Podcasts about free t3

What if your low energy, stubborn weight gain, brain fog, poor recovery, mood changes, and stalled progress aren't simply signs that you need to work harder—but clues that your thyroid isn't functioning optimally? Dr. Amie Hornaman, author of The Thyroid Fix, joins us to explain why she considers the thyroid the body's "master gland" and why standard thyroid testing may not tell the entire story. They break down TSH, free T3, free T4, reverse T3 and thyroid antibodies; the difference between "normal" and optimal lab results; Hashimoto's and hypothyroidism; and when thyroid hormone replacement may be appropriate. Amie also explains how gluten, over-exercising, chronic under-eating, nutrient deficiencies and aggressive GLP-1 use may affect thyroid health and metabolism. Plus, she explains the importance of iodine, selenium, magnesium, protein and dietary fat, detoxification, and so much more! Follow Amie @dramiehornaman Follow Chase @chase_chewning ----- 00:00 – WHOOP: Stop Guessing and Start Measuring 01:38 – Is Your Thyroid the Missing Piece? 03:20 – Why the Thyroid Is Your Body's "Master Gland" 06:12 – The Thyroid Labs You Actually Need 07:18 – Operation Podcast 08:15 – TSH, Free T3, Free T4 & Reverse T3 Explained 10:02 – Testing for Hashimoto's and Thyroid Antibodies 10:54 – "Normal" Labs vs. Optimal Thyroid Function 12:49 – When Thyroid Hormone Replacement Makes Sense 14:27 – Can You Improve Thyroid Function Naturally? 16:27 – Gluten, Hashimoto's & Your Thyroid 19:06 – What Happens If Your Thyroid Is Removed? 21:00 – C15:0 essential fatty acids 22:18 – Wellness Habits That Could Be Hurting Your Thyroid 23:01 – Can Too Much Exercise Damage Thyroid Function? 24:30 – Resistance Training vs. Cardio for Thyroid Health 25:57 – Foods That May Interfere With Thyroid Function 27:13 – Can You Take Too Many Thyroid Supplements? 27:55 – Amie's Foundational Thyroid Supplement Stack 29:38 – The Controversy Around Iodine 31:07 – Fluoride, Chlorine, Bromide & Iodine 33:22 – Thyroid Function, Detox & Sauna 34:58 – Hypothyroidism vs. Hyperthyroidism 37:28 – Hashimoto's and Autoimmune Thyroid Disease 38:08 – The "Silent Thyroid Killer" 38:20 – GLP-1s, Under-Eating & Thyroid Function 40:53 – Why Eating Less Doesn't Always Mean Losing More 42:04 – Calories vs. Macros for Thyroid Health 43:32 – Protein, Fat, Carbs & Insulin Resistance 45:09 – Rapid Fire: Most Underrated Thyroid Fix 45:18 – Is Calories-In, Calories-Out Broken? 46:13 – The ONE Food Amie Says to Eat Every Day 47:09 – Where to Connect With Dr. Amie Hornaman 47:51 – What Does Ever Forward Mean to Amie? ----- Episode resources: FREE WHOOP activity tracker 15% off Fatty15 C15:0 essential fatty acids 20% off Operation Podcast studios with code EVERFORWARD

How Long Does It Take You to Wake Up? The Cortisol Cheater Question You hit snooze six times. You need two cups of coffee before you can hold a conversation. Or the opposite: your eyes open at a level ten, heart already going, anxiety already running. There is a name for what is happening, and there is a test for it. Dr. Terri sits down with Carrie Jones, ND, FABNE, MPH, MSCP, the naturopathic physician known as the Queen of Hormones, for a conversation about the hormone testing almost nobody is ordering. Not blood. Not saliva. Urine metabolites, which show you not just how much of a hormone you have, but where it goes after your body is finished with it. Because that turns out to be the part that matters. Estrogen can travel down three different pathways, and one of them is protective while another is genotoxic. Testosterone can convert into something far more potent, which is why some women get hair loss and jawline acne on a dose that works beautifully for someone else. Progesterone can knock one woman out in ten minutes and do almost nothing for the woman next to her on an identical dose. None of that shows up on a standard panel. They also spend real time on cortisol, which has become the most misunderstood hormone on the internet. Dr. Carrie makes the case that we are doing to cortisol exactly what we did to estrogen after the Women's Health Initiative: blaming the messenger, missing the message, and reaching for supplements to suppress something the body is doing on purpose. This one is for anyone who has been told their hormones are fine, or who has tried hormone therapy and quit because of side effects nobody could explain. What you'll discover: What urine metabolite testing actually measures, and why hormones have to go somewhere (02:03) The three estrogen pathways, and which one you want to push toward (04:45) The pathway that explains breast tenderness, spotting, and estrogen sensitivity (07:58) Why testosterone causes acne and hair loss in some women and not others (09:23) Alpha versus beta: why two women on the same progesterone dose have completely different nights (11:16) Whether the route you take progesterone changes the effect (14:20) What cortisol metabolites reveal about your thyroid that a TSH will not (19:39) Free T3, reverse T3, and reference ranges that are normal but not optimal (21:39) Poor, poor cortisol: what it is actually doing for you, and why we get it backward (26:29) The everyday medications quietly suppressing your cortisol results (30:11) Serum, saliva, or urine: which cortisol test answers which question (34:57) The cortisol awakening response, and the cheater question you can answer yourself (36:24) When a urine metabolite panel is worth the money, and when it is not (40:22) Cruciferous vegetables, DIM, and the caution nobody gives you before you start (42:39) Supplements that support the DHT pathway, and why sourcing decides whether they work (47:01) Alcohol as a bully: how the liver decides what gets detoxified first (52:55) You are not stuck with the hormone you were dealt. You are working with a pathway, and pathways are modifiable. The Dr. Terri Show is presented by EVEXIAS Health Solutions. For more, visit: https://www.evexias.com Connect with Dr. Terri:

You have the lab printout in front of you. You circled the flagged numbers, looked them up, and maybe compared them to somebody else's results in a group. So why do you still not know what they mean? In episode 214, Esther walks through the full panel and sorts every lab into thyroid or immune, so you can do the same thing with your own results in about five minutes. Sorting Hashimoto's labs is simpler than it looks once you know which list each one belongs on. In this episode, you'll learn: Which labs report on your thyroid gland and which ones report on your immune system Why reverse T3 is the lab that goes missing most often, and what a high number is asking you to look at Why vitamin D and C-reactive protein are helpful even though they are not on the standard thyroid panel Hit play, then pull out your most recent results and start sorting.   RESOURCES MENTIONED Episode 1, my diagnosis story: https://healthwithhashimotos.com/my-journey/ Episode 3, What Do My Thyroid Labs Mean: https://healthwithhashimotos.com/thyroid-labs/ Episode 39, Beyond TSH: How to Get the Thyroid Labs You Actually Need Using an Independent Lab: https://healthwithhashimotos.com/039-labs/ Episode 78, Success at the Doctor's Office: https://healthwithhashimotos.com/thyroid-questions-for-your-doctor/ Episode 80, Labs: T4 vs Free T4: https://healthwithhashimotos.com/t4-not-converting-to-t3/ Episode 94, Labs: T3, Free T3, Reverse T3: https://healthwithhashimotos.com/t3/ Episode 103, Thyroid Labs to Check: [link needed, page not live yet] Episode 190, Why Your TSH Looks Normal but You Still Feel Tired with Hashimoto's: https://healthwithhashimotos.com/190-tsh-normal-but-still-tired/ 10 Thyroid Questions to Ask Your Doctor (free guide): https://healthwithhashimotos.com/questions-for-your-doctor/   NEW HERE? START HERE. New to the podcast? Start with the free guide, 10 Questions to Ask Your Doctor. https://health-with-hashimotos.kit.com/10-questions   READY TO SORT YOUR HASHIMOTO'S? Hashimoto's Decoded: Thyroid or Immune walks you through sorting everything into thyroid or immune, in under an hour, with a workbook to help you figure out your next step. https://healthwithhashimotos.com/hashimotos-decoded/   JOIN THE HEALTH WITH HASHIMOTO'S COMMUNITY Join the free Health with Hashimoto's community on Skool. It's a supportive space for women navigating Hashimoto's, and it's free to join. https://www.skool.com/health-with-hashimotos/about   Find all my other resources, including products and supplements I recommend, on my resource page: https://healthwithhashimotos.com/resources/   ABOUT THE PODCAST & ESTHER The Health with Hashimoto's podcast helps you sort your Hashimoto's into thyroid or immune, so you can finally understand what's happening in your body and what to do about it. Hosted by Esther Yunkin, a registered nurse and holistic health educator with 25 years of nursing experience. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes. Please discuss any questions or concerns with your healthcare professional. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

PCOS Is Now PMOS. What the New Name Changes About How You Get Treated For decades, the diagnosis pointed at your ovaries. Cysts. Fertility. Birth control to regulate the cycle, and a shrug for everything else. This year, that changed. Polycystic ovary syndrome was formally renamed polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, or PMOS, in a global consensus published in The Lancet. The point was not cosmetic. It was an admission that this was never really a gynecological problem. Dr. Terri sits down with Dr. Cassie Smith, MD, dual board-certified endocrinologist, founder of Modern Endocrine, and author of Fix Your Gut, Fix Your Hormones, recorded on location at the EVEXIAS provider training. Dr. Smith has been making this argument for years, long before the literature caught up: the insulin, the inflammation, and the gut come first. The hormones are downstream. And if you only treat the hormones, you never actually fix anything. The conversation runs from the patient who was thin, had no cysts, had one symptom, and whose insulin nobody ever checked, all the way to what is happening right now with GLP-1s, the telehealth prescribing free-for-all, and the muscle loss almost nobody is monitoring. If you have been told your cycles are irregular and handed a prescription, if you are thin but feel metabolically off, or if you are on a GLP-1 and wondering whether you are doing it right, this one is for you. What you'll discover: 00:00 PCOS is officially renamed PMOS, and why the shift moves the focus off the ovaries entirely 00:59 The six different presentations of PCOS, including lean patients with no cysts and normal testosterone 01:42 The thin patient with one symptom, an irregular cycle, and an insulin level nobody ever ordered 03:33 The metabolic dumpster fire: how gut dysfunction drives estrogen, progesterone, insulin, and cortisol out of balance 04:08 What actually happens when you come off birth control after years of symptom suppression 05:36 The lab panel Dr. Smith runs first, including Free T3, insulin, cortisol, and a gut study 06:28 The unsexy basics: sleep, real food, sunlight, walking, and getting off the phone at midnight 07:29 Delayed childbearing, coming off the pill at 33, and the fertility math nobody explains 09:29 Treating PMOS in perimenopause when fertility is no longer the goal 10:50 Low serum testosterone with high free testosterone, and what low SHBG is telling you 11:50 The estrobolome: the gut bacteria responsible for recycling your estrogen 13:39 Why endocrinology and gynecology both missed this for so long 15:32 Fat cells as a full endocrine organ, and the signals they send when they are overfull 17:29 Ten thousand smoke signals: how inflammatory cytokines confuse your immune system 19:51 Skinny fat explained, and how you can be thin with the metabolic profile of someone who isn't 22:09 GLP-1s: what they do well, and how they are being prescribed badly 22:53 There is no magic bullet, and why your health is rent, not something you own 24:34 Telehealth vial-and-titration prescribing, the gray market, and patients with no follow-up 26:52 Doing it correctly: body composition scans, protein, resistance training, realistic timelines 29:44 GLP-1s slow gut motility. What Dr. Smith does to protect the gut long term 30:05 Fiber, hydration, and the two steps that changed one patient's life before she lost a pound The rename was the easy part. Now somebody has to start treating the whole system. The Dr. Terri Show is presented by EVEXIAS Health Solutions. For more, visit: https://www.evexias.com Connect with Dr. Terri:

