Hysterectomy is one of the most commonly performed and probably overutilized surgeries worldwide. In most circumstances, a hysterectomy is not done in a life-or-death situation but as a final course of action after other options have been exhausted. Unfortunately, there's still a lot of misinformation and a big gap between how medical professionals approach hysterectomies and the public perception of the procedure. Patients will call it one thing, and the doctor calls it another, leading to conf...
Jun 02, 2023•35 min•Ep. 45
Weight loss products are a magnet for controversy. From fraudulent claims to critics and copycats, everybody has an opinion. Today I’m talking about the one currently on everybody’s mind, GLP-1 drugs like Ozemic and Mounjaro. There are a lot of people in the healthcare community, especially alternative health, who are demonizing these medications. And why? I think it’s because they work and put some people out of business. While there are risks and potentially serious side effects, there’s a lot...
May 26, 2023•19 min•Ep. 44
“The first step is to realize that you deserve to be healthy.” - Dr. Trevor Cates Your skin is your body's largest organ, and one of its most significant functions is protecting your body from the environment. The problem is that many of us are damaging that barrier function between the issues with our gut health and the things we put on our skin. Today I’m joined by Dr. Trevor Cates, a naturopathic doctor specializing in skin health. Dr. Cates has helped patients, especially women, around the w...
May 18, 2023•30 min•Ep. 43
Culinary medicine exists at the intersection of the art of cooking and the science of medicine. When we understand the connection between nutrition and health, we are empowered to make better choices that strengthen our bodies and put us on the path to optimal health. Unfortunately, many of us never learned how to cook healthy meals. Packaged foods and Wonder bread were staples in our diets, and we carried those habits into adulthood. At the same time, there’s so much conflicting information abo...
May 11, 2023•47 min•Ep. 42
Strong bones are foundational to leading an active life, yet bone health is a topic that’s often overlooked or ignored until age 60 or beyond. At the same time, women are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis than men, making them more susceptible to fractures and other bone-related issues. Prioritizing bone health helps prevent osteoporosis and contributes to overall well-being and quality of life. Luckily, there’s a lot we can do to improve our bone health and reduce bone loss actively. ...
May 04, 2023•35 min•Ep. 41
“You’re just getting older.” When it comes to menopause, women are getting dismissed by doctors, and their symptoms are ignored. With the subject being largely ignored in medical school and residency, it can be a struggle to find a practitioner who is both knowledgeable and willing to dig deeper and provide the care that’s needed. Today I’m joined by my friend, Integrative Dietitian and Menopause Expert Esther Blum, to debunk menopause myths and discuss how you can go through menopause like a ro...
Apr 27, 2023•42 min•Ep. 40
“Starve a fever; feed a cold!” Whether it’s from grandma, a friend, or the internet, a lot of health-related advice is passed down through generations or amplified through social media. There’s a reason they persist - they seem logical and sound like good advice, so it’s easy to assume they’re true. Some are harmless but ineffective, while others might stop you from living your best, healthy life. Today will be a fun episode where I’m breaking down the most common medical myths and sharing the s...
Apr 20, 2023•33 min•Ep. 39
“If you want to feel well, you've got to let your body know that it's safe.” - Dr. Izabella Wentz There are only two hormonal issues that are life and death: thyroid and adrenals. Unfortunately, when it comes to adrenals, what you think you should be doing is probably the opposite of what you should be doing. Whether you identify with the burned-out Saboteur or the Workaholic who’s constantly pushing, you’re not alone. Today I’m happy to be joined by Dr. Izabella Wentz, author of the upcoming bo...
Apr 13, 2023•52 min•Ep. 38
Estrogen has many protective effects, from bone and heart health to thyroid function and sexual motivation. I can't tell you how often I’ve put a woman on estrogen only to return, saying she felt better for a couple of weeks but decided to stop the medication. Why? Because her friends told her that estrogen causes breast cancer. This narrative is spreading like wildfire, and it’s frankly misogynistic. Why should women have to suffer the life-altering adverse effects of low estrogen when they hav...
Apr 06, 2023•28 min•Ep. 37
Every year, millions of people take dietary supplements hoping to improve their health. The problem is, most of us have no idea what’s in the pills we’re taking. This is particularly true for omega-3 fatty acids, one of the top three supplements I recommend for women of all ages. So many of the omega-3 products on the shelf are low-quality, rancid oils that are a waste of money and can cause more harm than good. On top of that, there are serious issues around the sustainability of the fish oil p...
