Confessions of a Male Gynecologist – Details, episodes & analysis

Confession #104: When you start talking about thyroid, people get crazy

In this episode, Dr. Shawn Tassone discusses the topic of thyroid health. He highlights the importance of thyroid hormones for overall well-being and explains the role of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in regulating thyroid function.

Dr. Tassone also discusses subclinical hypothyroidism, the significance of thyroid antibodies, and the controversy surrounding reverse T3 testing. He emphasizes the need for personalized treatment and monitoring of thyroid health.

Episode Highlights

• Why thyroid hormones are essential for overall health and well-being
• How Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is a crucial regulator of thyroid function
• What is subclinical hypothyroidism
• Thyroid antibodies, such as thyroid peroxidase antibodies, can indicate autoimmune thyroid diseases like Hashimoto's or Graves' disease
• Why Reverse T3 testing is controversial
• Reasons personalized treatment and monitoring are important for optimizing thyroid health

Resources
Dr. Tassone's Practice | Tassone Advanced Gynecology
Dr. Tassone's Book | The Hormone Balance Bible
Hormone Archetype Quiz | Hormonal Mapping System

Medical 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 healthcare professional for any medical questions.

In this episode, Dr. Shawn Tassone interviews Ashley James, host of the Learn True Health podcast. Ashley shares her personal journey of overcoming anxiety and various health issues through holistic medicine. They discuss the importance of addressing root causes and exploring different aspects of health, including nutrition, mental health, and environmental factors.

Ashley also introduces her book, Addicted to Wellness, which offers 33 health challenges to improve overall well-being. The conversation concludes with Ashley explaining a technique she learned called Timeline Therapy, which helps individuals release unresolved emotions from the past. In this conversation, Ashley James shares a technique to overcome anxiety by using the concept of timeline therapy. She explains how anxiety is not an emotion but rather a response to stress, and how our thoughts and focus can trigger anxiety.

Ashley guides the listeners through a step-by-step process of imagining a successful completion of an event and going 15 minutes past that event to eliminate anxiety. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on what we want to happen instead of what we don't want, and how this can rewire the brain and create a better quality of life.

Episode Highlights

• The approach of Holistic Medicine
• Diet changes that can impact your health significantly
• Why addressing emotional and mental aspects is crucial for long-term health results
• The importance of hydration
• Timeline Therapy technique

About Ashley James

Ashley James is a celebrated holistic health expert, advocate for the Whole Food Plant-Based lifestyle, and the vibrant voice behind the Learn True Health Podcast. With a passion for healing and a commitment to holistic wellness, Ashley presents her latest endeavor, "Addicted to Wellness," a workbook that is a testament to her expertise and a gift to health-seekers everywhere.

Resources
Dr. Tassone's Practice | Tassone Advanced Gynecology
Dr. Tassone's Book | The Hormone Balance Bible
Hormone Archetype Quiz | Hormonal Mapping System

Medical 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 healthcare professional for any medical questions.

Today’s episode focuses on the topic of testosterone deficiency in women, which is the number one hormone imbalance across all age groups. Dr. Tassone discusses the impact of birth control pills on testosterone levels and explains the difference between total testosterone and free testosterone. He also discusses commonly overlooked symptoms of low testosterone including fatigue, lack of motivation, and decreased libido.

Dr. Tassone emphasizes the importance of checking free testosterone levels and discusses various treatment options, including creams and sublingual tablets. He also mentions his SHINES protocol and recommends lifestyle changes and supplements to help increase testosterone levels. The conversation concludes with the challenges of accessing testosterone replacement therapy for women and what women can do to get the care they need.

Episode Highlights

• What is testosterone deficiency
• How testosterone deficiency affects women vs men
• The impact the Birth control pills can have on free testosterone
• Symptoms of low testosterone in women
• How to accurately assess testosterone levels
• Treatment options for low testosterone
• Lifestyle changes that can help improve testosterone levels
• Supplements that may benefit testosterone levels
• FDA-approved options for accessing testosterone replacement therapy for women

Resources
Dr. Tassone's Practice | Tassone Advanced Gynecology
Dr. Tassone's Book | The Hormone Balance Bible
Hormone Archetype Quiz | Hormonal Mapping System

Medical 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/

In this episode, Dr. Shawn Tassone discusses perimenopause and the symptoms associated with it. He highlights the issue of marketing and selling products related to perimenopause by celebrities and predatory companies. Dr. Tassone explains that perimenopause is not a disease but a time period around menopause, and it is characterized by a range of symptoms. He discusses the importance of addressing symptoms like insomnia, weight gain, fatigue, decreased libido, hot flashes, and hair loss. Dr. Tassone also emphasizes the need for proper hormone testing and finding a healthcare provider who understands and can provide appropriate treatment.

Episode Highlights

• What is Perimenopause
• Insight on the discussion labeling perimenopause a disease
• Symptoms of perimenopause including insomnia, weight gain, fatigue, decreased libido, hot flashes, and hair loss.
• Why proper hormone testing is important
• How to manage a hormonal imbalance
• Why finding a healthcare provider who understands perimenopause and can provide appropriate treatment is crucial
• Why women should be cautious of marketing and false claims made by celebrities and predatory companies.

Resources

Dr. Tassone's Practice | Tassone Advanced Gynecology

Dr. Tassone's Book | The Hormone Balance Bible

Hormone Archetype Quiz | Hormonal Mapping System

Medical 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.

Dr. Shawn Tassone discusses the patient's bill of rights and what patients should expect from their healthcare providers. He covers topics such as confidentiality, informed consent, access to medical records, pain treatment, and the right to refuse medical treatments. Dr. Tassone emphasizes the importance of patient advocacy and empowerment in healthcare decisions.

Episode Highlights

• Why patients have the right to expect safe, considerate, and respectful care that aligns with their beliefs
• Why confidentiality of medical records and communication is a patient's right
• Reasons patients should be informed about their diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
• Why patients have the right to refuse medical treatments, participate in research, and designate additional physicians to receive medical updates
• How advocacy and empowerment are essential for patients to ensure fair and appropriate treatment in healthcare settings.

Resources

Dr. Tassone's Practice | Tassone Advanced Gynecology

Dr. Tassone's Book | The Hormone Balance Bible

Hormone Archetype Quiz | Hormonal Mapping System

Medical 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.