies, and thyroglobulin Why I rarely order the reverse T3 test What your thyroid panel results mean Mentioned in this episode Integrative Therapeutics BMR Complex https://www.integrativepro.com/products/bmr-complex Connect with Dr. Shawn Tassone, MD, PhD Instagram @ShawnTassoneMD https://www.instagram.com/shawntassonemd/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3rKOqycMebP0Sb6G83lQJg Call his office: 512-956-0296 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.

"This ain't your Mama's menopause. You get to define what it looks like moving forward." - Dr. Mariza Snyder During perimenopause, it can feel like everything is falling apart. Your body is changing, sex hormones are declining, and ovarian function shifts towards retirement mode. But the more metabolically flexible you are heading into menopause and beyond, the more control you have over how this time in your life plays out. Functional practitioner Dr. Mariza Snyder believes that by focusing on your mindset and metabolic function, the transition into menopause can become an excellent opportunity to pivot into living the life you want. In this conversation, we talk about Mariza's daily practices for good metabolic health, how she uses essential oils in her home and with her young son, the significant impact of mindset on the perimenopause transition, how to start using essential oils in your life, and more. Mariza is a great friend of mine with a substantial depth of knowledge regarding essential oils, perimenopause, and menopause - she wrote the books on them. If you're already using essential oils or just curious about how you could incorporate them into your life, I highly recommend Mariza's books because she is the authority. About Dr. Mariza Snyder Dr. Mariza Snyder is a functional practitioner, women's hormone expert, and the author of eight books: The newest book, The Essential Oils Menopause Solution, focuses on solutions for women in perimenopause and menopause and the #1 National Bestselling book, The Essential Oils Hormone Solution, focuses on balancing women's hormones naturally. Highlights Mariza's focus on helping women through the transition of perimenopause How Mariza's mother went from the poster child of menopause symptoms to living the life she wanted in her 50s and beyond Mariza's priorities for good metabolic health Essential oils pair beautifully with a lot of self-care practices How Mariza uses essential oils throughout her day The best way to start learning about using essential oils What to look for in high-quality essential oils Expert guidance is crucial for using essential oils therapeutically Connect with Dr. Mariza Snyder Dr. Mariza Snyder's Website https://drmariza.com/ Dr. Mariza Snyder's Podcast | Essentially You https://drmariza.com/podcast/ Dr. Mariza Snyder on Instagram @DrMariza https://www.instagram.com/drmariza/ Dr. Mariza Snyder & dōTERRA Essential Oils https://drmariza.com/essential-oils/ Dr. Mariza Snyder's Books https://drmariza.com/books/ 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.

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. The bottom line is hormone replacement therapy is a personal choice. We have to look at the risks versus benefits, not expecting it to be a panacea for everything that ails you, but as something that could significantly improve your quality of life when done with caution. 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 (WHI) 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 Mentioned in this episode The Women's Health Initiative https://www.whi.org/ Women's Estrogen–Progestin Lipid-Lowering Hormone Atherosclerosis Regression Trial - WELL-HART https://www.acc.org/latest-in-cardiology/clinical-trials/2010/02/23/19/26/wellhart HABITS (hormonal replacement therapy after breast cancer--is it safe?), a randomized comparison: trial stopped https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14962527/ Nordic Naturals ProOmega® https://www.nordicnaturals.com/en/Products/Product_Details/515/?ProdID=30 Udo's Choice Flaxseed Oil Femenessence Maca Products https://femmenessence.com/ Magnesium Glycinate 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.

Traditional plastic surgery training taught Dr. Anthony Youn that the bigger the operation, the better. This idea was reinforced throughout medical school and residency and stayed with Tony as he built his practice. As he grew, he built up a long waiting list of patients across the country and felt like he had hit the pinnacle of success. Then he had a horrible complication with a patient that transformed his perspective and approach to his work. Now known as America's Holistic Plastic Surgeon™, Tony has a whole body perspective on aging, the process of reversing aging, utilizing all the different minimally invasive available, and keeping surgery as a last resort. Dr. Anthony Youn is a very dear friend of mine who has a fantastic way of sharing information in a very entertaining way. In this conversation, we dive into the history of implants, breast implant illness, holistic plastic surgery tips, and much more. About Anthony Youn, MD Known as America's Holistic Plastic Surgeon™, Dr. Anthony Youn is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Award-Winning Author, and Anti-Aging Expert. He is one of the nation's best-known experts in looking younger with or without surgery, and for the past dozen years, he has also shared his tips for holistic plastic surgery on such programs as The Doctors, and many others. He is a strong advocate for responsible plastic surgery, and recommends using actual surgery as a last resort for patients who want to look and feel younger and better. Highlights Transitioning away from the "cut to cure" culture The whole body perspective brought by holistic plastic surgery How minimally invasive treatments like Botox fit into the bigger picture The history and evolution of breast implants Increasing awareness around breast implant illness (BII) Common symptoms of BII Breast implant illness is a diagnosis of exclusion Dr. Youn's experience with breast implant removal/explant What makes a successful explant? The risks of fat injections to the breasts Complications with informed consent The rise of the Brazilian butt lift (BBL) What it means to be board-certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Dr. Youn's mostly vegetarian diet Dr. Youn's Confession: The risks of speaking up Connect with Anthony Youn, MD Website https://www.dryoun.com/ Anthony Youn, MD's Books https://www.amazon.com/Anthony-Youn/e/B004D1J152 Podcast | The Holistic Plastic Surgery Show https://www.dryoun.com/podcast/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@doctoryoun YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/tonyyounmd Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tonyyounmd/ 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.

