Confessions of a Male Gynecologist

Shawn Tassone MD PhD
  • 4.8 (60)
  • Alternative Health
  • Updated Weekly

A podcast by America's Holistic Gynecologist for women navigating reproductive and hormonal health concerns. From menstrual irregularities to menopausal symptoms, hormonal imbalances, chronic fatigue, sleep disturbances, endometriosis, PCOS, and the variety of conditions routinely dismissed in clinical settings. Drawing from over 50,000 patient consultations, Dr. Tassone shares evidence-based solutions and patient success stories to optimize hormonal health and overall wellbeing.

  1. 4d ago

    166: AI, Robotics, and the Future of Gynecologic Surgery with Dr. Sanjeev Kumar

    Artificial intelligence and robotic surgery are no longer "future medicine" — they're already changing the way physicians diagnose, operate, and care for patients. In this episode of Confessions of a Male Gynecologist, Dr. Shawn Tassone sits down with Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, a gynecologic oncologist, to discuss how AI, robotics, genetic testing, and personalized medicine are transforming women's healthcare — especially in gynecologic oncology. From the evolution of robotic surgery to the growing role of AI in pathology, diagnostics, and cancer detection, this conversation breaks down what these advancements mean for both physicians and patients. Dr. Tassone and Dr. Kumar explore the benefits, limitations, and future possibilities of technology in medicine, while also asking the bigger question: how do we use innovation without losing the human side of healthcare? This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of medicine, women's health, cancer care, and how emerging technology may change the patient experience. In This Episode, We Cover: How AI is already impacting healthcare and surgical decision-making The evolution of robotic surgery in gynecology and oncology Why robotics changed the way many gynecologic surgeries are performed The role of AI in diagnostics, pathology, and cancer detection How genetic testing is shaping personalized medicine What patients should understand about technology in modern medicine The benefits and limitations of artificial intelligence in healthcare The future of gynecologic oncology and patient-centered care Why technology should support physicians — not replace them How innovation may improve outcomes, efficiency, and precision in medicine Connect with Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Media Profile | https://www.guestsonair.com/profile/dr-sanjeev-kumar LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjeev-kumar-md-34781a84/ Website | https://www.drsanjeevkumarsurgeon.com/ About Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Dr. Sanjeev Kumar is a gynecologic oncologist and robotic pelvic surgeon whose career has been defined by technical excellence, intellectual rigor, and a clear sense of purpose. Born in India, he completed medical school there, went on to train in England and Wales through the MRCS, and later continued his surgical education in the United States, ultimately building a career that placed him among the country's leading figures in robotic pelvic surgery. That path reflects a career shaped by discipline, international training, and an enduring commitment to surgical mastery. His work sits at the intersection of some of the most demanding questions in medicine: women's cancers, advanced pelvic surgery, and the evolving role of robotics and AI in the operating room. He entered robotic surgery in 2006, early enough to help shape the field rather than merely follow it, and in 2017 was reported as the eighth busiest robotic pelvic surgeon in the United States by volume. That distinction matters not as a statistic, but as evidence of depth, repetition, and mastery in one of surgery's most exacting specialties. Episode Resources: Work with Dr. Tassone | Tassone Advanced Gynecology Dr. Tassone's Book | The Hormone Balance Bible Dr. Tassone's Integrative Hormonal Archetype Quiz | Learn Your Hormonal Archetype 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.

    54 min

  2. Jun 2

    165: Reproductive Healthcare Revolution: What Women Need to Know with Nikki Sapiro Vinckier

    In this insightful interview, Dr. Shawn Tassone is joined by OBGYN PA, Nikki Sapiro Vinckier, to discuss the broken state of reproductive healthcare, its historical roots, and how women can advocate for better care. She shares personal stories, systemic issues, and practical advice for patients and clinicians alike including information about her new book, We Deserve More. Episode Highlights: History of gynecology and systemic disparities Impact of social media on women's health information Gaps in medical training and patient care Systemic issues leading to women's healthcare neglect About Nikki Sapiro Vinckier: Nikki Sapiro Vinckier, PA-C, is an OB/GYN Physician Assistant, reproductive health advocate, and founder of Take Back Trust, a national platform helping people navigate their reproductive healthcare with clarity and confidence. After more than a decade in clinical medicine, she now works at the intersection of medicine, media, and movement, creating tools, education, and storytelling that empower patients to advocate for themselves in a changing healthcare landscape. Her work has reached millions across digital platforms, where she is known for her clear, compassionate, and deeply human approach to reproductive care. We Deserve More is her debut book. Episode Resources: Dr. Tassone's Free Women's Health Journal Club | Dr. T's Evidence Edit Dr. Shawn Tassone's Practice | Tassone Advanced Gynecology Dr. Shawn Tassone's Book | The Hormone Balance Bible Dr. Shawn Tassone's Integrative Hormonal Mapping System | Hormonal Archetype Quiz 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.

