Confessions of a Male Gynecologist

In this episode of Confessions of a Male Gynecologist, Dr. Shawn Tassone takes on one of the most confusing and controversial areas in women's health: hormone therapy. From menopause myths and fear-based medicine to wellness industry scams and influencer-driven misinformation, Dr. Tassone breaks down what women need to know before blindly following advice online — or accepting outdated medical opinions that don't match their symptoms. For decades, women have been told to fear estrogen, ignore symptoms, accept "normal labs," or believe that menopause is simply something they have to suffer through. But the truth is more nuanced. Hormone therapy can be life-changing when it is personalized, monitored, and based on the individual — not just a protocol, a trend, or a sales pitch. Dr. Tassone discusses the lasting impact of the Women's Health Initiative study, the rise of bioidentical hormone marketing, the misuse of testosterone in women, and why both conventional medicine and functional medicine can fall short when they stop treating the person in front of them. This episode is a call for critical thinking in women's health — because women deserve education, not fear. Options, not shame. And care that goes deeper than "your labs are normal." In This Episode, Dr. Tassone Covers: The biggest myths about hormone therapy and menopause care Why estrogen has been unfairly blamed and misunderstood What the Women's Health Initiative got wrong — and why it still impacts care today The difference between evidence-based hormone therapy and marketing-driven hormone trends Why "bioidentical" does not automatically mean better or safer How wellness scams target women who feel ignored by conventional medicine The problem with influencer-led menopause and hormone advice Why testosterone therapy for women needs nuance, context, and proper monitoring How telehealth hormone clinics can oversimplify care Why treating labs alone is not the same as treating the patient How women can identify credible hormone health information online Hormone therapy is not one-size-fits-all. The goal is not to chase perfect lab numbers, follow a trending protocol, or fear estrogen because of outdated headlines. The goal is to treat the individual woman — her symptoms, history, risks, goals, and quality of life. 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.

In this episode, Dr. Shawn Tassone discusses the intersection of traditional and alternative medicine, focusing on the prevalence of misinformation in the health industry. He introduces the concept of the 'Fraudulent Five,' a group of health influencers he believes propagate false claims and exploit consumer trust. Through detailed analysis, he critiques the practices of these individuals, highlighting their use of fear tactics, pseudoscience, and unethical marketing strategies. The conversation emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and consumer awareness in navigating health advice. Episode Highlights: Why Dr. Tassone aims to provide truthful insights into health and wellness How misinformation in health can lead to harmful practices and exploitation The 'Fraudulent Five' are individuals who promote pseudoscience Fear mongering is a common tactic used by health scammers Why understanding the science behind health claims is crucial Reasons many health influencers lack proper medical credentials Why critical thinking is essential when evaluating health advice How marketing strategies often overshadow scientific evidence in health claims Why consumers should be wary of health products that promise quick fixes Reasons ethical concerns arise when health influencers prioritize profit over truth Episode 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 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.