Estrogen is probably the most misunderstood hormone. The demonization of estrogen by the Women's Health Initiative has done a disservice to women's health and caused a lot of fear. Between the patients who don't want to take it and the doctors who refuse to prescribe it, many women are missing out on estrogen's protective effects and suffering needlessly for years and years. I want you to know you don't need to fear estrogen. Today I'm talking about what research shows about the benefits of estrogen, the three types of estrogen, how they're prescribed, the metabolism of estrogen in the body, what you can do to maximize your estrogen breakdown, what I've found works best for hormone replacement, and more. Enjoy the episode! Highlights Common fears around estrogen Setting the record straight: estrogen and breast cancer The three types of estrogen Why testing for estradiol alone is typically enough What you need to know about Biest and Triest The function and protective effects of estradiol Adverse effects of the demonization of estrogen Why estriol is no longer widely used The comparative strength of estradiol, estriol, and estrone Why estrone was removed from the market How your body gets rid of estrogen Why DIM and I3C are not suitable for decreasing estrogen levels How you can improve your estrogen metabolism Estrone's potential for increased cancer risk Why I stopped prescribing Biest Pros and cons of different methods of delivery for estrogen Typical starting dosage for estrogen How to test your body's estrogen metabolism What to do if you have low methylation Today's confession: hormone testing is valuable Mentioned in this episode Confessions of a Male Gynecologist | Episode 3: Test Don't Guess: Hormone Testing 101 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/ Learn more at https://tassonemd.com/podcast/. 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.

The medical community is often critical of new ideas. Yet, if we don't evolve as providers, we're doing our patients a disservice. As someone who's been at the forefront of women's health throughout her career, Dr. Anna Cabeca never let the naysayers deter her. Back in her first practice in a small town in Georgia, Dr. Anna often found herself with patients with little resources. That experience forced her to get creative in treating her patients; she also recognized the value of empowering the body to heal itself. Today I'm excited to welcome Dr. Anna, a great friend, and a true hormone expert, to share her insights and experience with you. In this episode, we talk about hormone replenishment, why she created her all-natural products, restorative health, why she is a big fan of compounding pharmacies, the benefits of bioidentical hormones, how being in ketosis helps the body, what it means to live by design, and more. About Dr. Anna Cabeca Dr. Anna Cabeca is a medical doctor, mother, advocate for women's health, researcher, and educator. Dr. Cabeca frequently lectures nationally and internationally regarding restorative health and women's health issues. Highlights Dr. Anna's medical background and why she became passionate about advocacy and empowering the body to heal itself Recognizing the opportunities to improve patients' lives through sexual medicine Why we must evolve as healthcare providers Dr. Anna's constant drive to be at the forefront of women's health research Busting the myths about estrogen being the bad guy How our understanding of hormones and hormone replacement therapy has developed in recent years Why Dr. Anna created Julva® and how it helps women The transformative role of organic Peruvian maca in Dr. Anna's healing journey Why Dr. Anna does hormone replenishment, not hormone replacement The benefits of Mighty Maca® Plus for men and women The benefits of regularly getting into ketosis How MenuPause can help you overcome common dietary plateaus How to connect with Dr. Anna and where to find her products Dr. Anna's Confession Connect with Dr. Anna Cabeca Website https://drannacabeca.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thegirlfrienddoctor Facebook https://www.facebook.com/thegirlfrienddoctor TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@thegirlfrienddoctor The Girlfriend Doctor Club https://go.drannacabeca.com/the-girlfriend-doctor-club Books https://drannacabeca.com/collections/books Julva® - Vulva revitalizing cream https://drannacabeca.com/products/julva Mighty Maca® Plus - Superfood drink https://drannacabeca.com/products/mighty-maca 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.