Blueprint info session - (doors close August 24) - https://www.sarahkleinerwellness.com/offers/ExuLzY2G/checkoutLow ferritin can leave you exhausted, shedding hair, and wired at night even when your bloodwork looks "normal." In this episode I break down what "ferritin face" really means, the ferritin numbers that actually matter, and the exact labs to bring to your provider.I share my own story (my ferritin dropped to a 9), the three ferritin patterns to know, why "normal" is not the same as optimal, and the root causes most people miss like estrogen clearance, gut absorption, and blood loss. None of this is medical advice, it's here to help you ask better questions and advocate for yourself.Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. I only share things I actually use and trust.Substack ferritin/iron article with my full personal protocol, estrogen clearance protocol, HCL protocol, and the extended lab lists - https://sarahkleinerwellness.substack.com/p/two-things-everyone-with-a-ferritin?r=5eztl9&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=post%20viewerPrevious episode: "5 diet trends that can increase estrogen dominance" - https://youtu.be/60U3Fuk340UUlta Labs, for ordering your own direct-to-consumer labs -https://www.ultalabtests.com/oxygenmaskmeditationMelatonin hair serum / hair care system - https://monatsocialshop.com/SARAH-KLEINER?q=ir-clinical-hair-thinning-defenseShampoo + Conditioner I use - https://monatsocialshop.com/SARAH-KLEINER?q=thick-full-haircare-duoFermenting Fairy kefir —code sarahk - https://fermentingfairy.com/products/vanilla-bean-coconut-milkLab list: Low ferritin is never just one marker. Bring these to your provider (not medical advice): ferritin, serum iron, transferrin saturation (TSAT), transferrin, TIBC, CBC (hemoglobin, RBC count, MCV), hs-CRP, ESR, copper, ceruloplasmin, B12, folate, full thyroid panel (TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, thyroid antibodies), liver markers, kidney markers, plus your symptoms and bleeding history. Cofactors to check: copper, retinol (vitamin A), B12, B2, B6, folate This video is not medical advice & as a supporter to you and your health journey - I encourage you to monitor your labs and work with a professional!________________________________________Get all my free guides and product recommendations to get started on your journey!https://www.sarahkleinerwellness.com/all-free-resourcesCheck out all my courses to understand how to improve your mitochondrial health & experience long lasting health! (Use code PODCAST to save 10%) - https://www.sarahkleinerwellness.com/coursesMy free product guide with all product recommendations and discount codes:https://www.canva.com/design/DAF7mlgZpJI/xVyE4tiQFEWJmh_Xwx8Kbw/view?utm_content=DAF7mlgZpJIFree Webinar on Light & Health (includes free light bulb guide) - https://www.sarahkleinerwellness.com/mycircadianapp-free-webinarGet Early Access to Podcast Episodes & my Seasonal Food Course + UVB+Red Light Therapy course for free -  https://open.substack.com/pub/sarahkleinerwellness/p/uvbred-light-protocol?r=5eztl9&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=trueQuick note, some of the links in my description are affiliate links, so I may earn a small commission if you use them, and it doesn't cost you anything extra. I only ever share stuff I actually use.

Six common Hashimoto's symptoms: fatigue, weight resistance, brain fog, hair loss, constipation, and feeling cold all the time. You've been told they're all just your thyroid. Some of them are. And some of them were never going to be fully fixed by your thyroid. In episode 213, Esther sorts the six most common Hashimoto's symptoms into thyroid or immune. Two landed in the thyroid bucket. Four landed in both. That isn't bad news. Two buckets is not two problems. It's two places to look instead of one dead end. In this episode, you'll learn: Why feeling cold all the time is the cleanest thyroid bucket symptom, and what to ask about if you're still cold on medication How constipation, hair loss, brain fog, and weight resistance end up in both buckets for two different reasons Why weight gain when you're eating the same and moving the same is physiology, not willpower Hit play and start sorting.   Resources mentioned in this episode Hashimoto's Decoded: Thyroid or Immune ($27, about an hour, self-paced) https://healthwithhashimotos.com/hashimotos-decoded/ One-time coaching call with Esther  Hashimoto's Discernment Coaching, six one-on-one sessions  Episode 80, Labs: T4 vs free T4 https://healthwithhashimotos.com/t4-not-converting-to-t3/ Episode 94, Labs: T3, Free T3, Reverse T3 https://healthwithhashimotos.com/t3/   NEW HERE? START HERE. New to the podcast? Start with the free guide, 10 Questions to Ask Your Doctor. https://health-with-hashimotos.kit.com/10-questions   READY TO SORT YOUR HASHIMOTO'S? Hashimoto's Decoded: Thyroid or Immune walks you through sorting everything into thyroid or immune, in under an hour, with a workbook to help you figure out your next step. https://healthwithhashimotos.com/hashimotos-decoded/   JOIN THE HEALTH WITH HASHIMOTO'S COMMUNITY Join the free Health with Hashimoto's community on Skool. It's a supportive space for women navigating Hashimoto's, and it's free to join. https://www.skool.com/health-with-hashimotos/about   Find all my other resources, including products and supplements I recommend, on my resource page: https://healthwithhashimotos.com/resources/   ABOUT THE PODCAST & ESTHER The Health with Hashimoto's podcast helps you sort your Hashimoto's into thyroid or immune, so you can finally understand what's happening in your body and what to do about it. Hosted by Esther Yunkin, a registered nurse and holistic health educator with 25 years of nursing experience. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes. Please discuss any questions or concerns with your healthcare professional. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Why do so many women continue battling fatigue, brain fog, weight gain, hormone imbalance, bloating, and food sensitivities, even when their lab results come back “normal”? In this episode of the Health Detective Podcast, Michele Scarlet sits down with Dr. Stephanie Dunlop, a board-certified emergency medicine physician and founder of RootRX, to explore why conventional medicine often overlooks early dysfunction and how a root cause approach can uncover the hidden patterns behind persistent symptoms. After experiencing her own unexplained postpartum health crisis and repeatedly being told that everything was "normal," Dr. Dunlop began searching beyond conventional care for real answers. She shares how comprehensive blood work, Functional Lab Testing, and a systems-based approach helped identify overlooked dysfunction involving Hormone Imbalance, Gut Health, Leaky Gut, low stomach acid, adrenal dysfunction, HPA Axis imbalance, chronic inflammation, cortisol, DHEA, Brain Fog, Burnout, Chronic Fatigue, and stress-driven metabolic changes. Michele and Stephanie discuss why true healing isn't about chasing symptoms or relying on a single solution. Instead, they explain why restoring the body's foundations—including Nervous System regulation, digestive capacity, gut lining integrity, nutrient absorption, quality sleep, and stress resilience creates the conditions for lasting Root Cause Healing and sustainable Health Transformation. The conversation also explores why "normal" lab ranges don't always reflect optimal health, how Functional Medicine interprets blood work differently, the importance of looking beyond TSH with markers like Free T3, the connection between chronic stress and digestive dysfunction, practical at-home assessments for stomach acid and gut health, and why identifying hidden stressors is essential before symptoms progress into more complex Chronic Health Challenges. Whether you're a woman searching for answers after being told your labs are "normal," a Functional Health Practitioner, FDN Practitioner, Health Coach, or someone passionate about Functional Medicine, Functional Diagnostic Nutrition, Functional Nutrition, Root Cause Medicine, Holistic Health, Natural Healing, Functional Wellness, and evidence-informed Health Coaching, this episode offers practical insights into understanding the whole body, recognizing dysfunction early, and building a personalized path toward long-term health. ATTENTION NURSES

The fertilization report looked good. You had eggs. They fertilized. Day three looked fine. Then came the call. Nothing made it past day five, or one did, and it was graded poor, and the cycle was over. You were told it was egg quality, or it was a numbers game, or that you have to try again. Here is what that explanation leaves out. An embryo does not run on one engine the whole way. For the first two to three days it runs almost entirely on the egg, on the proteins, the messenger molecules, and the energy the egg packed during its final growth phase. Then, around the four to eight cell stage on day three, the embryo activates its own genome and takes over, and the paternal contribution comes online. That handover changes where you look. If development stalls in the first three days, you start with the egg and its energy supply. If it looked strong on day three and stalled before the blastocyst, you start with the sperm and its DNA. Same line in the report. Two completely different first moves. Most workups examine neither. They adjust the protocol and go again. In this episode, I walk through the seven factors that shape whether an embryo keeps dividing, and what most clinics never review before they tell you it was your eggs. Pull it up, take notes, and bring it to your next appointment. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 The day five call and what the explanation leaves out 00:55 If this show has helped you, leave a review 01:05 Who reviews your case at Fab Fertile 03:50 Number one: the day three handover and where to look first 06:10 Number two: the egg's energy supply was built before the cycle 08:05 Number three: sperm DNA fragmentation and the standard semen analysis 09:20 Number four: the full thyroid panel, including antibodies 10:20 The Embryo Audit Checklist 10:40 Number five: blood sugar and insulin, for both of you 11:45 Number six: inflammation, the gut microbiome, oxidative stress 12:40 Number seven: the ninety day window and why repeating a cycle repeats the result 13:45 Why the data driven approach works for left brain people 14:30 Chromosomal quality is information, not a verdict 14:55 The Functional Fertility Second Opinion WHAT THE RESEARCH SHOWS A standard semen analysis measures count, motility, and shape. It does not measure the integrity of the DNA inside the sperm. Sperm carrying damaged DNA can still fertilize an egg and produce a normal-looking embryo on day two or three, and development can stall after the genome handover. In a 2025 retrospective analysis of 870 fresh single blastocyst ICSI cycles, each one percent increase in sperm DNA fragmentation was associated with roughly 2.5 percent lower odds of obtaining a top quality blastocyst on day five. The same analysis found that fragmentation was not predictive of clinical pregnancy outcomes. It speaks to why an embryo stalled, not to whether a pregnancy will happen. Thyroid autoantibodies have been detected in follicular fluid at concentrations that correlate with blood levels, which is one reason a complete thyroid panel may include Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, TPO antibodies, and thyroglobulin antibodies rather than TSH alone. These are not established diagnostic tests for embryo arrest. They can provide context that a single TSH result cannot. THE EMBRYO AUDIT CHECKLIST If your embryos have arrested and you want to walk through what to review before the next cycle repeats the same result, we built the Embryo Audit Checklist for exactly this. Download it at https://fabfertile.com/pages/embryo-audit-checklist Or email hello@fabfertile.ca, subject line CHECKLIST. FUNCTIONAL FERTILITY SECOND OPINION This is a call where I review your cycle, your labs, your history, and your partner's picture together in one place. You leave knowing what your embryos may be telling you and what the next cycle would be built on, instead of repeating the same outcome. Whatever you decide afterward is yours, but it gets made with information your workup did not give you. Book at https://fabfertile.com/pages/book Or email hello@fabfertile.ca, subject line FERTILE. ABOUT THE HOST I'm Sarah Clark, founder of Fab Fertile and host of Get Pregnant Naturally, a podcast with over one million downloads. My functional fertility team works with couples navigating low AMH and failed IVF, reviewing functional lab results, gut microbiome, food sensitivity, vaginal microbiome, nutrigenomics, HTMA, DUTCH, toxin testing, and bloodwork alongside nervous system work, to help identify patterns that may not have been considered. We work alongside your medical team, not instead of them. Subscribe to Get Pregnant Naturally for weekly episodes on fertility optimization, IVF preparation, and the lab work your doctor probably isn't running. Sarah Clark, founder of Fab Fertile, host of Get Pregnant Naturally (1M+ downloads), and author of Fabulously Fertile. If this episode helped you make sense of your own numbers, leave a review wherever you listen. It is how another woman, being told the same thing, finds her way here. REFERENCES Machałowski T, Machałowska J, Gill K, et al. Sperm DNA Fragmentation Impairs Early Embryo Development but Is Not Predictive of Pregnancy Outcomes: Insights from 870 ICSI Cycles. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2025. doi:10.3390/ijms26167923 Monteleone P, Parrini D, Faviana P, et al. Female infertility related to thyroid autoimmunity: the ovarian follicle hypothesis. American Journal of Reproductive Immunology. 2011. American Urological Association and American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Diagnosis and Treatment of Infertility in Men: AUA/ASRM Guideline. 2020.