Diet has become one of the most polarizing topics in modern health. Whether it's carnivore, keto, or veganism, conversations around food can quickly become divisive. But beyond the noise and online debates — how do you actually determine the best way to eat for your health, longevity, and heart? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Joel Kahn, an integrative cardiologist often referred to as "America's Healthy Heart Doc." After decades practicing conventional cardiology, Dr. Kahn shifted his focus toward preventative medicine — emphasizing nutrition, early testing, and lifestyle strategies to help patients avoid heart disease altogether. Dr. Kahn shares his evidence-based approach to heart disease prevention, including how he helps patients identify and treat risk factors ten years before a potential heart attack. We dive into the science behind different diets, what research actually shows about plant-based nutrition, and why personalization — not dogma — is key when it comes to both food and medication. We also explore the connection between hormones and cardiovascular health, the role of post-menopausal hormone therapy in prevention, and what tests you should consider before ever starting statins. If you care about protecting your heart—and cutting through the confusion around diet and prevention—this is an episode you don't want to miss. Episode Highlights: Dr. Kahn's transition from traditional cardiology to preventive and integrative care His lifelong passion for nutrition and functional wellness The simple rule everyone should follow for a heart-healthy diet Research-backed benefits of plant-forward eating Why statin therapy should be personalized, not automatic The most important tests to request before taking statins How hormone therapy after menopause impacts heart health The vital link between hormonal balance and cardiovascular function Dr. Kahn's top testing recommendations for early heart disease detection Connect with Dr. Joel Kahn Dr. Joel Kahn's Website | DrJoelKahn.com Dr. Joel Kahn's Clinic | Kahn Longevity Center ​​Dr. Joel Kahn on Instagram | @DrJKahn Dr. Joel Kahn's Podcast | Heart Doc VIP with Dr. Joel Kahn Dr. Joel Kahn's Books | View Dr. Joel Kahn's Library Dr. Joel Kahn on The Joe Rogan Experience | Listen To The Full Episode Dr. Kahn's Joe Rogan Experience Podcast Reference Guide | View The Reference Guide Episode 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 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 of Confessions of a Male Gynecologist, Dr. Shawn Tassone explores the vital connection between hormone health and breast cancer screening. Drawing from his best-selling book The Hormone Balance Bible, he breaks down the most common screening methods — mammography, ultrasound, and thermography — and explains how each one works, their benefits, and their limitations. Dr. Tassone also discusses emerging imaging technologies, like the QT scan, and emphasizes why understanding your options is key to prevention and peace of mind. Whether you're curious about alternative testing methods or looking to make informed choices about your breast health, this episode empowers women with knowledge to take charge of their own care. Episode Highlights: Key takeaways from The Hormone Balance Bible on hormone imbalances and overall wellness The differences between mammography, ultrasound, and thermography in breast cancer screening Why thermography is a physiological test, while mammography and ultrasound focus on structure The pros and cons of each screening method — and why no single test is perfect How ultrasound can sometimes catch what mammograms miss The lower false-positive rate associated with thermography The promise of emerging imaging technologies like the QT scan Why prevention is more powerful than detection in the fight against cancer How to choose the breast screening method that aligns best with your health goals and comfort level Episode 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 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 the recent concerns surrounding autism diagnoses, the role of Tylenol in pregnancy, and the ongoing debate about vaccines. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the data behind these issues, addressing misinformation, and maintaining trust in the medical community. Dr. Tassone also provides practical guidelines for parents regarding medication use and vaccination schedules, advocating for informed decision-making based on evidence. Episode Highlights: How autism diagnoses have increased due to broader criteria Review of studies on the vaccine-autism link Tylenol use in pregnancy Why public health recommendations may need to adapt to new evidence How misinformation can lead to distrust in the medical community Reasons parents should consult healthcare providers for personalized advice The need for vaccination schedules to be based on evidence The importance of critically evaluating sources of medical information Why open dialogue and transparency are essential in healthcare 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 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 of Confessions of a Male Gynecologist, Dr. Shawn Tassone interviews Dr. Amy Killen, who shares her journey from emergency medicine to preventative care focused on women's health. They discuss the challenges women face in the healthcare system, the importance of understanding hormonal health, and the evolving landscape of treatments, including regenerative medicine and peptides. Dr. Killen emphasizes the need for women to take control of their health and the role of physicians as guides in this journey. Episode Highlights: Why Dr. Killen transitioned from ER medicine to focus on preventative care Why both physicians believe women often face neglect in the healthcare system How hormonal health is crucial for women's overall well-being Difference between commercial and compounding pharmacies Why compounding pharmacies can provide safe alternatives for hormone therapy Reasons lab testing is essential for understanding hormonal levels How regenerative medicine offers new possibilities for healing How peptides can be beneficial for recovery and health when administered by a physician Reasons women have more control over their health than they realize Why doctors should act as co-pilots in women's health journeys Why Dr. Tassone and Dr. Killen believe the future of hormonal treatments is promising and evolving About Amy Killen MD Dr. Amy Killen, MD received her Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Science from Texas A&M University and then her MD from UT Southwestern Medical School. She completed an Emergency Medicine residency at the University of Arizona. She worked for many years in Austin, Texas as a board-certified emergency physician before moving to Portland and becoming the medical director of an anti-aging specialty clinic. Now in Utah, Dr. Killen embraces bio-identical hormone therapy and personalized medicine and offers aesthetic services, including Botox, Fillers, and Microneedling. Dr. Killen is also enthusiastic about cutting-edge rejuvenating medicine techniques, such as using Platelet Rich Plasma Natural Growth Factor Injections for skin rejuvenation, hair restoration, urinary incontinence, and sexual dysfunction. Episode 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 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