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 generally 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 supplementation Supplement #10: Hops Transitioning patients off of sleep medication Sedative effects of hops Different formats available for taking hops Today's Confession & my current supplement protocol 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/ Learn more at https://tassonemd.com/podcast/. 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.

Early in her clinical career, Dr. Stephanie Estima recognized through her patients that men and women required very different approaches to achieve successful outcomes. That realization led to Stephanie developing a standard of care uniquely focused on female health and wellbeing. Now, her mission is to inspire women globally to be the best versions of themselves physically and emotionally through the power of easily accessible female health education. Stephanie has been a friend of mine for several years, and her approach to women's health and fitness is unique and fascinating. In this conversation, Stephanie and I talk about the role of diet and lifestyle in your brain health, the benefits of a female-centric ketogenic-style diet, why women should lift heavy weights, what you'll learn in The Betty Body, and more. About Dr. Stephanie Estima Dr. Stephanie Estima is the Founder of Hello Betty, a community centered around female empowerment through health and business coaching. She is a doctor of chiropractic with a special interest in metabolism, body composition, functional neurology, and female physiology. She is also the Host of the Better! Podcast With Dr. Stephanie, featuring the world's leading voices on health and wellness. Highlights Stephanie's training and clinical experience as a chiropractor What led Stephanie to develop a standard of care that uniquely focuses on female health and wellbeing Implications of the differences in serotonin and dopamine synthesis and receptors between the sexes Measuring brain function and brain metabolism How nutrition and lifestyle directly impact your brain health Why Stephanie advocates for the ketogenic diet as a great starting point for improving your brain health The stumbling block many people encounter around 4-5 weeks into the ketogenic diet Potential harmful effects of chronic protein restriction What to look for in a good protein source How to start weight training What you will learn from reading The Betty Body The two-phase approach of the Estima Diet™ Stephanie's Confession: Feeling abandoned by the traditional medical system Connect with Dr. Stephanie Estima Dr. Stephanie Estima's Book | The Betty Body: A Geeky Goddess' Guide to Intuitive Eating, Balanced Hormones, and Transformative Sex https://bettybodybook.com/ Dr. Stephanie Estima's Podcast | Better! with Dr. Stephanie https://hellobetty.club/podcast Dr. Stephanie Estima on Instagram @dr.stephanie.estima https://www.instagram.com/dr.stephanie.estima/ Dr. Stephanie Estima's Website | Hello Betty https://hellobetty.club/ 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.

Many patients are choosing providers outside of the traditional medical system because of negative experiences with MDs. In a time where there are so many doctors, experts, and gurus to choose from, there's no need to stay with a provider that is failing you. At the same time, figuring out who is well-positioned to help you has become quite confusing. From doctors who aren't medical doctors to specialists advising outside of their specialty, how are you supposed to know what to look for? With this episode, I want to get you thinking about your providers and to be empowered in choosing whose advice you follow. I'm sharing what the letters behind providers' names mean, the differences between similar-sounding specialties, and the red flags that you should be aware of when selecting a provider. Highlights The confusion caused by non-medical practitioners with the title "Dr." Core tenet for credential clarity: Always clarify what type of Dr. you are Getting clear on the training and experience behind: MD: Medical Doctor; 4 years of undergrad, 4 years of medical school, residency and possibly fellowship DO: Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine; similar training path to MDs but with an additional study on manipulative therapy Naturopath/Naturopathic Doctor: operate on the six principles of naturopathic medicine; usually a 4-year program Chiropractic Physician/Doctor of Chiropractic: Focus on the musculoskeletal anatomy DPT: Doctor of Physical Therapy; Graduate degree; required to indicate that they are physical therapists when using the title of Dr. Clinical Nutritionist: analyzes a person's diet along with their medical history; often licensed and can usually order labs Registered Dietitian (RDN): food and nutrition experts; internship after completing their degree; can sometimes order labs Certified Nutritional Consultant (CNC): educates clients on their lifestyle and dietary habits; can sit for a certified board exam after completing education and experience requirements Functional Diagnostic Nutrition (FDN)/Integrative Functional Nutritionist: receive nutrition training but don't necessarily have a medical background Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners: lengthy degree requirement; aim to find the energetic body aspect of your illness and correct it from that angle Acupuncturist: degree program differentiated them from someone who does needling Keys differences between: Psychologists vs. psychiatrists Plastic surgeon vs. cosmetic surgeon Nurse practitioners (NP) vs. physician assistants (PA) 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/ Learn more at https://tassonemd.com/podcast/. 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.