You asked your doctor for help. You got your blood work. You were told everything is normal. And you walked out feeling more confused than when you walked in, because if nothing is wrong, why do you still feel terrible? In this episode, I'm walking you through every lab I use to uncover weight loss resistance, what I'm looking for on each one, and why your doctor and I can look at the exact same numbers and come to completely different conclusions.IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN:Why "your labs are normal" doesn't mean your body is functioning optimally, and the real difference between diagnosable and suboptimalWhy cutting calories below 1,500 when you're already weight loss resistant creates a brand new problem instead of a solutionWhat the DUTCH test shows us that a standard blood draw simply can't: what you're producing, how you're using it, and how you're detoxing itWhy the GI MAP is my favorite test of all, and why your gut is usually the environment your hormones are responding toThe energy conversion markers most women never get checked: vitamin D, a full iron panel, and B12Why a TSH alone is not a thyroid panel, and the five markers I want to see insteadThe blood sugar trio (fasting insulin, fasting glucose, hemoglobin A1C) and why fasting insulin is the one that tells the truthWhat an abnormal lipid panel in midlife is really telling you (hint: it's almost never your red meat)Why I don't put much weight on a normal CRP when your symptoms are telling a different storyTIMESTAMPS: 01:15 Welcome to Part 3: Getting the Data 02:05 Why Your Doctor Says "Normal" and I Say "Suboptimal" 04:17 When Eating Less Stops Working (And Starts Causing Harm) 06:34 Labs End the Guesswork Spiral 08:55 Data + Belief: Why Women Shift Fast When They Can See the Why 09:45 The DUTCH Test: Hormones, Cortisol Rhythm, and Detox Pathways 13:11 The GI MAP: Gut Lining, Digestive Capacity, and the Real Story on Pathogens 15:30 Vitamin D: The Hormone Pretending to Be a Vitamin 17:41 The Full Iron Panel: Your Energy Conversion Marker 19:37 Vitamin B12 and the Gut Absorption Connection 20:40 The Full Thyroid Panel: TSH, Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, and Antibodies 24:22 Fasting Insulin, Fasting Glucose, and Hemoglobin A1C 26:42 The Lipid Panel: It's Blood Sugar and Muscle, Not Your Eggs 27:50 CBC, CMP, and CRP: The Foundation Check 29:05 How the Midsummer Reset Targets Low-Grade Inflammation 30:51 You're Not Crazy, Lazy, or Lacking Discipline. This Is Data.RESOURCES:

In this episode, Dr. Amie Hornaman, the “Thyroid Whisperer” and author of The Thyroid Fix, breaks down the complexities of thyroid health, explaining why millions of people continue to struggle with symptoms despite being told their thyroid is "normal." She explores the key differences between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, with a special focus on Hashimoto's disease, the autoimmune condition responsible for the vast majority of hypothyroidism cases. Dr. Hornaman explains why comprehensive thyroid testing goes far beyond measuring TSH alone. She discusses the importance of evaluating Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, and thyroid antibodies to uncover hidden thyroid dysfunction that standard lab work often misses. The conversation also highlights why many patients continue to experience fatigue, brain fog, weight gain, hair loss, depression, and low energy even after beginning traditional thyroid treatment. The episode examines the relationship between thyroid dysfunction and perimenopause, menopause, and hormonal changes, emphasizing how thyroid disorders are frequently overlooked in women during midlife. Dr. Hornaman also discusses how an underactive thyroid can reduce the effectiveness of GLP-1 weight loss medications, making proper thyroid optimization essential for successful weight management. Listeners will learn when lifestyle changes, nutrition, and targeted supplementation may help support early thyroid dysfunction, as well as when thyroid hormone replacement therapy becomes necessary. Dr. Hornaman explains why thyroid hormone replacement is generally a lifelong treatment once significant thyroid damage has occurred, distinguishing it from other forms of hormone replacement therapy. Whether you're experiencing unexplained symptoms, have been diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, hypothyroidism, or are seeking better answers about hormone health, this episode provides practical, evidence-informed insights into diagnosis, treatment options, and long-term thyroid wellness. The Thyroid Fix: Book Link Show Notes/Links: www.hotflashescooltopics.com PLEASE RATE AND REVIEW AND SHARE! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotflashesandcooltopics YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HotFlashesCoolTopics TikTok: @hotflashescooltopics2  

In this episode, I dig into one of the most frustrating things I see women struggle with: being told their thyroid is "fine" based on a single number, while they're still dealing with fatigue, weight gain, hair thinning, brain fog, and feeling cold all the time. Here's what I want you to take away: TSH isn't a full thyroid test. It's just a signal from your brain to your thyroid—not a measurement of what your body is actually producing or whether your cells can use it. The "normal" range is so wide you could drive a Mack truck through it. Normal doesn't mean optimal. The numbers I actually look at: Free T3 – the active hormone your cells actually use. It's the one that matters most and almost never gets tested. You can have plenty of T4 (the storage form) and still feel awful if you're not converting it. Reverse T3 – I think of this as the brake pedal that stress slams on. It's a mirror-image molecule (like your left hand vs. your right) that parks in your receptors and blocks the active hormone from getting in. Chronic stress, low iron, illness, crash dieting, and inflammation all push your body to make more of it. TPO and TG antibodies – these can rise 7 to 10 years before your TSH ever moves. Catching Hashimoto's early gives you a window to address the root drivers. It's never just one thing. Your thyroid gets ambushed—inflammation, stress, nutrient deficiencies, gut issues—all stacked and compounded over time. This is especially true in perimenopause, when rising cortisol, falling ferritin from heavy periods, and lower stomach acid all converge. That's why so many women hit a thyroid crash in their 40s. A real story from my own life: I went in for a checkup and asked to have my antibodies retested (I have a history of Hashimoto's). My doctor physically couldn't add the lab to my file because the system only allows it once—even though my previous result was out of range. This isn't about one bad doctor; the system isn't built to support you. I now have to order my own labs through an outside lab. What your body needs to convert T4 to T3: selenium, zinc, iron, and a calm nervous system. These nutrients are commonly depleted in women, especially with a history of oral birth control. And food is the most bioavailable source—so variety matters. Eating the same meal-prepped chicken and broccoli every week can leave you deficient. A word on supplements: more isn't better. I recently had to remove several supplements from a client's routine because they were overloading her with B vitamins and depleting her minerals. Expensive and fancy doesn't mean right for your body. My bottom line: You have to be the driver of your own health. Look back through your old labs right now and check whether your antibodies and Free T3 have ever been tested. If you've been struggling for six months or more, take action. Your body has an incredible ability to heal when we test properly, look at the whole picture, and give it the right things at the right time. If you need help figuring out your next steps, the link to schedule a strategy call with my team is in the show notes. You're not too far gone—you're closer now than you were before you knew this!

If you've been told your thyroid is "normal" because your TSH came back in range, but you're still exhausted, gaining weight, losing hair, struggling with brain fog, or feeling like a completely different person... this episode is for you. This week, I'm joined by Dr. Amie Hornaman, better known as "The Thyroid Fixer," for an unfiltered conversation about everything conventional medicine often gets wrong about thyroid health. We dive into why TSH isn't enough, the importance of Free T3 and Reverse T3, Hashimoto's, gluten, birth control, metabolic adaptation, over-exercising, under-eating, and why so many women are told they're fine when they clearly are not. We also tackle GLP-1 medications, body positivity, thyroid optimization, and why your symptoms deserve more attention than a single lab value. Whether you're dealing with hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's, stubborn weight gain, hormone issues, or you've simply been dismissed by the healthcare system, this episode will give you a different way to think about your thyroid and your health.   Learn more about working with me  Shop my masterclasses (learn more in 60-90 minutes than years of dr appointments) Follow me on IG Follow Empowered Mind + Body on IG  Get Dr. Amie Hornaman's book and resources here  Follow Dr. Amie on IG  

If you've ever been told your thyroid labs are "normal" but you still feel exhausted, cold, constipated, anxious, inflamed, or unable to lose weight, this episode is for you. In this episode of The Thyroid Answers Podcast, Dr. Eric Balcavage explores one of the most misunderstood concepts in thyroid care: the difference between a thyroid lab value being normal and being appropriate for your physiology. He explains why thyroid lab markers such as TSH, Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, and thyroid antibodies are often interpreted too simplistically and why normal lab values do not always mean healthy thyroid function. Dr. Balcavage breaks down how stress physiology, inflammation, immune activity, gut dysfunction, sleep disruption, nutrient deficiencies, and overall physiologic state can influence thyroid hormone production and T4-to-T3 conversion. He also explains why many thyroid patterns may actually represent adaptive responses rather than broken physiology. You'll learn how to interpret thyroid labs within the context of symptoms, health history, inflammatory markers, and overall physiologic state, and why focusing solely on optimizing lab values often fails to restore true health and well-being. Whether you're struggling with persistent hypothyroid symptoms despite normal labs or you're trying to better understand your thyroid physiology, this episode provides a deeper framework for understanding what your thyroid labs may really be telling you. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why normal labs don't always equal healthy thyroid function How to determine if your thyroid labs are actually appropriate for your physiology The role stress, inflammation, and lifestyle factors play in thyroid hormone regulation Why low T3 and poor conversion may be adaptive responses Why thyroid medication doesn't always resolve symptoms What to focus on beyond lab values to support better thyroid health Resources Mentioned:

