Confessions of a Male Gynecologist Shawn Tassone MD PHD

In this episode, Dr. Shawn Tassone discusses the difference between synthetic and bioidentical hormones. He explains that bioidentical hormones are structurally similar to the body's hormones, while synthetic hormones are structurally different. He also delves into the history of hormone replacement therapy, including the use of pregnant mare's urine and the marketing of Premarin. He dispels myths and misconceptions surrounding bioidentical hormones and emphasizes the importance of understanding the differences between bioidentical and synthetic hormones.
Episode Highlights:
Bioidentical hormones vs synthetic hormone structure Bioidentical hormones and the FDA The use of the term 'bioidentical' as a descriptive term, not a marketing term Understanding the differences between bioidentical and synthetic hormones Resources
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 | Hormone 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.

In this episode, Dr. Shawn Tassone discusses a recent study published in the Journal of the North American Menopause Society that challenges the previous negative views on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for women over the age of 65.
The study found that HRT, specifically estrogen therapy, beyond the age of 65 is associated with significant risk reductions in mortality, breast cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, congestive heart failure, venous thromboembolism, atrial fibrillation, heart attacks, and dementia. The study also highlighted the importance of individualized hormone therapy, lower doses, and non-oral routes of administration for optimal health outcomes.
Episode Highlights
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) beyond the age of 65 Results of a new study published by NAMS How they're associating HRT with significant risk reductions in mortality, breast cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, congestive heart failure, venous thromboembolism, atrial fibrillation, heart attacks, and dementia Individualized hormone therapy, lower doses, and non-oral routes of administration are recommended for optimal health outcomes. Estrogen-only therapy, specifically transdermal estrogen with progesterone, is beneficial and prolongs life. The study challenges the previous negative views on HRT for women over the age of 65 and provides evidence for the benefits of hormone therapy in improving women's health. Why women should discuss hormone therapy options with their healthcare providers and consider the potential benefits and risks based on their individual needs and health conditions. Resources
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 Archtype 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.

Confession: "Hormone injections and hormone pellets are horrible. Anybody putting them in, in my opinion, is committing malpractice." - Shawn Tassone, MD, PhD
In this episode Dr. T discusses the dangers and drawbacks of hormone pellets and injections, particularly testosterone, and why he believes that using these methods is committing malpractice. He also covers how the companies promoting them are prioritizing profits over patient well-being and more!
There are several reasons why he believes hormone pellets, including their high cost, irregular hormone levels, surgical procedure, potential side effects, and the lack of expertise among providers. He criticizes the marketing tactics used by these companies and emphasizes the importance of asking questions and seeking alternative hormone replacement therapies. Enjoy the episode!
Episode Highlights:
Basic breakdown of hormone pellets and injections Potential dangers and lack of expertise among providers How/why the healthcare providers promoting hormone pellets prioritize profits over patient well-being How the marketing tactics surrounding hormone pellets can be misleading and exploitative Reasons Dr. Tassone doesn't think pellets are beneficial to balancing women’s hormones Alternative hormone replacement therapies How to ask questions, seek second opinions, and be cautious when considering hormone replacement therapies Resources
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 | Hormone 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.
 
 

“Women are getting off birth control amid misinformation explosion.” - a very problematic article in the Washington Post last week.
Written by two people with no medical background, the article is highly politicized, filled with anecdotal evidence, and dismissive of women’s lived experiences with birth control.
Once I saw it, I had to address it here on the podcast because it’s disgusting. Birth control is obviously not the ultimate evil, but it’s also not the ultimate panacea. It should not be prescribed for problems outside of birth control until the underlying factors have been explored. Anything else is a disservice to our patients and is done for the convenience of the prescribing physician.
In this episode, I’m giving you my take and the facts on everything written. I want you to read this article, see the political division that's being created, and see the way they’ve stopped women from responding to what they’ve written. Enjoy the episode.
 
Highlights
The risk of bias and the authors' lack of medical background
Misrepresentation of the genuine symptoms some women experience while taking birth control
The political implications threaded throughout the article
Why I believe it’s misogynistic and hypocritical that the comments were turned off on the Instagram post about this article
The reach of social media influencers and their impact on birth control decisions
Potential side effects of birth control and the experiences of individuals who have faced complications
How social media might be shaping perceptions and decisions related to birth control methods
Bias in the medical community’s response to the side effects of HRT versus the pill
How this article is promoting political division
 
Sponsored by:
Femmenessence
It's a rare occurrence to find a non-prescription supplement that becomes a go-to for hormone health and Femmenessence is just that.
Whether you’re pre-menopausal, menopausal, or struggling with PMS, irregular periods, or other hormone imbalances, I highly recommend giving Femmenessence a try.
Visit Femmenessence.com (https://femmenessence.com/) and use my code SHAWN20 for exclusive savings.
 