    50 min

  3. May 19

    164: The Truth Behind The Pepcid and Zyrtec Brains Fog Claims

    Can Pepsid Really Help Menopause Brain Fog? | The Science Behind the Viral Claim Women are constantly being flooded with viral health advice online — especially when it comes to menopause symptoms like brain fog, fatigue, anxiety, and inflammation. But how much of it is actually backed by science? In this episode, Dr. Shawn Tassone breaks down the growing social media trend claiming that antihistamines like Pepsid may help relieve menopause brain fog and other hormonal symptoms. Dr. Tassone explores where these claims originated, the role histamines may play in the body, how estrogen can influence mast cells and histamine release, and why women are searching for alternative answers in the first place. You'll also hear an honest conversation about misinformation in women's health, the dangers of turning one case report into medical advice, and why evidence-based medicine still matters — even in the age of TikTok wellness trends. If you've ever struggled with menopause brain fog, felt dismissed by conventional healthcare, or wondered whether viral hormone "hacks" actually work, this episode is for you. In This Episode, Dr. Tassone Discusses: What menopause brain fog actually is Why antihistamines like Pepsid are trending online The connection between estrogen, mast cells, and histamines What histamines do in the body Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and hormone symptoms Why social media health claims spread so quickly The risks of misinformation in women's health The placebo effect and symptom improvement Why one study or case report is not enough evidence How to approach menopause symptoms from an evidence-based perspective Episode Resources: Dr. Tassone's Free Women's Health Journal Club | Dr. T's Evidence Edit Dr. Shawn Tassone's Practice | Tassone Advanced Gynecology Dr. Shawn Tassone's Book | The Hormone Balance Bible Dr. Shawn Tassone's Integrative Hormonal Mapping System | Hormonal Archetype Quiz 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.

    21 min

  4. May 7

    163: The Truth About Hormone Pellets for Women: 10 Reasons I'll Never Recommend Them

    Confession #163: I can't emotionally, spiritually, psychologically, or physically bring myself to recommend hormone pellets for women. And after years of seeing the complications in clinical practice… I stand by that. Hormone pellets are small implants placed under the skin that release hormones like testosterone or estrogen over the course of 3-6 months. They're often marketed as the "easy," or "best" form of hormone replacement therapy for women, but in my experience, as a Double Board-Certified OBGYN and Integrative Medicine physician, many women are never told the full story before getting them. I've seen patients first-hand struggle with: • Hormone levels that spike too high • Hair loss and acne • Mood changes and anxiety • Irregular absorption • Testosterone side effects that can become permanent • Feeling "stuck" once the pellets are inserted And yes… I tried pellets myself years ago. It was one of the worst experiences I've personally had with hormone therapy. The reality is: there are often more personalized and adjustable ways to use bioidentical hormones, including topical creams, troches, rapid dissolve tablets, and other delivery methods that allow dosing changes without locking someone into months of exposure. In this episode, I break down: • How hormone pellets actually work • Why pellets can create unstable hormone patterns • The biggest risks women are rarely warned about • Why pellet therapy has become such a profitable business model • The problem with protocol-driven hormone care • Why individualized treatment matters in women's health • What to do if you already have pellets and want to transition off safely • Bioidentical hormones vs synthetic hormones explained The truth is: Hormone replacement therapy should never be one-size-fits-all. Women deserve personalized care, informed consent, evidence-based medicine, and treatment plans that can adapt as their bodies change. If you've ever been told pellets are your ONLY option… this episode is for you.