Your body after a baby was never a calorie problem. It is a metabolic one. In this Her Stack episode I am walking you through exactly how to restore your metabolism so body composition follows. The goal is not weight loss. The goal is metabolic restoration. Body comp is downstream. I am breaking down the four drivers that actually run body composition (insulin, thyroid, sleep, growth hormone), the four pillars to address them (nutrition, lifestyle, supplements, peptides), and the exact peptide sequencing for women. Plus my honest take on GLP-1s including semaglutide, tirzepatide, and retatrutide, where they actually fit, and why microdosing makes more sense than chasing the scale. I also share what nobody talks about. Eating less postpartum often makes body composition worse. Breastfeeding is sequencing, not failure. Growth hormone is the layer women never hear about, so they plateau and blame their age when it was a fixable signal the whole time. Join The LongHer Life for women-specific guidance on peptides, hormones, and longevity.   I TALK ABOUT: 00:00 Welcome back to the Her Stack series 00:53 Updates: working with me one-on-one and my new peptide planner 06:15 Why body composition not weight, and why metabolism not calories 07:01 The four drivers and four pillars framework 09:00 Driver 1: Insulin resistance and why stubborn middle fat is an insulin problem, not a calorie problem 11:30 Driver 2: Thyroid, and why TSH alone misses Free T3 (the worker hormone) 14:50 Driver 3: Sleep, cortisol, and the loop back to insulin resistance 19:32 Driver 4: Growth hormone, the layer nobody talks about that's blunted postpartum and through aging 22:19 The labs to actually ask for: fasting insulin, Free T3, IGF-1, DHEA-S, plus a 2-week CGM 24:30 Pillar 1: Nutrition (protein floor of 120g, leucine at every meal, food order, fiber, and why you should NOT under-eat) 28:06 Why leucine flips the muscle-building switch 35:00 Pillar 2: Lifestyle and biohacking (lift 3x a week, walk 7-10k steps, zone 2, cold and heat, red light, and the fringe tier honestly) 45:30 Pillar 3: Supplements (creatine, magnesium glycinate, myo-inositol, omega-3, berberine, and breastfeeding sequencing) 51:01 Berberine, AMPK, and "nature's metformin" 55:30 Pillar 4: The peptide stack starts here with AOD-9604 56:00 AOD-9604, the growth hormone fragment, why I am personally taking it right now 01:02:00 MOTS-c, the "exercise in a molecule" mitochondrial peptide 01:05:00 5-Amino-1MQ and releasing the brake on fat cells 01:07:00 Sermorelin, the gentle GH entry (what a secretagogue actually is) 01:10:00 CJC-1295, Ipamorelin, and Tesamorelin for post-weaning GH restoration 01:13:00 The GLP-1 honest take: semaglutide, tirzepatide, and the retatrutide question 01:14:00 Why retatrutide is called the triple agonist and where it fits (and where it doesn't) 01:19:27 Recap and wrap-up   RESOURCES: Work with me one-on-one on your peptide stack and protocol. The Her Stack Planner, the first peptide tracking journal built around female biology. Free Peptide Masterclass for Women. Join The LongHer Life for women-specific guidance on peptides, hormones, and longevity.   LET'S CONNECT: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook Shop my favorite health products Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music

This episode started with a question I get constantly. Why is my routine not working anymore? The products are good. The consistency is there. But the skin is not responding the way it used to. More dullness. More puffiness. More fine lines despite the retinol. Here is what most of the skincare conversation is missing: your skin is not a surface problem. It is an output. A real-time signal of what is happening inside your hormonal system. And your bloodwork is the decoder. In this episode, I walk through four specific lab markers that directly control what your menopause skin does: estrogen, free T3, cortisol, and ferritin. Each one maps to a skin symptom you are probably already seeing in the mirror. Dryness and collagen loss. Estrogen. Stubborn dullness that no exfoliant fixes. Free T3. Fine lines that retinol cannot hold. Cortisol. Dark circles that no eye cream touches. Ferritin. These are not random. They are specific. And once you know what to look for, you stop blaming your products and start asking better questions. Your hormones are the primer. Your products are the paint. Paint on an unprimed surface looks beautiful for a day and then lifts. That is exactly what is happening for a lot of women in menopause, and it has nothing to do with the products they chose. This episode is the overview. The in-depth version, with the specific markers to request, what optimal ranges look like for skin health, and how to build a recalibration protocol around your results, lives inside the Skin Scholar Society on Substack. The Skin Scholar Society is where I publish the research, the protocols, and the education that goes deeper than a single episode can hold. If you are ready to stop guessing and start working with your biology, that is the place to be.   Lindsey Holder is a Menopause Skin Specialist and Master Esthetician with 16+ years of clinical experience. She helps women in menopause recalibrate their skincare to restore firmness, clarity, and glow without Botox or fillers. Find her at lindseyholder.com and on Instagram @lindseyrholder.    Meta Description (150 characters): Your skincare is not failing. Your bloodwork might be. Menopause skin specialist Lindsey Holder breaks down what your labs are telling your skin. Slug: /bloodwork-menopause-skin-podcast Focus Keyword: menopause skin and bloodwork Tags: menopause skin, bloodwork, hormones and skin, menopause esthetician, Skin Scholar Society Resources  Join the Skin Scholar Society: HERE   Download my Free 7 Day Skincare Guide: HERE Listen to exclusive podcast content + download my FREE esthetician-led skincare app Apple iOS: HERE Google Play: HERE Favorite Skincare Products HERE

Dr. Marbas outlines must-have supplements for vegans and explains how to assess joint pain, iron status, and thyroid through labs. #VeganSupplements #B12 #VitaminD #IronHealth

In this episode of Hope Natural Health, Dr. Erin Ellis talked about the common and frustrating disconnect between "normal" thyroid lab results and the very real symptoms of thyroid dysfunction that many women experience. She dives deep into why the standard TSH screening often misses the full clinical picture and explores the hidden gaps in conventional thyroid testing.   In this episode, you will learn: Why TSH is a brain signal not a thyroid hormone and why a "normal" result doesn't mean your thyroid is functioning optimally. How the body struggles to turn T4 (storage) into Free T3 (active hormone) due to stress, gut issues, and nutrient deficiencies. How chronic stress can signal your body to actively block your thyroid receptors. The importance of testing TPO and TG antibodies to catch autoimmune activity that TSH screens completely overlook. Why "average" isn't the same as "optimal" and how tighter functional ranges can help identify the root cause of fatigue, brain fog, and weight stalls. How cortisol, estrogen, and gut health directly influence your thyroid performance.   Resources Mentioned: The "Why Am I So Tired?" Assessment: A 10-minute clinical framework to help identify your hormone patterns: https://whyamisotired.hopenaturalhealth.com/ Book a discovery call for a comprehensive testing and personalized plan: https://hopenaturalhealth.com/   For more on Dr. Erin: Join The Hope Circle Community: https://hormonehealingproject.drerinellis.com/communities/groups/the-hope-circle/home?invite=69120d498b7e3f60397656b8 Work with Dr. Erin here: https://p.bttr.to/3E88ps4 Buy Dr. Erin's Supplements here: https://drerinellis.com/shop Get the Period Productivity Planner here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BBYBRT5Q?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860 Download the FREE Menstrual Cycle Nutrition Guide here: https://detox.drerinellis.com/ Watch The Free Video "7 Hormones Affecting Your Weight Loss Goals" here: https://weightloss.drerinellis.com/ Let's Be Friends: Follow Dr. Erin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.erinellis/ Follow Dr. Erin on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drerinellisnmd Follow Dr. Erin on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.erinellis?lang=en Join the Free Hope Circle Community: https://hormonehealingproject.drerinellis.com/communities/groups/the-hope-circle/home?invite=69120d498b7e3f60397656b8 Bookmark Dr. Erin's Website: www.drerinellis.com Subscribe to Hope Natural Health on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChHYVmNEu5tKu91EATHhEiA Follow Hope Natural Health on FB: https://www.facebook.com/hopenaturalhealth Sign up for Newsletters here: https://booking.hopenaturalhealth.com/widget/form/VUubL7MNYELduwQL8ssI

Send us Fan MailIn this week's Friday Five, I'm breaking down some of the standard blood markers I commonly look at in clinic when somebody is dealing with autoimmune disease, inflammation, fatigue, or hair loss — including alopecia.One of the biggest misconceptions I see is that “normal” blood tests automatically mean everything is functioning optimally. But in reality, many people continue to struggle with symptoms despite being told their results are fine.In this episode, I explain why interpretation matters just as much as the numbers themselves, and why looking at patterns across the body can often reveal far more than one isolated marker.I discuss:• Ferritin, transferrin and the wider iron picture• Why ferritin alone may not tell the full story in inflammatory conditions• Thyroid markers beyond TSH, including Free T3, Free T4 and thyroid antibodies• The role of thyroid hormone conversion in energy, metabolism and hair health• Vitamin D and immune regulation• Zinc and its role in immune resilience, skin and hair health• White blood cells, neutrophils and lymphocyte patterns in autoimmune disease• What triglycerides can tell us about metabolism, blood sugar regulation and inflammation• Why markers like serum B12 or HbA1c may not always reflect the full picture• The importance of interpreting symptoms alongside laboratory testingThis episode is not about becoming fearful of blood tests or obsessing over numbers. It's about understanding the body more deeply and recognising that subtle shifts in markers can sometimes provide important clues long before symptoms become more significant.If you've ever been told “everything looks normal” but still feel that something is off, this episode is for you.

Did you know your thyroid might be a hidden factor affecting your bone health? In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Hilda Maldonado, a renowned physician specializing in thyroid hormone and metabolic health for women over 40. Dr. Hilda has over 30 years of experience helping women understand their thyroid and its impact on bone health, especially after menopause. We dive into the critical connection between the thyroid and bone health, exploring how low thyroid function can contribute to bone loss and increase your risk for fractures. Dr. Hilda explains why so many people are told their thyroid is normal, even when they continue to experience symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, or brain fog.  We also discuss the essential thyroid tests that should be done, like the free T3 and reverse T3, which are rarely included in conventional testing. You'll hear about simple steps you can take to support your thyroid function.  If you've been feeling off and suspect your thyroid may be contributing to your bone health issues, this episode is for you.   "We cannot disconnect lifestyle habits from bone health and thyroid health because they are married—they go hand in hand." ~ Dr. Hilda Maldonado   In this episode: [03:59] - The link between the thyroid and bone health [07:06] - How common is Hashimoto's disease? [07:36] - The impact of low and high thyroid function on your health [10:30] - Why thyroid tests often miss key issues despite symptoms [14:18] - Understanding the thyroid journey [18:31] - The problem with taking thyroid medications [20:36] - Essential thyroid tests: Free T3, reverse T3, and more [22:45] - Symptoms of thyroid issues  [31:21] - The impact of stress and lifestyle on thyroid and bone health [36:09] - Dr. Hilda's advice for optimizing thyroid and bone health   Resources - Dr. Hilda's free guide - The Hidden Link Between Thyroid & Bone Health https://drhildamdmethod.com/happyboneshappylife - Margie's free class - Strong Bones for Life: Free Live Class & Q&A - https://www.happyboneshappylife.com/strong-bones-for-life-may2026  - Get discounted supplements at Margie's Fullscript dispensary - https://tinyurl.com/supplementsforless   More about Margie - Website - https://margiebissinger.com/  - Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p/Margie-Bissinger-MS-PT-CHC-100063542905332/  - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/margiebissinger/?hl=en    DISCLAIMER – The information presented on this podcast should not be construed as medical advice. It is not intended to replace consultation with your physician or healthcare provider. The ideas shared on this podcast are the expressed opinions of the guests and do not always reflect those of Margie Bissinger and Happy Bones, Happy Life Podcast. *In compliance with the FTC guidelines, please assume the following about links on this site: Some of the links going to products are affiliate links of which I receive a small commission from sales of certain items, but the price is the same for you (sometimes, I even get to share a unique discount with you). If I post an affiliate link to a product, it is something that I personally use, support, and would recommend. I personally vet each and every product. My first priority is providing valuable information and resources to help you create positive changes in your health and bring more happiness into your life. I will only ever link to products or resources (affiliate or otherwise) that fit within this purpose.

