Note from Dr. Harriet “SkepDoc” Hall: I now have the dubious distinction of being the only author on the Science-Based Medicine website to have ever had an article retracted, my book review of Irreversible Damage: The Transgender Craze Seducing Our Daughters by Abigail Shrier. Michael Shermer promptly republished it on… read more "Gender Dysphoria in Adolescents"
The Hormone Myth
“Mary is really bitchy today; she must be on the rag.” Comments like this are all too common, and are misguided. In her new book, Robyn Stein DeLuca dispels the myths about how hormones affect women’s moods and mental health, myths that have contributed to unequal treatment of women. Junk… read more "The Hormone Myth"
Gender Differences: What Science Says and Why It’s Mostly Wrong
Men and women don’t come from Mars and Venus, but they are undeniably different. Vive la différence! Without it life would be far less interesting. It’s not just the anatomical differences like chest bumps versus dangly bits; there are also differences in psychology and behavior. My daughters and I are… read more "Gender Differences: What Science Says and Why It’s Mostly Wrong"
Steven Fowkes (Part 2 of 2): Nutrients for Better Mental Performance
Last week, in part 1, I covered Steven Fowkes’ “cures” for Alzheimer’s and herpes. In part 2, I will cover a video where he goes further afield. It is titled “Nutrients for Better Mental Performance,” but he also discusses sleep, depression, hangovers, and a lot of other topics. Some of… read more "Steven Fowkes (Part 2 of 2): Nutrients for Better Mental Performance"
Testosterone: Not an Anti-Aging Panacea
On the car radio, I have several times happened upon “infomercial” programs touting the benefits of testosterone replacement therapy for men, broadcast by doctors who specialize in prescribing the drugs. They have lots of wonderful stories about men who feel younger, happier, and more vigorous because of their macho remedies.… read more "Testosterone: Not an Anti-Aging Panacea"
Christiane Northrup, MD: Science Tainted with Strange Beliefs
After her daughter left for college, Christiane Northrup, MD, went for a morning walk one day. About halfway through her walk she developed an ache in her throat radiating up into her jaw. It felt like a fist was squeezing her esophagus. It persisted even after she returned home. What… read more "Christiane Northrup, MD: Science Tainted with Strange Beliefs"
Bioidentical Hormones: Estrogen is Good. No, It’s Bad. No, It’s Good
MENOPAUSAL WOMEN USED TO HAVE NO ESCAPE from the sufferings of the dreaded “Change.” In the mid-20th century, they were offered a reprieve. They could take a pill to replace their missing hormones, and feel back to normal. That was good in itself, but then they found that replacing estrogens… read more "Bioidentical Hormones: Estrogen is Good. No, It’s Bad. No, It’s Good"