    39 min

  5. Apr 9

    162: Erections Are Trying to Tell Us Something And We're Ignoring It with Dr. Elliot Justin

    In this episode of Confessions of a Male Gynecologist, Dr. Shawn Tassone sits down with Dr. Elliot Justin, CEO of FirmTech, to break down a topic most men, women, and honestly, most doctors, aren't talking about enough: erectile fitness as a measurable, trackable marker of overall health. We track our steps. We track our sleep. We track our calories. So why aren't we tracking one of the clearest indicators of cardiovascular, neurological, and hormonal health? This conversation dives into how cutting-edge technology is reshaping men's sexual wellness, not just for performance, but for prevention, longevity, and overall health optimization. From smart erection rings to neuromodulation, this episode challenges outdated thinking and introduces a data-driven future for men's health and intimacy. Episode Highlights: Why erections may be an early warning sign for deeper health issues How erectile fitness monitoring works and what it can actually tell us The science behind nocturnal erections and why they matter What neuromodulation is and how it impacts sexual function How wearable tech (like FirmTech's devices) is bringing real data into the bedroom Why guessing about sexual health is outdated and what men can do instead The connection between vascular health, hormones, and performance How this technology could change the future of preventative medicine for men About Dr. Elliot Justin: ELLIOT JUSTIN, MD, FACEP, is the CEO and Founder of FirmTech, the first sex tech company dedicated to improving men's erectile fitness. He has a background in Emergency Medicine and healthcare technology consulting. Dr. Justin is also a serial healthcare entrepreneur, having founded and sold Pegasus Emergency Group and Swift MD. He has provided guidance to various services, telemedicine, and tech startups. Dr. Justin pursued Slavic Studies at Harvard University and studied medicine at Boston University. Happily married for 35 years, and father of three children, Elliot and Ann live in Montana with three energetic mares and a flock of chickens. He is a passionate trail rider who sometimes imagines, to his wife's chagrin, that he's a centaur. Connect with Dr. Elliot Justin on Social: MyFirmTech.com Instagram Youtube TikTok Episode Resources: Work with Dr. Tassone | Tassone Advanced Gynecology Dr. Tassone's Book | The Hormone Balance Bible Dr. Tassone's Integrative Hormonal Archetype Quiz | Learn Your Hormonal Archetype 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.

    47 min

  6. Apr 2

    161: Normal Labs, Real Symptoms: Here's What Your Doctor Is Missing

    In this episode, Dr. Shawn Tassone breaks down one of the biggest failures in modern women's healthcare: a system that overlooks symptoms, relies on outdated lab ranges, and dismisses what women are actually experiencing. Here's the truth most women are never told: "Normal" does NOT mean optimal. This isn't about one bad doctor. It's about a broken model. And if you've ever felt dismissed, gaslit, or told "everything looks fine" when it clearly doesn't… you're not alone. Episode Highlights: Why "normal labs" don't always reflect how you actually feel The major gaps in traditional hormone testing How symptoms like fatigue, anxiety, weight gain, and poor sleep are often overlooked The pattern of dismissal many women experience in healthcare Why hormones should be viewed as a system The most common mistakes women make when trying to get answers What to actually look for in a provider who understands hormone health How personalized, long-term care is changing the future of medicine If you're ready for a more personalized, in-depth approach to hormone health, you can connect with my team to explore your options and see what working together could look like. For scheduling inquiries, please call (512) 956- 0296. Episode Resources: Work with Dr. Tassone | Tassone Advanced Gynecology Dr. Tassone's Book | The Hormone Balance Bible Dr. Tassone's Integrative Hormonal Archetype Quiz | Learn Your Hormonal Archetype 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.