Your TSH is "normal." Your ferritin is "normal." Your glucose is "normal." And IVF still isn't working. Here's why normal lab ranges were never built for fertility and what optimal actually looks like. Most reference ranges are designed to flag disease in the general population, not to optimize egg quality, embryo competence, or implantation. That gap is where a lot of unexplained IVF failure, embryo arrest, and recurrent loss live. In this episode, Sarah Clark walks through the four biomarker categories most often dismissed as "fine" but influence cycle outcomes in women with diminished ovarian reserve, low AMH, high FSH, and failed transfers. What you'll learn: - What "normal" lab ranges actually measure and what they miss - Why fertility-optimized TSH sits closer to 1–2 mIU/L, not 4.0 - Ferritin 80–100 ng/mL and what it means for egg energy and endometrial development - Fasting glucose under 86, insulin stability, and follicular development - Why hsCRP under 1 mg/L matters for implantation and embryo quality - The full thyroid panel most REIs skip: Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, TPO, TBG - Male factor inflammation, sperm DNA fragmentation, and recurring infections - The reframe: normal protects against disease, optimal supports conception Timestamps: 00:00 Why "normal" labs don't mean fertility-optimized 00:30 What conventional reference ranges actually measure 01:30 Why DIY fertility optimization stalls without functional lab review 03:00 TSH "normal" vs optimal and the full thyroid panel REIs skip (Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, TPO, TBG) 04:30 How thyroid signaling affects egg quality, ovulation, and pregnancy loss 05:00 Ferritin 80–100 ng/mL: the iron range for IVF and egg energy 06:00 Fasting glucose under 86, insulin stability, and follicular development 07:00 hsCRP under 1 mg/L: low-grade inflammation, implantation, and embryo development 07:30 Male factor inflammation, sperm DNA fragmentation, and recurring infections 08:30 Embryo Audit Checklist + Functional Fertility Second Opinion: next steps This conversation is for women navigating diminished ovarian reserve, low AMH, high FSH, embryo arrest, implantation failure, or recurrent pregnancy loss who keep being told their bloodwork looks fine. Not sure what's been fully evaluated? Download the free Embryo Audit Checklist to map your past cycles and labs so you can see what's been looked at and what may have been missed.

If you've ever said, "I asked my doctor to test my hormones and they only checked one thing," this episode is for you. I break down the difference between conventional labs and functional testing, why you can be told everything is normal while you still feel awful, and what to ask for next. Conventional Labs: Are You Sick Enough? Conventional testing is designed to look for disease. You are either sick or you are fine. The range is narrow, and if your numbers are not far enough outside of it, you are told you are normal. That can happen even if you are exhausted, gaining weight, losing hair, and struggling with brain fog. Thyroid is a common example. Many women are told their TSH is normal, end of story, even when their symptoms clearly point to hypothyroid issues. Functional Testing: Where Is the Imbalance? Functional testing looks at optimal ranges, not just whether you are sick enough for treatment. You can sit in a not great range for years. Not bad enough for medication, but not good enough to feel like yourself. Often, you are working hard just to stay afloat with clean eating, supplements, exercise, and stress management. That effort is keeping you from crashing, but it is not getting you into an optimal range. Why One Lab Value Is Not Enough Using thyroid again, TSH alone is not a full picture. We often need TSH, Free T3, Free T4, and antibody markers to really understand what is happening. You might be making hormones but not converting them properly because of stress, inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, or estrogen imbalances. If we do not look deeper, we miss that. Why This Matters  I have lived this. After having kids, I went through postpartum thyroiditis. I was exhausted, foggy, losing hair, and felt terrible. I was told I was just a tired new mom. But I knew it was more than that. That experience is a big reason I am so passionate about functional testing. Too many women are dismissed when their labs do not fit into a narrow box. My favorite functional test is the DUTCH Test, a dried urine test for comprehensive hormones. It looks at estrogen and progesterone patterns, testosterone and other androgens, cortisol and adrenal function, key nutrient markers, gut and inflammation markers, neurotransmitters, melatonin, and more. It connects the dots so we can see what is really driving your symptoms. Ready to figure out what is really going on? Schedule a discovery call with my team and we can talk through your symptoms, your health history, and whether deeper functional testing like the DUTCH test would be the right next step for you. Book your discovery call here: https://calendly.com/dr-beth-westie/program-discovery-call

In this masterclass episode, I'm breaking down the critical health factors that get dismissed when everything gets lumped under the perimenopause umbrella—and what you actually need to be testing and addressing.   Key Topics: Why "It's Just Perimenopause" Isn't Good Enough The difference between normal perimenopause transition and symptoms that signal deeper issues Why severity matters: fatigue vs. extreme exhaustion, hair changes vs. handfuls falling out How to advocate for proper testing and care The Four Major Areas Being Overlooked: 1. Your Thyroid (The Big One) Why TSH alone is NOT enough—what you actually need to test The difference between subclinical hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's How thyroid issues show up differently in thin vs. heavier women The connection between thyroid health and your daughters' period issues 2. Your Adrenal System HPA axis dysfunction (what "adrenal fatigue" really means) Why your cortisol awakening response matters The connection between stress, sleep disruption, and that 1-4am wake-up call How to support your adrenals without crushing your body with over-exercise 3. Blood Sugar & Insulin Why you MUST eat within 1-2 hours of waking (yes, really) The difference between fasting glucose and fasting insulin—and why both matter How insulin resistance shows up in perimenopause Why coffee is not breakfast (and what it's actually doing to your metabolism) 4. Gut Health & Estrogen Metabolism Why digestive issues intensify as we age The gallbladder-liver-insulin connection you need to understand Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in perimenopause If you don't have a gallbladder, what you MUST be taking Additional Topics: FSH and ovarian function: what rising numbers really mean Hot flashes as cardiac events (not just annoyances) Cognitive changes, memory issues, and the perimenopause-ADHD diagnosis connection Why we need to stop treating perimenopause like something to "white knuckle through" The Hard Truths About Healthcare: I'm getting real about the reality of women's health testing in this episode: Why "free healthcare" doesn't cover functional women's health The difference between Western medicine testing and functional diagnostic testing How to create a health savings account strategy What testing actually costs and why it's worth it When to work with a specialist vs. a generalist Testing & Resources Mentioned: Blood Work You Should Request: Full thyroid panel (TSH, Free T4, Free T3, antibodies, Reverse T3) Fasting insulin AND fasting glucose Complete lipid panel Liver enzymes Iron panel Functional Tests Worth Considering: DUTCH Complete (adrenal/hormone testing) HTMA (Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis) Comprehensive stool testing Mira Fertility Tracker for tracking hormone fluctuations Key Takeaways: One change can create a ripple effect You don't need to overhaul everything at once Your body is designed to work in your 40s and 50s We just need to support it properly Stop comparing yourself to your 20s The goal is vitality at your current age Testing is an investment, not an expense Pay now or pay later Find practitioners who specialize Not all healthcare providers are trained the same The Mindset Shift: This is about stepping into the wisdom of midlife while honoring your body as it is RIGHT NOW. Not trying to look like you did in your 20s. Not accepting that feeling terrible is "just part of aging." Finding YOUR definition of health and vitality. Let's dive in! Thank you for joining us today. If you could rate, review & subscribe, it would mean the world to me! While you're at it, take a screenshot and tag me @jennpike to share on Instagram – I'll re-share that baby out to the community & once a month I'll be doing a draw from those re-shares and send the winner something special! Click here to listen: Apple Podcasts – CLICK HERESpotify – CLICK HERE This episode is sponsored by: withinUs | Use the code JENNPIKE20 at withinus.ca for a limited time to save 20% off your first order and 20% off your first subscription order St. Francis | Go to stfrancisherbfarm.com and save 15% off your all your orders with code JENNPIKE15  Eversio Wellness | Go to eversiowellness.com/discount/jennpike15 and save 15% off every order with code JENNPIKE15 /// not available for "subscribe & save" option Free Resources: Free Metabolic Ignition Playbook | jennpike.com/metabolic-guide Free Perimenopause Support Guide | jennpike.com/perimenopausesupport Free Blood Work Guide | jennpike.com/bloodworkguide The Simplicity Sessions Podcast | jennpike.com/podcast Get 20% on thewalkingpad.com using code "JENNPIKE20" Get discounts at happybumco.com using code "JENNPIKE" *code doesn't apply with Black Friday sale* Programs: Ignite: Your 8-Week Body Transformation Program | https://jennpike.com/ignite The Peri & Menopause Project  - Join the Waitlist | jennpike.com/theperimenopauseproject Synced Virtual Fitness Studio | jennpike.com/synced Services: Work With Jenn | https://jennpike.com/work-with-jenn/ Functional Testing | jennpike.com/testing-packages Business Mentorship | The Audacious Woman Mentorship:  jennpike.com/theaudaciouswoman Connect with Jenn: Instagram | @jennpike Facebook | @thesimplicityproject YouTube | Simplicity TV Website | The Simplicity Project Inc. Have a question? Send it over to hello@jennpike.com and I'll do my best to share helpful insights, thoughts and advice.

In this "Ask Me Anything" episode, Dr. Abby Borkowski pulls questions from her Instagram followers to discuss trending wellness topics, from morning rituals to clinical testing.Dr. Abby answers top questions from her community regarding common health trends.Daily Rituals: High-quality extra virgin olive oil shots provide anti-microbial benefits for the gut microbiome.Thyroid Health: A comprehensive panel—including TSH, Free T4, Free T3, and antibodies—is necessary for an accurate health picture.Luteal Phase Support: Counteract insulin resistance during the second half of your cycle by pairing "naked carbs" with protein or fiber.Cortisol Awareness: Chronic high stress eventually leads to "empty tank" low cortisol; both can cause 2:00 AM–4:00 AM wake-ups.Recommended Staples: Dr. Abby favors Equip Foods beef protein and DIY electrolytes made from high-quality sea salt and citrus.EQUIP Foods - code THRIVEMEDICALWorking with Dr. AbbyInitial consultations last one hour and focus on connecting the dots between your history and current symptoms. Dr. Abby emphasizes that patients must be ready to do the work, as lifestyle implementation is more powerful than any supplement list.Follow Dr. Abby: @dr.abbyborkowski.

The conversation around T3 is one of the most confusing — and divisive — topics in thyroid care. Conventional medicine often ignores T3 entirely. Integrative and functional medicine frequently treats free T3 as the number that must be optimized at all costs. Patients are left stuck in the middle, unsure who to trust, what their labs actually mean, and whether a "low" free T3 is something that needs to be fixed. In this episode of Thyroid Answers, Dr. Eric Balcavage breaks down what free T3 really represents, where T3 actually comes from, and why lower free T3 is often an adaptive, protective response, not a sign of failure or deficiency. You'll learn: Where T3 actually comes from — and why most of it isn't made by the thyroid The difference between thyroid homeostasis and thyroid allostasis Why the body intentionally reduces T4-to-T3 conversion under strain How free T3 and total T3 tell different stories — and why both matter Why raising free T3 can feel better short-term but worsen physiology long-term When lower free T3 is actually the body's solution, not the problem How to ask better questions instead of chasing numbers This episode is not about protocols or "optimizing labs." It's about understanding state, adaptation, and recovery — so you stop fighting your physiology and start working with it.

