Confessions of a Male Gynecologist

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 From smart erection rings to neuromodulation, this episode challenges outdated thinking and introduces a data-driven future for men's health and intimacy.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• Why guessing about sexual health is outdated and what men can do instead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.

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.

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.

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/

In this episode, Dr. Shawn Tassone discusses hormone health, telemedicine, and the recent controversies surrounding Peter Atiyah and Deepak Chopra in relation to the Epstein files. He critiques the ethical standards of these prominent figures in medicine and the implications of their actions on public trust. The conversation also touches on the idolization of medical professionals and the dangers of celebrity culture in healthcare.

Episode Highlights:

• About Dr. Shawn Tassone's hormone practice in Austin, Texas

• How telemedicine allows him to order labs in 48 states

• Analyzing Peter Attia's high fees and ethical standards

• The controversy surrounding Attia and his connection to Jeffrey Epstein

• Discussion about Attia's emails reveals unprofessional behavior and misogyny

• The concept of longevity medicine

• Attia's public response to the controversy

• The mention of Deepak Chopra in the Epstein files

• Why the idolization of doctors can lead to public disillusionment

• Why medical professionals must maintain ethical standards to preserve trust

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.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has become one of the most misunderstood, and controversial, topics in women's health. In this episode, Dr. Shawn Tassone takes a deep dive into how we got here and why so much of what women have been told about hormones simply doesn't hold up.

Dr. Tassone unpacks the complicated history of HRT, including the lasting fallout from the Women's Health Initiative study and how its misinterpretation shaped decades of fear-based medical decision-making. He addresses persistent myths linking estrogen to breast cancer, challenges outdated assumptions, and explains why hormones were never the villain they were made out to be.

This conversation goes beyond the science. Dr. Tassone also critiques the modern hormone industry, calling out profit-driven practices, poor education, and the ongoing failure of the medical system to prioritize women's long-term health. At its core, this episode is a call for clarity, context, and compassion — because women deserve better than fear, confusion, and half-truths when it comes to their bodies.

Episode Highlights:

• Why hormones remain one of the most misunderstood topics in medicine

• How the Women's Health Initiative study dramatically altered HRT prescribing and why it still matters

• The truth about estrogen and its potential protective role against certain cancers

• How HRT supports bone health, cardiovascular health, and overall quality of life

• The historical underrepresentation of women in medical research and healthcare decision-making

• Why fear — not evidence — has driven much of the anti-HRT narrative

• How misinformation continues to influence both patients and providers

• Why women deserve informed and individualized hormone care

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.

In this episode, Dr. Shawn Tassone discusses the five most worthless health and wellness trends of 2025, emphasizing the prevalence of misinformation in the wellness industry. He critiques the effectiveness of vibration plates, influencer marketing, jaw sculpting devices, weighted vests, parasite cleanses, and estriol face creams, urging listeners to be discerning consumers and to question the validity of health claims made by influencers and non-medical professionals.

Episode Highlights:

• Why vibration plates are largely ineffective.

• How influencer marketing often lacks transparency and can be unethical

• Why jaw sculpting devices do not provide the promised results

• How weighted vests may cause more harm than good

• Why parasite cleanses are commonly unnecessary and may be harmful

• Why health trends exploit consumer fears and vulnerabilities

• Why estriol face creams are ineffective and often misleading in their claims

• Why consumers should always do their research before purchasing health products

• Reasons health marketing often relies on emotional triggers rather than factual evidence

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.

In this episode, Dr. Shawn Tassone discusses the new FDA approval of a prescription called Addyi, aimed at treating Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) in women. He explains the differences between male and female sexual responses, the limitations of Addyi, and the marketing strategies that may mislead women about its effectiveness. Dr. Tassone emphasizes the importance of addressing underlying issues related to libido and the potential risks associated with Addyi, urging listeners to have open conversations with their partners and healthcare providers about sexual health.

Episode Highlights:

• The history of Addyi
• How Addyi is marketed as a solution for women's sexual desire issues
• How the female sexual response is more complex than the male sexual response
• Factors that influence female libido beyond hormonal levels
• How Addyi affects serotonin levels similarly to antidepressants
• Why the marketing of Addyi may mislead women
• Results of clinical trials with Addyi
• What women should know about taking Addyi with other medications
• Why open communication with partners is crucial for women's sexual health
• Reasons underlying issues should be addressed before considering Addyi

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.

In this episode, Dr. Shawn Tassone discusses the importance of hormonal health, focusing on progesterone. He explains the differences between bioidentical progesterone and synthetic progestins, their roles in women's health, and how they can alleviate various symptoms associated with menopause. The conversation also covers the impact of progesterone on sleep, mood, and overall well-being, as well as the various delivery methods available for hormone therapy.

Episode Highlights:

• Why progesterone is crucial for stabilizing the uterine lining
• How bioidentical progesterone offers benefits that synthetic progestins do not
• How low progesterone levels can lead to sleep disturbances and anxiety
• How progesterone can help alleviate menopausal symptoms like hot flashes
• Reasons the delivery method of progesterone can affect its efficacy
• How compounded progesterone can be tailored to individual needs
• Why many women experience improved sleep with progesterone therapy
• How bioidentical hormones are designed to mimic natural hormones in the body
• Why understanding hormone levels is essential for effective treatment
• Reasons consulting with knowledgeable practitioners can enhance hormonal health

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.

In this episode Dr. Shawn Tassone discusses the critical role of testosterone in women's health, addressing common misconceptions and the importance of proper testing and treatment. He emphasizes the significance of free testosterone levels, the symptoms of deficiency, and the risks associated with high testosterone.

Dr. Tassone also critiques common methods of testosterone replacement, particularly pellets and injections, advocating for safer alternatives for women. He highlights the benefits of testosterone for bone health and debunks myths surrounding hormonal balance, encouraging women to seek proper care and not settle for inadequate treatment.

Episode Highlights:

• Testosterone is the most abundant hormone in women

• Why low testosterone is often overlooked in women's health

• Why Free Testosterone is crucial for understanding hormonal health

• Symptoms of low testosterone in women

• Why hormone testing should be comprehensive

• How high testosterone can lead to negative health effects

• Why pellets and injections are not recommended for women

• Reasons topical creams and sublingual tablets are safer alternatives

• How testosterone can significantly improve bone density

• Debunking the myth that women need to balance estrogen before starting testosterone

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.