Nat never planned to treat women's health. Coming out of her studies, she opened up her clinic and found herself inundated with women desperate for answers to the symptoms they were experiencing. After turning many women away, thinking she couldn't help, she started to recognize a pattern of common symptoms in most of their cases. Years of study, practice, and experience later, Nat is now known as the Hormone Revolutionist, and she's empowering women and girls to understand their bodies and hormones better. Nat is a great friend who's been instrumental in getting to where I am today. We've been through some fantastic adventures and times together, and I'm excited to have her on the podcast to share her expertise and insights. In this conversation, we're talking about how our modern lifestyle is reflected in common symptoms women experience, her approach to addressing the root cause of your symptoms, the revolutionary shows, and books Nat has created, what she's learned since her son's cystic fibrosis diagnosis, why she wrote her first-of-its-kind book Beautiful You to empower young women, the changes we experience in different phases of our lives, how to figure out which information to trust, and more. About Nat Kringoudis Nat Kringoudis is a two times best-selling Author, two-time podcast host, and all-around women's health and natural fertility practitioner. She founded Melbourne's home of natural health - her clinic, The Pagoda Tree, where she has helped over 20,000 women rescue their hormones and reclaim their best life. Highlights Why Nat decided to specialize in supporting women's health Nat's approach to addressing the root cause of women's symptoms The revolutionary YouTube series Nat created Nat's experience of having a child with a cystic fibrosis Moving forward with a difficult diagnosis and finding your path How Beautiful You empowers young women when it comes to their bodies and their health Western medicine's one-dimensional approach to perimenopause The changes that come in different phases of our lives Recognizing typical symptoms vs. red flags in perimenopause How to vet sources of information and identify who to trust Connect with Nat Kringoudis Nat Kringoudis' Website https://www.natkringoudis.com/ Nat Kringoudis on Instagram | @NatKringoudis https://www.instagram.com/natkringoudis/ Nat Kringoudis' Podcast | The Wellness Collective https://www.listnr.com/podcasts/the-wellness-collective Nat Kringoudis' Book | Beautiful You: Your body is talking, it's time to listen https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1698013051/ 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.

All too often, it's women who bear the brunt of medical device failures. A major example is Essure, which came on the market in 2002 as a female sterilization device. It was sold to physicians and patients as a non-surgical, FDA-approved option that could be inserted without much downtime. Sounds good, right? That's what many of us thought at first, but by 2016, many women reported issues, and I started removing them. At the end of 2018, Essure production was stopped, and the distributors took it off the market. Today Women's Fitness and Nutrition Coach Bree Argetsinger, also known as The Betty Rocker, joins me to talk about her experience with Essure and ultimately having it removed. In this episode, we talk about her decision to try Essure, how she realized that it was the source of health issues she was experiencing, how you can benefit from a health team, her Essure removal experience, and more. About Bree Argetsinger, The Betty Rocker Bree Argetsinger, The Betty Rocker, is a C.H.E.K. (Corrective Exercise and High-performance Kinesiology) certified Exercise Coach, a Nationally Certified Structural Integration Practitioner (realignment of the body through manual therapy), an ISSA (International Sports Sciences Association) certified fitness nutrition practitioner and an all-around fitness motivator and champion of personal growth. Highlights Bree's long history with hormonal birth control since age 14 The attractive promises of a future with Essure Why so many women and their providers felt confident about Essure The three types of patients who encounter issues with Essure How exposure to black mold ultimately led Bree to dig deeper into Essure side effects The unusual circumstances around Essure being taken off the market Why the main components of the device and its mechanism of action can be problematic How we connected after Bree's recognition that Essure was at the center of her issues Major issues that occur due to botched Essure removals How I approach Essure removals after performing over a thousand via laparoscopic surgery Managing the mental and emotional aspects of losing a part of yourself Bree's post-op and recovery experience Why it's important to be health conscious instead of body conscious How an "all or something" mindset will help you to reach your goals more consistently The faster healing Bree experienced after her Essure removal Connect with Bree Argetsinger Bree Argetsinger's Website https://thebettyrocker.com/ Bree Argetsinger on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thebettyrocker/ 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.

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 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/ Learn more at https://tassonemd.com/podcast/. 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.

