“Your normal is different than everybody else’s.”

There’s so much misinformation out there about hormones. The misunderstanding of the Women’s Health Initiative findings did massive damage to women’s health. It basically ruined an entire generation of physicians who now buy into the false narrative on the dangers of hormone replacement.

Today I’m doing a review episode all about my book, The Hormone Balance Bible. I wrote the book not for you to read from cover to cover but so that you can look at the relevant sections as you go through certain stages of your life. In The Hormone Balance Bible, I break down the 12 hormonal archetypes and what to do to start the healing journey for each one. 

For this episode,  I’m talking about how you can start figuring out which archetype you are, the characteristics of each type, symptoms you might be noticing, the kinds of women I see in my practice for each archetype, and more. Enjoy the episode!

Highlights

What I’m sharing today about the Hormone Balance Bible

The concept and creation of the Hormone Balance Bible

How I came up with the twelve hormonal archetypes

Why it was important to me to include processes with which women could heal themselves

Archetype #1: The Queen - Estrogen Dominance

Archetype #2: The Unbalanced Heroine - Progesterone Deficiency

Archetype #3: The Mother - High Estrogen, Low Progesterone

Archetype #4: The Wise Woman - Menopause

Archetype #5: The Workaholic - Excess Cortisol

Archetype #6: The Saboteur - Low Cortisol

Archetype #7: The Nun - Low Testosterone

Archetype #8: The Warrior - High Testosterone

Archetype #9: The Underdog - Hypothyroidism/Subclinical Hypothyroidism

Archetype #10: The Overachiever - Hyperthyroidism

Archetype #11: The Chairwoman - Estrogen Dominance + Excess Cortisol

Archetype #12: The Philosopher

The medical system's poor treatment of menopausal women

Episode Resources:

Dr. Shawn Tassone's Practice | https://www.drshawntassone.com

Dr. Shawn Tassone's Book | The Hormone Balance Bible

Dr. Shawn Tassone's Integrative Hormonal Mapping System | Hormone Archetype Quiz

Thank you to our sponsor, Endurance Products Company!

After over 25 years of practicing medicine, I'll be the first to tell you that not all supplements are created equal. But when I discovered Dihydroberberine SR, by Endurance Products Company, I was genuinely impressed.  It’s highly bioavailable and outperforms standard berberine at significantly lower doses. You can explore their offerings at endur.com.

Not only is the science solid, but I love that Endurance Products Company is a family-run American company that has cared about doing things right since 1978. I've started recommending Dihydroberberine to my patients who struggle with blood sugar management, and the results speak for themselves. So much so, that I personally take this supplement for helping to support healthy blood sugar levels, heart health, and tap into how my body uses fats for energy

As a special offer for my audience, Endurance Products Company is providing a 10% discount on your order! Simply use the code DRT10 at checkout when you visit endur.com.

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 #120:  "You can't teach a work ethic."

In this episode, Dr. Shawn Tassone discusses the current state of women's health and hormones, emphasizing the shortcomings of the medical education system. He highlights the challenges faced by medical students and residents, including the dumbing down of medical licensing exams and the impact this has on patient care, particularly for women. Dr. Tassone advocates for a return to rigorous training and standards in medical education to ensure that future doctors are well-equipped to provide quality care.

Episode Highlights:

• How the medical education system is facing significant challenges
• Why many doctors lack the training needed to provide quality care
• The changes in medical licensing exam standards
• Reasons real-world experience in residency is crucial for training
• Women experiencing gaslighting in healthcare settings
• Reasons persistence is key when seeking medical care
• Why the importance of rigorous training cannot be overstated
• Reasons the healthcare system must prioritize quality over quotas.

Episode Resources:

Dr. Shawn Tassone's Practice | https://www.drshawntassone.com

Dr. Shawn Tassone's Book | The Hormone Balance Bible

Dr. Shawn Tassone's Integrative Hormonal Mapping System | Hormone Archetype Quiz

Thank you to our sponsor, Endurance Products Company!