Needed
Few things are as important in a woman's life as that journey to and through motherhood. There's so much that you can't control, but nutrition is a big one you can.
Needed is a perinatal and women's health brand that I recommend to all my clients, whether they're in that perinatal stage or navigating perimenopause. Needed offers radically better nutrition products and education, backed by over 4000 practitioners.
Visit ThisIsNeeded.com (https://thisisneeded.com/) and use my code DrT for 20% off your first month.
 
Resources
Dr. Tassone's Practice https://www.drshawntassone.com/
The Hormone Balance Bible https://tassonemd.com/hormone-balance-bible/
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.

“If you’re already a board-certified OBGYN, why would you pay to become NAMS certified?”
Many physicians turn to the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) for guidance on menopause-related issues. Every few years, they release a position statement outlining their stance on relevant treatment options, and lately, I’ve been getting a lot of questions about their recent statements.
For the next couple of episodes, I’ll be doing a deep dive into different aspects of NAMS and their position statements. Today, I’m starting by critically examining their 2022 hormone therapy position statement and 2023 nonhormone therapy position statement.
In this conversation, I discuss why I question their funding, their focus on certain symptoms, their positions on the use of compounded bioidentical hormone therapy, my skepticism about NAMS certification, and more. Enjoy the episode!
 
Highlights
Why I’m talking about NAMS
The potential influence of big pharma as the primary funding source for NAMS
Highlights from NAMS’ 2022 Hormone Therapy Position Statement
The problem with relying heavily on the Women’s Health Initiative and the emphasis on addressing a few specific symptoms
NAMS' stance on compounded bioidentical hormone therapy and why I disagree with their assessment
Skin and hair effects of estrogen therapy
The problem with NAMS’ definition of quality of life
How hormone replacement therapy affects common menopause symptoms and the risk of cardiovascular disease
Risks and benefits of hormone therapy and different types of cancer
Discussion of financial relationships and conflicts of interest within NAMS
NAMS 2023 nonhormone therapy position statement
 
Sponsored by:
Femmenessence
It's a rare occurrence to find a non-prescription supplement that becomes a go-to for hormone health and Femmenessence is just that.
Whether you’re pre-menopausal, menopausal, or struggling with PMS, irregular periods, or other hormone imbalances, I highly recommend giving Femmenessence a try.
Visit Femmenessence.com (https://femmenessence.com/) and use my code SHAWN20 for exclusive savings.
 
Needed
Few things are as important in a woman's life as that journey to and through motherhood. There's so much that you can't control, but nutrition is a big one you can.
Needed is a perinatal and women's health brand that I recommend to all my clients, whether they're in that perinatal stage or navigating perimenopause. Needed offers radically better nutrition products and education, backed by over 4000 practitioners.
Visit ThisIsNeeded.com (https://thisisneeded.com/) and use my code DrT for 20% off your first month.
 
Resources
Dr. Tassone's Practice https://www.drshawntassone.com/
The Hormone Balance Bible https://tassonemd.com/hormone-balance-bible/
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.

Finding the right doctor can be daunting, especially if you've been dismissed or mistreated in the past. One of the questions I get asked weekly on my Saturday Instagram Q&A is how we can work together and what that process looks like.
For today’s episode, I wanted to share the entire process with you, from setting an appointment to blood testing, what we discuss during a typical visit, and how we handle follow-ups. Whether you’re looking for help with hormone balance, weight loss, Essure removal, or any other gynecological support, this one is for you. Let’s meet and come up with a plan.
 
Highlights
States in which I’m currently licensed and my plan to get licensed in other states
Setting an appointment with me for a hormone visit if you’re in a state where I’m licensed
What to expect once you call my office to set up a telehealth appointment
My approach to ordering labs and the telehealth visit process
Developing a personalized protocol based on the SHINES protocol
Follow-up appointments and managing hormone levels on an ongoing basis
What’s involved in my weight loss program and Essure removal visits
Integrative healthcare for various conditions
 
Mentioned in this episode
Call my office to set an appointment for a telehealth visit: (512) 956-0296
States I'm currently licensed in: Arizona, Alabama, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New Hampshire, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin
 
Sponsored by:
Femmenessence
It's a rare occurrence to find a non-prescription supplement that becomes a go-to for hormone health and Femmenessence is just that.
Whether you’re pre-menopausal, menopausal, or struggling with PMS, irregular periods, or other hormone imbalances, I highly recommend giving Femmenessence a try.
Visit Femmenessence.com (https://femmenessence.com/) and use my code SHAWN20 for exclusive savings.
 
Needed
Few things are as important in a woman's life as that journey to and through motherhood. There's so much that you can't control, but nutrition is a big one you can.
Needed is a perinatal and women's health brand that I recommend to all my clients, whether they're in that perinatal stage or navigating perimenopause. Needed offers radically better nutrition products and education, backed by over 4000 practitioners.
Visit ThisIsNeeded.com (https://thisisneeded.com/) and use my code DrT for 20% off your first month.
 
Resources
Dr. Tassone's Practice https://www.drshawntassone.com/
The Hormone Balance Bible https://tassonemd.com/hormone-balance-bible/
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.