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Welcome back to our weekend Cabral HouseCall shows!   This is where we answer our community's wellness, weight loss, and anti-aging questions to help people get back on track!   Check out today's questions:    Sheena: Hi Dr C! Hope you and your team are well. I'm 45 yo and currently on low dose birth control pill to help control the severe perimenopause symptoms I was experiencing. It has REALLY helped which I am thankful for. Obviously I know I cant be on it forever, but the thought of going off and going through all the symptoms is so scary to me. I also know being on the BCP will mask when I'm actually in menopause. Do you have a suggestion as to how I can find out? Is it possible to figure out while on the pill? As instructed by my endocrinologist, I take the pill for 42 day straight, stop for 4 and start again. Could I test my fsh during that 4      Anonymous: Hi Dr. Cabral - I'm hoping you can help me. I keep hearing people say organic doesn't really matter because they're still able to spray the produce with some level of herbicides. Can you help me understand what they could be talking about and confirm that organic is definitely better/ worth the cost? Thanks for all you do!      Sierra: Hello Dr. Cabral. My father and four of his kids have chronically low Alk Phos. We have tried supplementing (Zinc, mag, Vit C, DNS, Omegas, etc) for years without any improvement. We are leaning into thinking its a genetic issue (hypophosphotasia). My father has had significant blood calcification, bow legged, bad teeth. Do you have any knowledge on genetically low alk phos, and how to increase our levels or adjust nutrients to help offset issues from low levels of alkphos? We do live fairly healthy, active lives. We do qtrly detoxes, we work to empty our "rain barrel", but is there any other advice you can give us? We would love to figure out how to navigate this. Thank you! day break and be able to tell? Hope this makes sense. Looking forward to your suggestion. Thanks!      Adam: Hello, I've noticed during the winter months, I get more symptoms, especially thyroid related issues (dry skin, cold extremities). During the summer, these are substantially less pronounced. I've ran the Stress Mood and Metabolism test (during FEBruary), TSH 2.5, Free T3-3.8, Free T4-1.5, normal cortisol all day, low DHEAS, but are there any specific interventions I can do during the winter months to support my body? Warmer denser foods, different types of exercises, certain supplements etc? Thank you.        Desiree: Hi Dr. Cabral, My husband and I are planning to start trying for a baby this June. We are prepping starting now with 3 week detox, followed by heavy metal and parasite detoxes. I will follow that with 3 months of prenatal vitamins. Are there any male specific supplements that improve sperm health and male fertility? Like prenatal supplements but for men. Thanks!       Thank you for tuning into today's Cabral HouseCall and be sure to check back tomorrow where we answer more of our community's questions!      - - - Show Notes and Resources: StephenCabral.com/3683 - - - Get a FREE Copy of Dr. Cabral's Book: The Rain Barrel Effect - - - Join the Community & Get Your Questions Answered: CabralSupportGroup.com - - - Dr. Cabral's Most Popular At-Home Lab Tests: > Complete Minerals & Metals Test (Test for mineral imbalances & heavy metal toxicity) - - - > Complete Candida, Metabolic & Vitamins Test (Test for 75 biomarkers including yeast & bacterial gut overgrowth, as well as vitamin levels) - - - > Complete Stress, Mood & Metabolism Test (Discover your complete thyroid, adrenal, hormone, vitamin D & insulin levels) - - - > Complete Food Sensitivity Test (Find out your hidden food sensitivities) - - - > Complete Omega-3 & Inflammation Test (Discover your levels of inflammation related to your omega-6 to omega-3 levels) - - - Get Your Question Answered On An Upcoming HouseCall: StephenCabral.com/askcabral - - - Would You Take 30 Seconds To Rate & Review The Cabral Concept? The best way to help me spread our mission of true natural health is to pass on the good word, and I read and appreciate every review!  

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"Measure, measure, measure." —Dr. Ron HunninghakeFatigue that lingers. Brain fog that will not clear. Sleep that never feels restorative. Many people are told their labs are within normal ranges, yet they still do not feel like themselves.This conversation is designed for anyone looking to better understand hormone health, thyroid health, and metabolic patterns that can shape daily energy.In this episode of the Real Health Podcast, Dr. Ron Hunninghake and Dr. Drew Rose explore how hormones and metabolism influence energy patterns, mood, sleep, and day-to-day vitality. They discuss why thyroid evaluation can involve more than a single TSH result and how markers such as free T3 and reverse T3 may add helpful context when reviewing metabolic patterns.Register for Lunch & Learn: How Hormones and Metabolism Shape Your Energy, Mood, and Wellness (attend in person or watch live on YouTube)  Learn more about Check Your Health (March 2–13)They also talk through adrenal function, stress physiology, insulin dynamics, and the ways nutrient status can intersect with hormone balance. Dr. Ron shares historical context around hormone therapy, including where past concerns originated, and explains how careful measurement and ongoing monitoring can support individualized decisions.Upcoming events at the Riordan ClinicLunch & Learn  Thursday, February 26, 2026  Lunch: 11:30 AM | Lecture: 12:00 PM  Register to attend in person or watch live on YouTubeCheck Your Health  March 2–13, 2026  Available at Wichita and Overland Park locations  Learn more about Check Your HealthEpisode links and resourcesExplore integrative services at Riordan ClinicBecome a new co-learnerListen to more Real Health Podcast episodesEpisode chapters  00:00 Welcome  00:56 Why hormones and metabolism matter  02:22 Looking beyond TSH  03:59 Free T3 and reverse T3 explained  07:14 Adrenal patterns and stress  08:43 Insulin and nutrient interplay  10:21 Sleep and hormone balance  11:28 Environmental influences on hormone levels  12:51 Questions about hormone therapy  15:28 Measurement and long-term perspective + closing reflectionsDisclaimer  The information contained on the Real Health Podcast and the resources mentioned are for educational purposes only. They are not intended as and shall not be understood or construed as medical or health advice. The information contained on this podcast is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. Information provided by hosts and guests on the Real Health Podcast or the use of any products or services mentioned does not create a practitioner-patient relationship between you and any persons affiliated with this podcast.Topics we explore in this episode include:  thyroid evaluation, free T3, reverse T3, adrenal physiology, stress physiology, insulin dynamics, hormone balance discussion, nutrient status, laboratory evaluation, metabolic patterns

Midlife health is about far more than a single lab value. In this episode, we talked about how hormones, muscle mass, cholesterol, and inflammation influence long term heart and metabolic health. If you've ever felt overwhelmed or confused by what to focus on, we're bringing the clarity and direction to make it easier on you!Timestamps:[1:50] Welcome[11:52] I saw a post that said muscles in our legs help us have longevity and our calf muscles are like the second heart in the body. I'm assuming there's some truth, but does that just mean to continue to strike train and to walk?[24:56] How do you know if you're in peri-menopause? I feel like everything is a symptom.[37:24] What are the pros and cons of muscle splits vs. whole body workouts?[45:25] What dietary guidance do you have for lowering high total cholesterol? Episode Links:Kicking Back Cognitive Aging: Leg Power Predicts Cognitive Aging after 10 Years in Older Female TwinsSeeking Health DAO enzymeSeeking Health Histamine ProbioticThyroid Markers to check: TSH, Free T4, Free T3, Thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO), Thyroglobulin antibodies (TGAb)Additional cholesterol markers to check: ApoB, LDL-P, hs-CRP, fasting insulinSponsors:Go to boncharge.com/WELLFED and use coupon code WELLFED to save 15% off any order.Go to getkion.com/wellfed to get 20% off your order. Go to http://mdlogichealth.com/wfcolostrum , and use coupon code WFC15 for 15% off. You can also use code WELLFED for 10% off site wide on all MD Logic Products. Go to wellminerals.us/vitaminc and use code WELLFED to get 10% off your order.

If your thyroid labs keep coming back "normal" but you're exhausted, can't lose weight, losing hair, and freezing all the time... if your doctor only checks TSH and tells you everything's fine... if you're terrified to start thyroid medication because "you'll be on it forever"... this episode is your wake-up call. Dr. Terri breaks down the thyroid testing crisis that's leaving 50% of her patients with lingering symptoms despite "normal" labs. This isn't your typical thyroid talk - it's the truth about why TSH-only testing is failing millions of people, why Free T3 is the hormone that actually matters, and what's really going on when your body can't convert T4 to T3. After almost two decades in practice, Dr. Terri finally cracked the code on why so many patients - especially women over 45-50 - optimize their hormones but still feel terrible. The answer? Their thyroid labs showed "normal" but their Free T3 levels were in the gutter. WHAT YOU'LL DISCOVER: → Why TSH is only a screening tool (and tells you nothing about what's happening in your cells) → The test 99% of doctors don't run: Free T3 - the ACTIVE thyroid hormone → Why you can have perfect TSH and T4 but still be fully symptomatic for low thyroid → The T4 to T3 conversion problem: why your body isn't making active thyroid hormone → What destroys your deiodinase enzymes (stress, restrictive dieting, gut issues, medications) → The "normal range" scam: why optimal levels are completely different from lab ranges → Why a 10-month-old baby has Free T3 over 10 (but your doctor says 2.5 is "normal") → The medication myth debunked: "If I start thyroid meds, I'll be on them forever" (NOT TRUE) → How thyroid medication actually works (it's a feedback loop, not permanent suppression) → Phase 2 liver detox: the missing piece in thyroid optimization → Why fixing stress, diet, and gut health can improve thyroid function naturally THE 3 TESTS YOU ACTUALLY NEED: 1. TSH - Screening tool only (tells you if thyroid gland is working) 2. Free T4*- The pro-hormone (80% of what thyroid secretes) 3. Free T3 - The ACTIVE hormone (what actually works in your cells) Without all three, you're missing the picture. --- ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Intro: Thyroid Awareness Month 1:45 - The lingering symptoms I couldn't explain in 50% of patients 3:30 - What I learned at a functional medicine conference that changed everything 5:20 - How medical school taught thyroid testing (and why it's incomplete) 7:15 - Understanding TSH: what it actually measures 9:40 - The T4 and T3 relationship (and why T3 is the active hormone) 11:30 - Why TSH doesn't detect low T3 problems 13:20 - Symptoms of suboptimal thyroid (cold hands, dry skin, hair loss, fatigue, depression) 15:45 - Why women struggle more with thyroid issues 17:30 - The deiodinase enzyme problem (T4 to T3 conversion) 19:10 - What destroys your conversion: stress, dieting, gut issues, medications 21:50 - Phase 2 liver detox and thyroid optimization 24:00 - Managing stress and diet to improve thyroid function 26:15 - The medication myth: "You'll be on it forever" - DEBUNKED 28:20 - How thyroid medication feedback loops actually work 30:00 - Why this is the #1 thing that gets missed in thyroid care ---