After over 25 years of practicing medicine, I'll be the first to tell you that not all supplements are created equal. But when I discovered Dihydroberberine SR, by Endurance Products Company, I was genuinely impressed.  It’s highly bioavailable and outperforms standard berberine at significantly lower doses. You can explore their offerings at endur.com.

Not only is the science solid, but I love that Endurance Products Company is a family-run American company that has cared about doing things right since 1978. I've started recommending Dihydroberberine to my patients who struggle with blood sugar management, and the results speak for themselves. So much so, that I personally take this supplement for helping to support healthy blood sugar levels, heart health, and tap into how my body uses fats for energy

As a special offer for my audience, Endurance Products Company is providing a 10% discount on your order! Simply use the code DRT10 at checkout when you visit endur.com.

Confession 119: “I think it's scammy. I think it's dangerous. And I'm saddened that many women are being lied to about these products.”

Have you seen those ads on social media for menopause or perimenopause supplements and creams that claim that they will fix all your woes? None of these products have a shred of proof behind their dramatic claims, and many of them are backed by huge celebrities promoting them like they’re a godsend for women.

The sad thing to me is that, ultimately, they’re spreading misinformation.

Today, I’m talking all about these scammy topical face creams, from those promoting the fact that they have estrogen in them to wild yam creams and those that are over the counter while exposing women to prescription-strength progesterone.

As a consumer, be cautious, seek medical advice, and opt for evidence-based skincare and nutritional products. As always, if you feel like you're being gaslit by the medical community, keep searching because there are doctors like me out there who want to help you feel better. Enjoy the episode!

Highlights

• Deceptive marketing tactics used by companies promoting menopausal and perimenopausal supplements
• Potential dangers associated with the use of these products
• What you need to know about estriol
• The confusing meaning behind the term “research-backed”
• Why wild yam creams are one of the biggest scams in women's health
• What research tells us about the effectiveness of topical progesterone creams
• The hidden dangers of using over-the-counter progesterone creams marketed as moisturizers
• Calling out the predatory tactics used by these companies
• What you can safely do to feel better and look better

Episode Resources:

Dr. Shawn Tassone's Practice | https://www.drshawntassone.com

Dr. Shawn Tassone's Book | The Hormone Balance Bible

Dr. Shawn Tassone's Integrative Hormonal Mapping System | Hormone Archetype Quiz

Thank you to our sponsor, Endurance Products Company!

After over 25 years of practicing medicine, I'll be the first to tell you that not all supplements are created equal. But when I discovered Dihydroberberine SR, by Endurance Products Company, I was genuinely impressed.  It’s highly bioavailable and outperforms standard berberine at significantly lower doses. You can explore their offerings at endur.com.

Not only is the science solid, but I love that Endurance Products Company is a family-run American company that has cared about doing things right since 1978. I've started recommending Dihydroberberine to my patients who struggle with blood sugar management, and the results speak for themselves. So much so, that I personally take this supplement for helping to support healthy blood sugar levels, heart health, and tap into how my body uses fats for energy

As a special offer for my audience, Endurance Products Company is providing a 10% discount on your order! Simply use the code DRT10 at checkout when you visit endur.com.

In this episode, Shawn Tassone, MD, PhD, and registered dietitian, Temple Stewart, explore metabolic optimization through nutritional intervention, with particular emphasis on Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Stewart shares her evidence-based approach to PCOS management through ketogenic nutrition, which led to her own health transformation.

The discussion examines the clinical applications of dihydroberberine compared to metformin, including its role in insulin sensitization and glucose regulation. Key supplements discussed include creatine for muscle protein synthesis and cognitive function, omega-3 fatty acids for inflammation modulation, and methylene blue for mitochondrial function.

A significant portion focuses on supplement quality and bioavailability, emphasizing the importance of third-party testing and proper formulation. The conversation concludes with emerging research on nicotine's potential therapeutic applications and the integration of stress management techniques in treating metabolic disorders.

This evidence-based discussion bridges the gap between conventional medical management and nutritional interventions as they highlight practical steps women can take to improve their health and fertility, offer practical strategies for clinicians treating women with metabolic disorders, and emphasize the importance of holistic approaches to health.