Mar 30, 2023•47 min•Ep. 36
Endometriosis is a debilitating condition affecting millions of women worldwide, yet many go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years. Early diagnosis leads to better outcomes and improved quality of life. As part of our Endometriosis Awareness Month series, I’m joined by holistic health coach Khush Sra today. In addition to being an Endometriosis Nutritionist, Khush has personally suffered with endometriosis and was diagnosed around 20 years ago. She knows the ins and outs of endo, not just from a...
Mar 23, 2023•51 min•Ep. 35
Endometriosis is a long-term disease, but it’s not a terminal illness. While endo symptoms usually present at a young age, it takes approximately seven to ten years for most women to get diagnosed. It’s not uncommon to hear of women being bounced around the medical system and silenced with birth control pills to mask their symptoms, with no one taking a closer look. Plus, a doctor needs to confirm the presence of endometrial implants through surgery before you can get a definitive diagnosis. Mar...
Mar 16, 2023•41 min•Ep. 34
The thyroid gland is a contentious topic in the medical community. In my practice, I’ve seen many women with debilitating symptoms dismissed by doctors only interested in checking TSH levels and sending them on their way. Clinicians react from a place of defensiveness, not wanting anyone to question their authority. With the latest research pushing for TSH ranges to be expanded, it seems like the medical field truly under-appreciates the severity of symptoms of hypothyroidism and the massive imp...
Mar 09, 2023•34 min•Ep. 33
We’re back for another round of Q&A with Dr. T! So much misinformation is shared when it comes to women’s health. There are also a lot of doctors who seem to prescribe things willy-nilly, following guidelines without digging deeper and using science. Many of these topics come up in questions on my Instagram ( @ShawnTassoneMD) , and in this episode, I’m exploring eight common questions and sharing brief but informative insights. We’re talking about the difference between Biest and estradiol, ...
Mar 02, 2023•24 min•Ep. 32
“Instead of looking at each person's bio-individuality, we’re all treated with one protocol.” When we slap a band-aid solution like the pill on PCOS, irregular periods, acne, and PMS, the women behind the symptoms are left disempowered and without a real solution. That’s what today’s guest, Nicole Jardim, is passionate about changing. Through her work as a Certified Women’s Health Coach, educator, author, and more, Nicole has impacted the lives of tens of thousands of people worldwide by address...
Feb 23, 2023•40 min•Ep. 31
Semaglutide is a fantastic medication when used the right way. Anybody with a passing interest in weight loss has probably heard about semaglutide. Whether it’s Ozempic, Wegovy, or Rybelsus, these antidiabetic medications have skyrocketed in popularity for the incredible weight loss results they can bring. There have even been shortages for the past couple of months! On the flip side, critics point out that around 85% of patients taking semaglutide gain most of the lost weight back if they stop ...
Feb 16, 2023•36 min•Ep. 30
It’s not all in your head. As you probably know, I’m a firm advocate for the removal of foreign bodies and foreign materials, particularly within my practice with the Essure coils. Many women go through a long journey to have the problem acknowledged and often spend years dismissed by doctors. A big part of this podcast is about patient advocacy and empowering you to stand up and speak your mind regarding your health. Today I’m joined by actress Candice Barley, who has become a patient advocate ...
Feb 09, 2023•37 min•Ep. 29
“You have to trust your gut and be an advocate for yourself.” - Angela Grassi There is no one-size-fits-all approach for managing polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). It’s a very common, very misunderstood condition that often goes undiagnosed for years. Even after diagnosis, many women are quickly put on birth control pills that mask the symptoms and do nothing to address the underlying issues. Today I’m joined by nutrition and health expert on PCOS, Angela Grassi. After a long, complicated jour...
Feb 02, 2023•43 min•Ep. 28
“If it’s made in a factory, skip it. If it’s made in nature, eat it.” - Dr. Joel Kahn Diet has become a controversial topic, and people quickly turn confrontational. From the carnivore diet to keto to veganism, chances are that talking publicly about what you eat will be met with opposition. So how can you navigate these conversations and figure out the best diet for you? Today I’m joined by integrative cardiologist Dr. Joel Kahn. After years as a traditional cardiologist, Joel committed to a pl...
Jan 27, 2023•40 min•Ep. 27
“Those that don’t have time for wellness will eventually have to make time for illness.” - Dr. Jaime Seeman You should be the number one advocate for your health. Like I tell my patients, I can give you the tools, and I can give you ideas, but ultimately you've got to do it yourself. We all have an innate drive to propagate our DNA. Do you want that to be a legacy of heart disease, or do you want it to be a legacy of longevity and healthiness? Today I’m joined by OBGYN and author of Hard to Kill...