    13 min

  7. Mar 5

    160: Endometriosis, Nutrition, and a Holistic Path to Healing with Khush Sra

    March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, a time dedicated to bringing attention to a condition that affects an estimated 1 in 10 women worldwide, yet still takes many years for most women to receive a proper diagnosis. Endometriosis can be debilitating—causing chronic pain, hormonal disruption, inflammation, fertility challenges, and a significant impact on quality of life. Unfortunately, many women are dismissed, misdiagnosed, or offered limited treatment options before they ever receive answers. In this episode, I'm joined by holistic health coach and endometriosis nutritionist Khush Sra. Khush not only works with women suffering from endometriosis, she has lived with it herself. After being diagnosed nearly 20 years ago, she spent years navigating worsening symptoms, surgeries, medications, and the emotional toll of an often misunderstood disease. In my practice, I've found that the most effective approach to endometriosis is multifaceted. Many surgeons are excellent at removing endometrial tissue, but long-term prevention and symptom management often extend beyond surgery and hormonal suppression. This is where practitioners like Khush play an important role—helping women address inflammation, metabolic health, nutrition, and lifestyle factors that can support long-term healing. In this conversation, Khush shares her journey from years of declining health with severe endometriosis to becoming completely symptom-free, along with the strategies she now uses to help other women navigate their own healing process. We also discuss why personalized care matters, the importance of building the right health team, and how women can start advocating for themselves earlier in their journey. This was one of my favorite conversations so far—and one of the most important topics we've covered. If you or someone you love is dealing with endometriosis, there's a lot of insight here. Episode Highlights: • Khush's personal journey with endometriosis and years of worsening health despite multiple surgeries and medications • Recognizing when the traditional medical path isn't providing answers • Navigating fear, guilt, and isolation while dealing with an invisible illness • The four stages of endometriosis and how the condition can progress • The turning point that led Khush to reclaim her health and life • How Khush now helps women as a nutritionist and holistic health coach • Why building a collaborative health team is essential for endometriosis care • What it's like to work with Khush and her approach with patients • Holistic strategies that can support healing with endometriosis • Khush's thoughts on intermittent fasting and endometriosis • How women can start prioritizing their own health and well-being • Why individualized, sustainable programs are critical for long-term success • Khush's message for women who are newly diagnosed or suspect they may have endometriosis   Connect with Khush Sra: Khush Sra's Website https://khushsra.com/ Khush Sra on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/endonutrition/   Episode Resources: Work with Dr. Tassone | Tassone Advanced Gynecology Dr. Tassone's Book | The Hormone Balance Bible Dr. Tassone's Integrative Hormonal Archetype Quiz | Learn Your Hormonal Archetype   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.

    51 min

  8. Feb 26

    159: The Men's Health Crisis No One Is Talking About with Dr. Jerry Bailey

    Just as women can't biohack their way out of their symptoms, neither can men. You have to address the root cause. Where many testosterone clinics are quick to identify low testosterone and start testosterone therapy, it's often a sign of many deeper issues. This is where poly-hormonal adrenal testosterone (PHAT) syndrome comes in. PHAT syndrome presents with a host of symptoms, including lower testosterone levels, insulin resistance, increased body fat, and sexual dysfunction, and it's something today's guest has identified more and more in his patients in the 35 to 60-year-old range. Today's guest, Dr. Jerry Bailey, joins me to talk about something I hardly ever get the chance to discuss: men's health. In our conversation, we talk about globally declining testosterone levels, what PHAT syndrome really is and how it presents, what you can do if you or your partner have symptoms of PHAT syndrome, prostate health and causes of elevated PSA, and more. About Dr. Jerry Bailey Dr. Jerry Bailey practices Precision Performance Medicine utilizing cutting-edge epigenetics, nutrition, injections and IV therapies along with the most cutting-edge performance and lifestyle therapies at Lakeside Holistic Health, PLLC. Dr. Bailey is a prominent expert on men's medicine and leads the world in the emerging science of Poly-Hormonal Adrenal Testosterone Syndrome (PHAT Syndrome). Episode Highlights: What is poly-hormonal adrenal testosterone (PHAT) syndrome? Pan-membrane permeability issues, including leaky testes Common symptoms of PHAT syndrome Dr. Bailey's perspective on aromatase inhibitors for men taking testosterone The markers Dr. Bailey tracks for patients on testosterone Why Dr. Bailey prefers testosterone pellets or injectables for men Diagnosis and treatment of PHAT syndrome Declining testosterone and fertility in men globally Contraindications for testosterone therapy Potential causes of elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels First steps for men experiencing symptoms of PHAT syndrome The importance of morning erections Connect with Dr. Jerry Bailey Lakeside Holistic's Website https://lakesideholistic.com/ Lakeside Holistic on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lakesideholistichealth/ Lakeside Holistic on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/lakesideholistic/ Dr. Jerry Bailey's Website https://www.drjerrybailey.com/ Dr. Jerry Bailey on Instagram @drjerrybailey https://www.instagram.com/drjerrybailey/

    42 min
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4.8
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60 Ratings

About

A podcast by America's Holistic Gynecologist for women navigating reproductive and hormonal health concerns. From menstrual irregularities to menopausal symptoms, hormonal imbalances, chronic fatigue, sleep disturbances, endometriosis, PCOS, and the variety of conditions routinely dismissed in clinical settings. Drawing from over 50,000 patient consultations, Dr. Tassone shares evidence-based solutions and patient success stories to optimize hormonal health and overall wellbeing.

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