Episode Highlights:

• Temple Stewart’s personal journey with PCOS

• How the ketogenic diet can significantly impact women's health

• Why dihydroberberine is better tolerated than traditional berberine

• Reasons Metformin has notable side effects that can be avoided with dihydroberberine

• Dihydroberberine role in managing blood sugar levels

• Why quality supplements are crucial for effective health management

• Lifestyle changes that can lead to significant improvements in PCOS symptoms

• The importance of understanding insulin resistance in women's health

• Why single-ingredient supplements are preferred for efficacy

• The cognitive benefits of creatine beyond exercise

• How methylene blue may help with COVID symptoms

• Why stress management is crucial for women trying to conceive

• How holistic approaches can enhance fertility outcomes

• The gut microbiomes' role in supplement efficacy

About Temple Stewart

Temple Stewart is a Registered Dietitian, Certified Personal Trainer and Health Behavior Change Specialist. She played D1 soccer at the University of Tennessee Martin, which is where she received her degree in Dietetics. Temple completed her internship at the VA Medical Center in Bay Pines, FL. She currently works and lives in Florida with her husband and two poodles, Axel and Rowdie.

Connect with Temple

Instagram: @the.ketogenic.nutritionist

Podcast: The Ketogenic Nutritionist with Temple Stewart, Registered Dietician

Episode Resources:

Dr. Shawn Tassone's Practice | https://www.drshawntassone.com

Dr. Shawn Tassone's Book | The Hormone Balance Bible

Dr. Shawn Tassone's Integrative Hormonal Mapping System | Hormone Archetype Quiz

After over 25 years of practicing medicine, I'll be the first to tell you that not all supplements are created equal. But when I discovered Dihydroberberine SR, by Endurance Products Company, I was genuinely impressed.  It’s highly bioavailable and outperforms standard berberine at significantly lower doses. You can explore their offerings at endur.com.

Not only is the science solid, but I love that Endurance Products Company is a family-run American company that has cared about doing things right since 1978. I've started recommending Dihydroberberine to my patients who struggle with blood sugar management, and the results speak for themselves. So much so, that I personally take this supplement for helping to support healthy blood sugar levels, heart health, and tap into how my body uses fats for energy

As a special offer for my audience, Endurance Products Company is providing a 10% discount on your order! Simply use the code DRT10 at checkout when you visit endur.com.

In this episode, Dr. Shawn Tassone discusses various aspects of hormone health, particularly focusing on breast cancer screening methods including mammography, ultrasound, and thermography. He shares insights from his book, 'The Hormone Balance Bible', and emphasizes the importance of understanding different testing methods, their pros and cons, and emerging technologies in breast imaging. The conversation aims to empower women with knowledge about their health and the options available for cancer detection and prevention.

Episode Highlights:

• The Hormone Balance Bible provides insights into hormone imbalances.
• Mammography, ultrasound, and thermography are key breast cancer screening methods.
• Each screening method has its own pros and cons.
• Thermography is a physiological test, while mammography and ultrasound are structural tests.
• Mammograms can miss fast-growing tumors due to their nature.
• Ultrasound can detect some tumors missed by mammograms.
• Thermography has a lower false positive rate compared to mammograms and ultrasounds.
• Emerging technologies like the QT scan may offer new options for breast imaging.
• Prevention is more important than detection in cancer care.
• Women should choose the screening method that resonates with them.

Confession #116: "The logic behind prescribing hormones is absurd."

In this episode, Dr. Shawn Tassone discusses the complexities and controversies surrounding hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

He delves into the historical context of HRT, the impact of the Women's Health Initiative study, and the ongoing myths about HRT and breast cancer. Dr. Tassone emphasizes the importance of understanding the benefits of HRT for women's health, including its role in preventing osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases.

He also critiques the current business practices in hormone therapy and calls for a more informed and compassionate approach to women's health.

Episode Highlights:

• Why hormones are often misunderstood and controversial
• How The Women's Health Initiative study significantly impacted HRT usage
• The truth about how estrogen may have protective effects against certain cancers
• How HRT can help prevent osteoporosis and improve quality of life
• How/why the medical community has historically underrepresented women's health issues
• Why Dr. T thinks there's a need for more education on the benefits of HRT
• How the narrative around HRT has been shaped by fear and misinformation
• Why women deserve better representation and care 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

Confession #115: "Negativity sells, that's the reality."