Jan 19, 2023•49 min•Ep. 26
Every Saturday for the past year, I’ve been doing “ask me a question” on my Instagram ( @ShawnTassoneMD ). Over time, I’ve noticed specific questions and themes that come up over and over. Now, I’m bringing them to the podcast! Starting with today’s episode, I’m going to create some Q&A episodes where I hit some of the more popular questions and go a little deeper than I can on Instagram. I love responding to your questions, so if you want an opportunity to have your question answered here, ...
Jan 12, 2023•32 min•Ep. 25
“Consider natural alternatives; your body wants to heal.” - Terri Long For years Terri Long suffered from chronic pain and fatigue that left her struggling to function in everyday life. She bounced from doctor to doctor before finally being given a fibromyalgia diagnosis. But even with the medication she received, she still felt horrible. Eventually, fed up with being stuck and believing her body could heal itself given the right circumstances and environment, Terri decided to take matters into ...
Jan 05, 2023•39 min•Ep. 24
“We would not have evolved as a species if we could not have gone through periods of food feasting and famine.” - Cynthia Thurlow From ancient Rome to the Industrial Revolution, people have been fasting for various reasons, including religious rites and social customs. But while it's not a new practice, modern-day intermittent fasting exists in a new environment where food is abundant, but nutrient density is much lower than in the past. Today I’m joined by my friend, intermittent fasting expert...
Dec 29, 2022•42 min•Ep. 23
Progesterone is the great calmer. It’s the hormone responsible for pregnancy and is probably my second favorite (right after testosterone). With its central role in the menstrual cycle, I’ve seen progesterone help many women in my practice. In my book, The Hormone Balance Bible, the archetype for progesterone deficiency is the Unbalanced Heroine. It’s a common archetype associated with insomnia, irritability, and feeling out of control. Unfortunately, in the media, they are often portrayed as th...
Dec 22, 2022•36 min•Ep. 22
“Honor your body. If something doesn't feel right, it's because it's not right.” - Roya Pakzad Being in control of your health is empowering, but often, that’s easier said than done. High deductibles, restrictions on insurance coverage, and the cost of working with functional medicine practitioners are just some of the barriers that prevent women from accessing the full range of testing and modalities that could provide them with the help they need. Today I’m joined by Roya Pakzad, CEO and found...
Dec 16, 2022•39 min•Ep. 21
Cortisol gets a lot of bad publicity, but if you didn't have it, you would die. Produced by the adrenal glands, cortisol is your body's primary stress hormone released as part of the body's response to a threatening situation. But when cortisol levels are on the low or high end of the normal range, many women experience symptoms that significantly impact their quality of life. In my book, The Hormone Balance Bible, I explore this in detail through the lens of two archetypes that revolve around c...
Dec 08, 2022•43 min•Ep. 20
Medicinal mushrooms are a fantastic tool for mitigating risk and cultivating health. From Reishi to Tremella, Lion’s Mane, and beyond, the Western world is finally waking up to the magic and medicine of mushrooms. With that increasing popularity, more and more research is being conducted that confirms what ancient traditions have long known about the medicinal benefits of mushrooms. Today I’m joined by mushroom expert Mason Taylor to guide us through what you need to know about getting started w...
Dec 01, 2022•42 min•Ep. 19
I can't bring myself emotionally, spiritually, psychologically, or physically to use hormone pellets with my patients. Hormone pellets are tiny pellets containing hormones and medications inserted under your skin and replaced every three to six months. In my clinic, many unhappy patients come to me with complications from pellets. Outside of my clinical experience, I also tried pellets myself a few years ago, which was the worst experience of my life. Looking at the science, there are much bette...
Nov 23, 2022•38 min•Ep. 18
You can’t biohack your way out of your symptoms; 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...
Nov 17, 2022•38 min•Ep. 17
Low testosterone in women is the plague of the 21st century. Testosterone is one of the most important parts of women’s hormone replacement. While most women feel their best with testosterone levels in the middle of the normal range, I see a lot of women with levels at the low end of that range. Unfortunately, because testosterone is so misunderstood, it often gets overlooked. Today I’m busting testosterone myths and sharing the important role testosterone plays in women’s health, symptoms of hi...
Nov 10, 2022•46 min•Ep. 16
