Confessions of a Male Gynecologist

Confession #106: Most women are being denied hormone replacement therapy In this episode, Dr. Shawn Tassone interviews Mariza Snyder about her experience with perimenopause and the challenges she faced. Mariza shares her journey of dealing with hormone issues, overtraining, and a brain injury, which led to a decline in her hormone levels. She discusses the importance of hormone replacement therapy and the need for more comprehensive testing for women in perimenopause. Mariza also highlights the role of essential oils in managing symptoms and the need for self-care during this transitional phase. The conversation emphasizes the need for women to advocate for their own health and seek out knowledgeable healthcare providers. The conversation covers various topics related to women's health, hormone replacement therapy, and menopause. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the upcoming summit and the importance of empowering women to make informed decisions about their health. Episode Highlights: - Hormone replacement therapy for perimenopause  - Why comprehensive testing, including cardiovascular and metabolic panels, is important for women - How essential oils can be a helpful tool for managing symptoms and promoting self-care during perimenopause - How hormone imbalances can have a significant impact on a woman's overall well-being, including energy levels, mood, and brain function - Why personalized treatment plans that consider individual needs and preferences are crucial for optimizing hormone health. - How nutrition plays a vital role in hormone optimization and overall health 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.   For the past fifteen years, she has lectured at wellness centers, conferences, and corporations on hormone health, metabolic health, nutrition, and detoxification.  She has been featured on Dr. Oz, Oprah Magazine, Fox News Health, MindBodyGreen and many publications. Dr. Mariza is also the host of the top rated Energized Podcast, (with over 10 million downloads) designed to empower women to become the CEO of their health. Check out her website, drmariza.com, for women’s hormone tips, including recipes and supplementation.  Resources Thriving in Perimenopause & Menopause Summit 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.

Confession #105: Microalgae have nothing to do with life In this episode of Confessions of a Male Gynecologist, Dr. Shawn Tassone interviews Professor Isaac Berzin, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer of Vaxa Technologies. He is also an Affiliated Scientist at MIT, where he worked on a NASA sponsored project. Named one the 100 most influential people by Time Magazine for his work in sustainability and climate change, Isaac Berzin is an Affiliated Scientist at MIT, where he worked on a NASA sponsored project, developing bioreactors for the International Space Station. His innovative work in GreenFuel Technologies has won numerous awards including the Frost and Sullivan Award (2006), Platts Global Energy Award (2006) and American Society of Competitiveness (ASC) Awards 2005, 2006, 2007. Isaac holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel. Together we explore the benefits of spirulina, its high protein content, and its importance for women's health, particularly in providing bioavailable iron and vitamin B12. Isaac emphasizes the need for sustainable practices in algae production and highlights Orlo's innovative approach to creating tasty algae-based products while maintaining a low carbon footprint. Episode Highlights Intro to Microalgae How Spirulina serves as a highly bioavailable source of protein Vitamins crucial for women's health The bioavailability of iron in spirulina vs beef How Spirulina can act as an anti-nutrient for B12 if not processed correctly How algae can provide essential nutrients without the environmental impact of traditional agriculture User experiences with algae products and the significant health benefits Orlo's new products Why Isaac believes sustainability in algae production is achievable with the right technology About Isaac Berzin Named one the 100 most influential people by Time Magazine for his work in sustainability and climate change, Isaac Berzin is an Affiliated Scientist at MIT, where he worked on a NASA sponsored project, developing bioreactors for the International Space Station. His innovative work in GreenFuel Technologies has won numerous awards including the Frost and Sullivan Award (2006), Platts Global Energy Award (2006) and American Society of Competitiveness (ASC) Awards 2005, 2006, 2007. Isaac holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel. 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

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.

Dr. Tassone discusses the different types of hormone testing, including blood, saliva, and urine. Dr. Tassone also discusses the importance of being an informed consumer and not falling for unnecessary tests or supplements. He advises focusing on the basic hormones for testing and reminds listeners that there is no such thing as an optimal level, as it varies for each individual. Episode Highlights Why salivary testing is unreliable for hormones Benefits of blood tests Pros and cons of urine testing How to be an informed consumer and avoid unnecessary tests and supplements How to determine your optimal hormone level and focus on what makes you feel your best 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 discusses the topic of menopause and addresses common questions and misconceptions surrounding it. He emphasizes the importance of understanding menopause and its symptoms, as well as the role of hormones in managing them. Dr. Tassone also highlights the need for accurate information and proper treatment options for women going through menopause. Episode Highlights: Menopause 101 Common symptoms of menopause When menopause usually begins for women The truth about perimenopause How hormone replacement therapy can be beneficial during these stages of life Why more research and awareness about menopause is needed to provide better healthcare options 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 healthcare professional for any medical questions.