Thyroid issues can feel confusing — especially when you're told your TSH is “off,” you have antibodies, or you're prescribed medication without fully understanding what's going on. The Lanby's Dr. Stephanie Wallman, Medical Director, breaks down what thyroid dysfunction actually means, how to interpret your labs, and how to support your thyroid with a root-cause, whole-body approach.On this “One Take on One Take” episode:Tip 1: Understand what your TSH, Free T3, Free T4, and thyroid antibodies really mean — and why TSH alone doesn't tell the full story.Tip 2: Learn how gluten, iodine imbalance, stress, and toxin exposure can trigger or worsen thyroid dysfunction and autoimmune thyroid conditions.Tip 3: Know when lifestyle, nutrition, and stress optimization are enough — and when thyroid medication like Synthroid may be appropriate as part of comprehensive care.Subscribe to Get Well Better by The Lanby: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/get-well-better Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/get-well-better YouTube: @TheLanby Or search “Get Well Better by The Lanby” on your favorite podcast platform!VISIT THE LANBY: Explore membership and learn more about The Lanby's functional medicine approach:https://www.thelanby.comFOLLOW THE LANBY ON SOCIAL: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelanby Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thelanby LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thelanbySTAY IN THE KNOW: Subscribe to The Lanby newsletter for health tips, podcast drops, and expert insights: https://www.thelanby.com/newsletter

T3 is the most talked-about thyroid hormone — and the most misunderstood. In this episode of the Thyroid Answers Podcast, Dr. Eric Balcavage breaks down Total T3 and Free T3 using a clear, Q&A-style format to address the most common questions, mistakes, and treatment traps patients and clinicians fall into. You'll learn: What T3 actually represents — and what it does not The difference between Total T3 and Free T3 (and why you need both) Why low T3 is often an adaptive response, not a deficiency Why adding T3 medication can help short-term but worsen physiology long-term Why "chasing Free T3" is one of the biggest mistakes in functional medicine How stress, inflammation, illness, dieting, and medications alter T3 levels Why labs can improve while patients feel worse How to interpret T3 correctly within the full thyroid panel This episode is essential listening if: You've been told your T3 is "low-normal" but still feel terrible You feel better on T3 medication at first — then worse Your labs look good, but your symptoms don't match You want to understand thyroid physiology beyond numbers and ranges

*Episode Recorded live at Training. If your thyroid labs keep coming back "normal" but you're exhausted, gaining weight, losing hair, and feeling like you're falling apart... if your doctor keeps checking TSH and telling you everything's fine... if you've been on thyroid medication for years but still feel terrible... this episode is your wake-up call. Dr. Terri sits down with Dr. Cassie Smith, an endocrinologist and hormone specialist, for a game-changing conversation about why the standard approach to thyroid testing is failing millions of people. This isn't your typical thyroid talk - it's the truth about why TSH alone is a useless marker after you start treatment, why 40-60% of Americans are walking around with suboptimal thyroid function, and what your doctor should actually be checking. WHAT YOU'LL DISCOVER: → Why TSH is only a screening tool (and becomes irrelevant once you're on medication) → The shocking truth: nobody's checking your Free T3 - the hormone that actually matters → Why conversion of T4 to T3 breaks down (stress, gut dysbiosis, insulin resistance) → The deiodinase enzymes that 93% of people can't optimize due to metabolic dysfunction → Why higher Free T3 levels = lower cardiovascular mortality and better outcomes → The "normal range" scam: why lab ranges are based on sick Americans, not optimal health → How your gut controls ALL hormone metabolism (thyroid, estrogen, testosterone, cortisol) → Why fixing thyroid without fixing gut health is a Band-Aid approach This isn't about ONE blood test. It's about understanding the whole system. TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Intro: Thyroid Awareness Month 1:30 - Why TSH is basically irrelevant 3:00 - What your doctor should be checking (Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3) 4:15 - The T4 to T3 conversion problem nobody talks about 6:00 - Why 93% of Americans have insulin resistance affecting their thyroid 8:30 - Dr. Cassie's approach: symptoms over lab ranges 10:45 - The 2012 guidelines that haven't been updated (and why that's a problem) 12:20 - When doctors take you off thyroid meds because "labs look good" 15:00 - Higher T3 = lower mortality and better quality of life 17:45 - The gut-thyroid-hormone connection explained 20:30 - Why your gut controls estrogen, testosterone, cortisol, and thyroid 23:15 - Dr. Cassie's book: The Gut-Hormone Connection (releasing April 6th) 26:40 - The microbiome crisis (even in "healthy" people) 29:10 - How gut health affects PCOS, menopause, and fertility ABOUT THE DR. TERRI SHOW: Dr. Terri brings you honest conversations about health, wellness, personal transformation, and the topics that matter most in today's world. From integrative medicine to nutrition to policy reform, we explore it all with expert guests who are making a real difference. New episodes weekly. Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode. The Dr. Terri Show is presented by Evexias Health Solutions. For more, visit: https://www.evexias.com Connect more with Dr. Terri:

You Were Never Told This About Thyroid Hormones — And It's Costing Millions Their Health Inside this powerful conversation, listeners are invited to question the standard thyroid narrative and learn why normal labs don't always equal a functioning body — especially for those living without a thyroid. This episode explores the things Dr. Rebecca (and most of her community members and clients) were never told about  when it comes to T3 and Rev T3. Plus: A live Thyroid Labs Masterclass is happening January 21st at 6:30 PM Eastern, designed to teach you how to actually understand your labs, spot red flags, and advocate for yourself with confidence. Learn how to finally understand your thyroid labs and know exactly what to do next:   ► https://www.drswarren.com/thyroid-labs-masterclass ⭐ Your feedback means so much to me! If you've found this episode helpful, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review—it's one of the best ways to help me share this message with the world. Next steps ► Get your FREE Optimal Thyroid Labs eBook: https://www.drswarren.com/thyroidlabsguide ► Deep dive consultation one-on-one with me: https://www.drswarren.com/drrebeccaconsults ► Join my Thyroid Inner Circle (or get on the waitlist): https://www.drswarren.com/thyroidmembership ► Order your own thyroid labs here: https://www.ultalabtests.com/partners/drswarren Follow me • Instagram: @dr.rebeccawarren • Facebook: Dr. Rebecca Warren • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrRebeccaWarren  ⚠️ Disclaimer  The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for any health concerns and before making any changes to your medications. The views expressed in this podcast, including those of Dr. Warren, do not constitute medical advice. The podcast and its host are not liable for any adverse effects resulting from information provided. Opinions of guests are their own, and the podcast does not endorse or assume responsibility for guest statements. Guests may have interests in products or services mentioned. If you have a medical issue, seek the advice of a licensed healthcare provider.

Get my newest workshop replay, BRILLIANT - Understanding the Somatic Intelligence of Over- & Underfunctioning.Lindsey pulls back the curtain on two sets of her bloodwork (June 2024 → December 2025) to show how healing the nervous system — and lowering the total life load — changes measurable physiology. She explains why over-functioning isn't a personality trait; it's a survival physiology that drives inflammation, insulin, thyroid conservation, liver burden, and stress-lipid patterns. She walks through each lab marker in plain language, contrasts meds/supplements alone with nervous-system and lifestyle change, and shares the supportive protocol she used alongside big shifts in emotional, domestic, and relational load. She closes with how the BRILLIANT workshop and CRUCIBLE practice space fit into this work.Show notesBig ideasOver-functioning is physiology, not personality; your body keeps the score.You can't out-supplement or medicate chronic over-functioning; support helps, and change lands when load drops and safety increases.Low-threat, well-nourished, well-rested physiology shows up clearly in labs: inflammation, insulin, thyroid conversion, lipids, and liver enzymes all move toward safety.Lab highlights (June 2024 → December 2025)CRP (inflammation): 3.0 → 0.9 (≈ 66% drop; low-inflammation range)Fasting insulin: 17.7 (insulin-resistant) → 6 (insulin-sensitive)Thyroid: TSH 3.22 → 1.23; Free T4 0.81 → 1.15; Free T3 2.88 → 3.2 (robust conversion)Liver enzyme (ALT): 33 → 15 (burden eased)Triglycerides: 105 → 68LDL-C: 126 → 97DHEA: 58 → 48 (healthy downshift within the improved overall pattern)What changed besides the numbersLoad reduction: less emotional labor, less domestic/relational over-functioning, fewer sensory demands, more boundaries.Inputs: consistent eating (enough), deeper sleep, real rest, improved circulation/movement without overdrive.Result: cortisol normalized — inflammation down, insulin normalized, thyroid conversion improved, liver less burdened, hair loss reversed, energy steadier.Supportive protocol (alongside the lifestyle shift)NP Thyroid (desiccated), bioidentical progesterone (vaginal delivery), low-dose naltrexone 4.5 mg.Magnesium (glycinate + l-threonate), glycine (~ 3 g/day), vitamin D3 + K2.GLP-1 experience: brief full-dose trial (too suppressive) → discontinued; later micro-dosed retatrutide after nutrition and rest were restored.Who this episode helpsOver-functioners who “look fine” but see inflammation, insulin resistance, sluggish thyroid conversion, stressed liver enzymes, or stress-lipids.Under-functioner/over-functioner couples wanting physiology-and-practice-based next steps.Mentioned resources & linksPrevious episode for backstory — Episode 131: Listen on SpotifyLindsey's ebooks: When Rest Feels WrongWhen Action Feels WrongSupplements Lindsey uses/loves: Glycine supplementHemaplexD3 + K2Magnesium glycinateMagnesium l-threonateFree Video Series:Unfiltered Real Talk About OverfunctioningThe Underfunctioner's Wake-Up CallNotes & gentle disclaimerThis episode shares one person's labs, context, and protocol decisions. Work with a trusted clinician for your own evaluation and dosing — and use these insights to track the impact of real rest, nourishment, and load reduction over time.

Hey friend,  Have you ever been told your thyroid is “fine” even though you still feel awful? Could fatigue, brain fog, or weight struggles be linked to labs that aren't showing the whole picture? What if “normal” isn't really optimal? In this episode, I'm wrapping up my 3-part series on the shifts that helped me finally feel better. Today's focus is the thyroid — and why being told “your labs are normal” isn't always the full story. I'll share my own journey of years of dismissal, what happened when I finally got a full thyroid panel, and the difference between normal and optimal ranges. You'll learn which labs to ask for, why Free T3 and antibodies matter, and how to advocate for yourself when you're not being heard. If you're still exhausted and struggling with brain fog despite being told everything is fine, this episode will help you take the next step. Resources and Links Mentioned: 1:1 CHRONIC HEALTH COACHING  FREE Facebook Community  170. Why Your Chronic Symptoms Flare Up Every Fall (And How to Feel Better) 169. Crashing After Pushing Yourself Too Hard? Why Stress Management, Rest, and Sleep Hygiene Matter More Than Willpower 165. Why Complaining Feels Good—But Wires You for Emotional Burnout Connecting with Me: Contact me: hello@ashleybraden.com Join our free community: Chronic Health Moms Facebook: facebook.com/chronichealthmoms Instagram: @chronichealthmoms YouTube: Chronic Health Solutions

In this Thyroid Answers Shorts episode, Dr. Eric Balcavage explores the critical role your mitochondria—the true powerhouses of your cells—play in thyroid health and recovery. Too often, thyroid care focuses solely on optimizing lab values like TSH, Free T4, or Free T3. But true recovery isn't about chasing numbers. It's about understanding what happens inside your cells. Dr. Balcavage explains how cellular stress impacts mitochondrial function, how this stress disrupts thyroid hormone conversion, and why patients can still feel hypothyroid even when their labs look “normal.” In this episode, you'll learn: Why mitochondria are the missing link in thyroid recovery. How cellular stress shifts thyroid physiology away from homeostasis. Why simply adding more T4 or T3 may provide temporary relief but rarely leads to lasting recovery. Practical ways to support mitochondrial health and improve thyroid function. Whether you're on thyroid medication, exploring functional medicine, or still searching for answers, this episode will help you understand why addressing mitochondrial health is essential for lasting thyroid recovery.