Many women have a similar experience: you're feeling like crap, but when you go to the doctor, you're told everything is normal, and you're fine. Understanding your hormones is a critical foundation for advocating for yourself and being empowered when it comes to your health. To start things off, this week is all about your hormones. I'm sharing the basics every woman needs to know about her hormones and some insights into what you can expect from upcoming episodes of this podcast. Enjoy the episode! Highlights What I'm looking for when testing estrogen levels Busting common estrogen myths Symptoms of high and low estradiol levels Why progesterone's effects are higher in the second half of your menstrual cycle Benefits and therapeutic uses of progesterone Why women aren't often treated with testosterone The role of testosterone in women Why you need to test specifically for free testosterone The connection between dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), estrogen, and testosterone The critical importance of thyroid hormone Why it's not enough to test for TSH How FSH and LH directly affect ovulation The many functions of cortisol Understanding "The Saboteur" archetype from The Hormone Balance Bible Dr. T's Confession This week's challenge: Find out your Hormonal Archetype Resources Blog Post | The Pitfalls of Pellets https://tassonemd.com/the-pitfalls-of-pellets/ 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/ Learn more at https://tassonemd.com/podcast/. 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.

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Confessions of a Male Gynecologist, a cheeky-sounding name for an unconventional show. I'm Dr. Shawn Tassone, a board-certified OB-GYN who's also board certified in integrative medicine. It's an unusual combination, rooted in my recognition that I couldn't help my patients as much as I wanted to through allopathic medicine alone. How we respond to our health and how we respond to each other tells a story. I created this podcast not only to share the stories I've experienced and encountered over the past 20 years but to create a space for colleagues and patients to share their stories. In this episode, I'm sharing what you can expect from Confessions of a Male Gynecologist, my background and what drove me to want to be a better healer, what I've learned from my patients, and how the conversations we'll share on this podcast will empower you in your health journey. I'm excited to welcome you on this journey. Now, let's get to those confessions. Highlights What you can expect from the Confessions of a Male Gynecologist podcast How 20 years in practice have turned me into a storyteller How my mother's cancer diagnosis changed my perspective on medicine and healing The spiritual crisis that led me to train in integrative medicine Exploring healing with your mind The meaning behind "Confessions of a Male Gynecologist" Second-class citizens and the doctor-archy The mission to get you the vetted information you need to advocate for yourself Mentioned in this episode Andrew Weil's Book | 8 Weeks to Optimum Health: A Proven Program for Taking Full Advantage of Your Body's Natural Healing Power https://www.amazon.com/Weeks-Optimum-Health-Program-Advantage/dp/034549802X Shawn A. Tassone MD & Kathryn M. Landherr MD's Book | Spiritual Pregnancy: Develop, Nurture & Embrace the Journey to Motherhood https://www.amazon.com/Spiritual-Pregnancy-Develop-Nurture-Motherhood/dp/0738735515 Resources 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/ Learn more at https://tassonemd.com/podcast/. 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.

Have you ever wondered why you need to worry about your hormones? Or how hormones impact your overall health and well-being? Have you made the connection between your weight gain, heavy painful periods, hot flashes, severe fatigue, or thinning hair? Maybe you have, but like so many other women, you've been told you're fine or you're just getting older. How do you make the connection and bridge the gap between integrated, functional, and allopathic medicine with so much conflicting information across the internet and social media? How do you find the right road to navigate all this and one concise, well-designed plan that's actually going to help you feel better? Consider this podcast your saving grace. I'm Dr. Shawn Tassone America's holistic gynecologist. I'm double board-certified in Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Integrative Medicine but what's most interesting about me is I have a Ph.D. in Mind-Body Medicine and Philosophy. I guess you might say, I'm not your average OB-GYN. As part of my mission to change the way both physicians and patients approach women's health, I wrote a book called The Hormone Balance Bible and created the world's first Integrative Hormonal Mapping System. Now, Confessions of a Male Gynecologist is a little bit tongue in cheek. In each episode I'll take a deep dive to find answers to your most burning questions with experts from both sides of the aisle, to finally get you that vetted information with solid research so you can get clarity and start advocating for yourself. What makes this podcast different from the others? Well, I've curated the experts I'll bring you and some are going to be my friends, while some of them are people that may not like me. But these discussions are meant to be civil and cordial with topics ranging from the craziness of perimenopause and menopause to hormones, how to achieve optimal health of the mind and body, right through to things like relationships, and other general women's health concerns. I'll share with you the most up-to-date information and research on endometriosis, fibroids, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and I'm going to show you why your hormones are the business. I'm bringing you all the information you wanted and needed but might have been afraid to ask for. And the confessions? Well, they're going to come from me, my expert guests, and you. If you've told any stories, or if you have a story to share, this right here is a safe and open space where the discussions will allow each of us to grow and learn. Are you ready? Let's confess our sins. Resources 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/