In this conversation, Dr. Shawn Tassone discusses the complexities of hormonal health, focusing on the use of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic for weight management. He addresses common misconceptions, the mechanisms of action of these medications, and shares personal experiences and patient outcomes emphasizing the importance of informed decision-making and the need for a supportive healthcare environment to navigate hormonal treatments effectively.

Episode Highlights:

• Ozempic and similar medications are tools for weight management, not without risks.
• The truth about the black box warning for GLP-1 medications
• How semaglutide can improve blood sugar levels and reduce cardiovascular risks
• Why weight loss on these medications should be monitored
• Why you should avoid obtaining medications from medical spas due to lack of proper oversight
• How negativity in health discussions often garners more attention than positive messages
• How individual experiences with weight loss medications can vary significantly
• Why informed decision-making is crucial when considering hormonal treatments
• How support from healthcare professionals is essential for successful weight management

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

Confession #114: Women are 10% less likely than men to have their pain assessed

In this episode, Dr. Shawn Tassone discusses the significant disparities in healthcare for women, highlighting the women's health gap, gender bias in pain management, and the challenges women face in receiving timely diagnoses and appropriate treatments. He emphasizes the need for greater awareness and action to address these issues, particularly in areas such as endometriosis, autoimmune diseases, and menopause. The conversation also touches on the economic implications of these disparities and the importance of advocating for women's health rights.

Episode Highlights:

• How the women's health gap results in significant years of life lost
• Gender bias affecting pain assessment and treatment in healthcare
• Many women are undiagnosed for conditions like menopause and endometriosis
• Research shows women wait longer for pain management than men
• Women are often misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed for various health issues
• The healthcare system frequently overlooks women's specific health needs
• Autoimmune diseases disproportionately affect women, yet diagnosis is delayed
• Antimicrobial resistance poses a significant threat to women's health
• Why there is a lack of FDA-approved hormone therapies for women
• How advocacy and awareness are crucial for improving women's 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, Dr. Shawn Tassone discusses the challenges women face with hormonal issues and the resources available to help them. He then addresses the tragic murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, exploring the implications of this event on the healthcare system and the frustrations patients and providers experience.

Dr. Tassone reflects on the flaws in the healthcare industry, particularly the role of insurance companies, and calls for a reevaluation of the system to better serve patients and providers alike.

Episode Highlights:

• How The Hormone Balance Bible offers insights into common hormone imbalances
• Why the healthcare system is plagued by inefficiencies and frustrations
• How insurance companies often prioritize profits over patient care
• Why the murder of Brian Thompson highlights deep-seated issues in healthcare
• Reasons patients are often left to navigate a complex and confusing system'
• Why there is a growing anger towards insurance companies and healthcare providers
• Why Dr. Tassone believes the need for transparency in insurance practices is critical
• Why healthcare reform is necessary to address systemic issues
• How the current system often leaves patients feeling gaslighted and unsupported
• Why a two-tiered healthcare system could provide better options for patients

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 various aspects of women's health, focusing on hormone balance and the importance of proper supplementation.

He shares personal updates and presents a list of top health recommendations for women. The conversation delves into the significance of understanding hormonal imbalances, the necessity of proper lab testing, and the challenges women face in advocating for their health.

Dr. Tassone critiques the marketing of hormonal products and emphasizes the need for FDA-approved testosterone replacement for women. He concludes with insights on new weight loss medications and their potential benefits.

Episode Highlights:

• How Dihydroberberine can benefit women's health
• Why proper lab testing is crucial for understanding health issues
• How women often face gaslighting in healthcare regarding their health concerns
• Identifying that perimenopause is a natural stage of life, not a medical diagnosis
• How many marketed hormonal products lack scientific backing
• Why there is a need for FDA-approved testosterone replacement for women
• Reasons women should be informed about the truth behind weight loss medications
• Why advocacy for women's health is essential in navigating 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 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.