In this episode, Dr. Shawn Tassone discusses the concepts of sex and gender. He explains the differences between the two and provides definitions for various terms related to gender identity. Dr. Tassone emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting others' gender identities, while also acknowledging the complexity of the topic. He shares personal experiences and highlights the need for open and respectful discussions about gender. Episode Highlights: Defining sex vs gender The terms and acronyms used to describe different gender identities, such as AFAB (assigned female at birth), AMAB (assigned male at birth), agender, androgine, bigender, boy, butch, cisgender, demigender, genderqueer, intersex, and transgender Intro to gender dysphoria Why using correct gender pronouns and language is important to affirm and respect individuals' gender identities How to have open and respectful discussions about gender to promote understanding and acceptance 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 discusses the supplement industry and the marketing tactics used to sell menopause-related products. He emphasizes the importance of being a savvy consumer and highlights the lack of regulation in the supplement industry. Dr. Tassone discusses why he recommends using high-quality, single-ingredient supplements and being cautious of products with multiple ingredients. He also discusses the influence of influencers and micro-influencers in promoting supplements. Dr. Tassone encourages transparency and open communication between doctors and patients when recommending supplements. Episode Highlights How to be a savvy consumer and carefully evaluate supplement products before purchasing Why you should look for high-quality, single-ingredient supplements rather than products with multiple ingredients Why you should be cautious of marketing tactics used by supplement companies and influencers Why transparency and open communication between doctors and patients are important when recommending supplements 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 discusses the issue of hormone overdoses and the training providers receive in hormone therapy. He highlights a specific training program called World Link Medical and its medical director, Neil Rosier, who is known for teaching overdoses. Dr. Tassone emphasizes the importance of asking providers about their training and background in hormones. He also criticizes the use of hormone pellets and the unethical practices associated with them. He encourages patients to do their due diligence and be aware of the financial motivations behind certain treatments. Episode Highlights: Why you should ask providers about their training and background in hormones before starting hormone therapy How and why you should be cautious of providers who promote hormone overdoses and use hormone pellets How to research the credibility and ethical practices of hormone therapy clinics and providers Why it's important to be aware of the financial motivations behind certain treatments and consider alternative options 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 Dr. Tassone is joined by special guest, Dr. Betty Murray, a functional medicine practitioner, who discusses her approach to women's health and the challenges women face in the medical system. She shares her health journey and how it led her to focus on nutrition and functional medicine. Dr. Murray emphasizes the importance of addressing the underlying mechanisms of hormone imbalance and the need for personalized care. She criticizes the conventional medical system for its lack of understanding and treatment options for women's health issues. Dr. Murray also highlights the value of research and data collection in advancing women's health. Dr. Betty Murray discusses her Menopause Metabolism Mastery Program and the future of personalized medicine for women. She emphasizes the importance of addressing the underlying metabolic changes that occur during menopause and offers a comprehensive approach to diet, lifestyle, and supplementation. Dr. Murray also introduces her digital health intelligence platform, Minerva, which aims to provide personalized healthcare for women through data tracking, predictive recommendations, and telemedicine. She envisions a future where technology and AI play a significant role in optimizing women's health. Episode Highlights: What is Functional medicine How to takes a holistic approach to women's health, addressing the underlying mechanisms of hormone imbalance and focusing on personalized care. Why the conventional medical system often fails to understand and provide adequate treatment options for women's health issues. Why research and data collection are crucial in advancing women's health and improving treatment outcomes. How women can take control of their healthcare and seek out practitioners who listen to their concerns and provide comprehensive care. Addressing the underlying metabolic changes during menopause is crucial for managing weight gain and maintaining overall health. Dr. Murray's Menopause Metabolism Mastery Program Minerva, Dr. Murray's digital health intelligence platform, providing personalized healthcare for women through data tracking, predictive recommendations, and telemedicine. Why she believes the future of women's healthcare involves a focus on personalized medicine, utilizing technology, AI, and data analysis to optimize treatment and improve outcomes. Meet Betty Murray Betty Murray, MS, CN, IFMCP is a Certified Nutritionist and Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner (IFMCP). She possesses a Master of Science in Human Nutrition Science and Integrative & Functional Nutrition and is currently completing her Ph.D. dissertation at Saybrook University. As one of the first 300 certified functional medicine practitioners with the Institute for Functional Medicine (Ifm.org), Betty has been a thought leader and progressive force for the functional medicine movement since 2006. 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 discusses the topic of decreased libido in women. He explores the different factors that can contribute to low sex drive, including hormone imbalances, stress, and relationship dynamics. Dr. Tassone also addresses the controversial pink pill, Addyi, which is marketed as a solution for low libido in women. He shares his thoughts on the effectiveness and potential side effects of the medication. Overall, he emphasizes the importance of addressing the underlying causes of decreased libido and suggests hormone testing as a starting point. Episode Highlights: Decreased libido can be caused by various factors, including hormone imbalances, stress, and relationship dynamics. Addressing the underlying causes of low sex drive is crucial for finding effective solutions. The pink pill, Addyi, is marketed as a solution for low libido in women, but its effectiveness and potential side effects are still debated. Hormone testing can be a helpful starting point for understanding and addressing decreased libido in 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 healthcare professional for any medical questions. 

In this episode, Dr. Shawn Tassone discusses the use of low dose naltrexone (LDN) as a treatment for various conditions, particularly autoimmune diseases. LDN has been shown to reduce symptom severity in conditions like fibromyalgia, Crohn's disease, multiple sclerosis, and chronic pain syndrome. It acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and has neuroprotective effects. Dr. Tassone explains how LDN works, the dosing, and the potential side effects. He also mentions the LDN Research Trust as a resource for more information. LDN is being used in various medical fields, including women's health, and can be prescribed by doctors with a functional or integrated medicine background. Episode Highlights Low dose naltrexone (LDN) has been shown to reduce symptom severity in various conditions, particularly autoimmune diseases. LDN acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and has neuroprotective effects. The dosing of LDN is much lower than the typical opioid dosage and can vary based on the patient's sensitivity. LDN is well-tolerated and has minimal side effects, with the most common being stimulation and vivid dreams. LDN is being used in various medical fields, including women's health, and can be prescribed by doctors with a functional or integrated medicine background. 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. 

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. 

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.