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.