In today's episode, we're diving deep into Hashimoto's thyroiditis, one of the most common autoimmune disorders affecting women, with expert guest Teresa Kenney, NP. You'll learn what Hashimoto's is, how it differs from other thyroid conditions like hypothyroidism and Graves' disease, and why so many women in their 30s and 40s and beyond are being diagnosed. Teresa breaks down the basics, shares insight into testing and diagnosis, and helps us uncover the often-overlooked root causes of this condition, from stress and inflammation to gut health and nutrient deficiencies. She also offers clear, compassionate advice on lifestyle strategies, when medications might be necessary, and what true healing can look like. Whether you've recently been diagnosed, are still searching for answers, or want to support someone you love, this episode is packed with information, validation, and hope. Highlights from the Episode: What exactly is Hashimoto's, and how is it different from hypothyroidism or Graves' disease? Why women in their 30s and 40s are particularly vulnerable Symptoms that could signal an undiagnosed thyroid condition The real story behind “normal” labs and why many women still feel terrible The key labs to ask for—beyond just TSH (including Free T4, Free T3, (reverse T3) and Thyroid Antibody panel. How thyroid antibodies like TPO and Tg help identify autoimmune thyroid disease Root causes and triggers: stress, gut health, inflammation, and more Which nutrient deficiencies are most common in Hashimoto's How diet, sleep, and movement play a role in managing symptoms First steps if you've just been diagnosed and feel overwhelmed When medications are necessary, and how lifestyle changes still make a difference Can Hashimoto's go into remission? One thing we didn't get to touch upon in this episode is Low Dose Naltrexone and its use in Hashimotos, so check out our previous episode on this: Season 5 Episode 13! Tune in for expert insights, practical tips, and a powerful reminder: You are not alone, and there is a path forward. We Heart Nutrition offers top-quality, research-backed supplements designed for men and women at every age and life stage. Women, if you're preparing for pregnancy, navigating perimenopause, or beyond, they've got something for you and they got an amazing Men's multi for the husband or dad in your life. - Get 20% off your first order with code GENIUS. - Plus, first-time orders over $50 get a free bamboo capsule box to help build healthy habits. Head to weheartnutrition.com, take the quiz, and use our code GENIUS for 20% off your first order. With supplements this good and a mission this meaningful, you can't go wrong. We know you'll love We Heart Nutrition! Medical disclaimer: The information presented in this episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice.

Did you know that a "normal" thyroid lab result might not be optimal for you? In this eye-opening episode, we dive into why feeling your best doesn't always line up with being “within range.” Drawing on expert insights, we explore:Why "normal" may fall short: Lab reference ranges are built on averages—not individual well-being. You may feel sluggish or symptomatic even when your numbers appear untouched.What truly "optimal" levels look like for TSH, Free T3, and Free T4 When “normal” labs don't line up with symptoms: We unpack why hypothyroid symptoms can persist—fatigue, cold intolerance, weight gain—even when standard labs don't raise red flags.Taking the next step toward personalized thyroid health: Learn how opting for a full thyroid panel, working with a care team, and factoring in lifestyle can be the game-changer to consistently feeling well—versus accepting “normal” as good enough.Whether you've been told you're “normal” and still don't feel optimal—or you're supporting someone navigating thyroid health—this episode delivers clarity, empowerment, and actionable strategies.

If you've ever been told your labs are “normal” but you still feel exhausted, foggy, or off, this episode is your game-changer. In Part 2 of our conversation with thyroid expert McCall McPherson, we go beyond the basics and dive into how to actually understand your lab results, and why so many women are dismissed or misdiagnosed because their numbers fall within outdated, generic ranges. Maria opens up about her own thyroid test results, and McCall breaks it all down: what's truly considered optimal (not just “in range”), what your TSH, T3, and antibodies are really saying, and how understanding your labs can help you take back your energy, mood, metabolism, and more. Because when you can read your labs like a thyroid expert, you stop guessing… and start healing smarter!! HEALERS & HEAL-LINERS:  "Normal" isn't optimal. Most lab ranges are based on averages of unwell people, which means you can feel awful and still be told you're "fine." True healing begins with optimal, not just acceptable. Your labs are a roadmap. TSH alone won't tell the full story. Understanding markers like Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, and antibodies can unlock the real reason you feel off and guide you toward real solutions. You can influence your results. Antibody levels can be improved with lifestyle changes. Tracking your labs over time empowers you to measure progress, reduce inflammation, and protect your thyroid health long-term. HEAL SQUAD SOCIALS IG: https://www.instagram.com/healsquad/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@healsquadxmaria HEAL SQUAD RESOURCES: Heal Squad Website:https://www.healsquad.com/ Heal Squad x Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HealSquad/membership Maria Menounos Website: https://www.mariamenounos.com My Curated Macy's Page: Shop My Macy's Storefront Prenuvo: Prenuvo.com/MARIA for $300 off EMR-Tek Red Light: https://emr-tek.com/discount/Maria30 for 30% off Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.com/  Join In-Person Heal Retreat Waitlist! https://mariamenounos.myflodesk.com/heal-retreat-waitlist GUEST RESOURCES: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mccallmcphersonpa  https://www.instagram.com/modernthyroid  Website: https://www.modernthyroidclinic.com/  Thyroid Lab Guide: https://gift.modernthyroidclinic.com/  ABOUT MARIA MENOUNOS: Emmy Award-winning journalist, TV personality, actress, 2x NYT best-selling author, former pro-wrestler and brain tumor survivor, Maria Menounos' passion is to see others heal and to get better in all areas of life. ABOUT HEAL SQUAD x MARIA MENOUNOS: A daily digital talk-show that brings you the world's leading healers, experts, and celebrities to share groundbreaking secrets and tips to getting better in all areas of life. DISCLAIMER: This Podcast and all related content (published or distributed by or on behalf of Maria Menounos or http://Mariamenounos.com and http://healsquad.com) is for informational purposes only and may include information that is general in nature and that is not specific to you. Any information or opinions provided by guest experts or hosts featured within website or on Company's Podcast are their own; not those of Maria Menounos or the Company. Accordingly, Maria Menounos and the Company cannot be responsible for any results or consequences or actions you may take based on such information or opinions. This podcast is presented for exploratory purposes only. Published content is not intended to be used for preventing, diagnosing, or treating a specific illness. If you have, or suspect you may have, a health-care emergency, please contact a qualified health care professional for treatment.

Is Your Thyroid Lab Test Lying to You? Hidden Signs of Cellular Hypothyroidism with Dr. Eric Balcavage | Podcast #461 Dr. Balcavage Website: https://drericbalcavage.com/

 Understanding CIRS, Mitochondria & the Cell Danger Response" In this solo episode, I dive deep into one of the most overlooked root causes of chronic fatigue, brain fog, and hormonal imbalances: Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) and how it connects to mold, toxic burden, and mitochondrial dysfunction. You'll learn: What CIRS is and why it's often misdiagnosed How mold and MARCoNS infections block your hypothalamus and trap your body in survival mode Why chronic illness often begins with the Cell Danger Response (CDR) How mitochondria, Free T3, and the gut-brain barrier are all connected

If you're trying to conceive or just want to get your hormones in balance—this episode could change everything.After supporting over 1,000 women on their natural conception journey, I've uncovered the subtle yet powerful clues the body gives us long before an infertility diagnosis ever happens. These 10 fertility red flags often get brushed off as "normal" or “just stress”—but they're actually your body's way of waving a big red flag saying: something's off.

Episode Highlights with McCall McPhersonWhy we can't put our blind trust in practitioners when it comes to thyroid health and the tools to step into being your own primary healthcare provider for thyroid healthIf you have thyroid symptoms, TSH is not enoughLabs to get: TSH, Free T3, T4, Reverse T3 (full thyroid function panel)Women also need to be screened for Hashimotos with TPO There is not a standardized “normal” range for thyroid labs… it's just based on what the lab dictates as normal and varies by labHow diet and lifestyle factors come into play with addressing thyroid issues and activating thyroid issuesDiet and lifestyle factors that help: bring in more nutrients, experiment with reducing gluten and dairyBring in vs keep out mindset shift when it comes to healing Food ordering for signaling safety to the body: protein first, micronutrient dense Resources MentionedModern Thyroid Clinic's Lab Guide: what labs you need and what they mean Modern Thyroid Clinic's Guide: How to take your medication before labs118: McCall McPherson on How to Balance Thyroid Hormones at Home

Let's chat about the relationship between hormones and anxiety. Join me as I talk about hormone imbalance and hormone disruptors and the importance of getting a full hormone panel check. And remember, DON'T let any doctor ignore your questions and concerns. Standard Testing CBC, CMP and Lipid Panel HbA1C Iron, ferritin, folate and B12 Zinc VitaminD Magnesium Thyroid Panel TSH, free T4, Free T3, Rverse T3, anti-TPO and anti-thyroglobulin Chronic Inflammation Testing HSC-Reactive Protein (CRP) Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) Organic High-Quality Teas created by Dr. Lisa Té Sana Wellness Want to Join our Women's Group or Men's Group Want to learn more about it? Book a FREE 15-min Consultation with Me

Your thyroid plays a crucial role in producing energy and regulating metabolism in your body...     When it's dysregulated, it can lead to a variety of health issues.     Typically, three markers are measured in thyroid testing: Free T4, Free T3, and TSH.     But what about T1 and T2?     Lately, I've been getting questions about these numbers and their role in thyroid function-   So on today's Cabral Concept 3176 we are going to explore what T1 and T2 thyroid markers are and whether they're important to consider when testing the thyroid. Enjoy the show, and let me know your thoughts!   - - - For Everything Mentioned In Today's Show: StephenCabral.com/3176 - - - Get a FREE Copy of Dr. Cabral's Book: The Rain Barrel Effect - - - Join the Community & Get Your Questions Answered: CabralSupportGroup.com - - - Dr. Cabral's Most Popular At-Home Lab Tests: > Complete Minerals & Metals Test (Test for mineral imbalances & heavy metal toxicity) - - - > Complete Candida, Metabolic & Vitamins Test (Test for 75 biomarkers including yeast & bacterial gut overgrowth, as well as vitamin levels) - - - > Complete Stress, Mood & Metabolism Test (Discover your complete thyroid, adrenal, hormone, vitamin D & insulin levels) - - - > Complete Food Sensitivity Test (Find out your hidden food sensitivities) - - - > Complete Omega-3 & Inflammation Test (Discover your levels of inflammation related to your omega-6 to omega-3 levels) - - - Get Your Question Answered On An Upcoming HouseCall: StephenCabral.com/askcabral - - - Would You Take 30 Seconds To Rate & Review The Cabral Concept? The best way to help me spread our mission of true natural health is to pass on the good word, and I read and appreciate every review!  

A hypothyroid diagnosis can feel like a death sentence to your weight loss goals... We're going to get a little nerdy today and talk about some intermediate to advanced physiology and thyroid health topics but don't be intimated especially if you suspect you have a thyroid issue or can't seem to lose weight no matter how many calories you slash. First, your thyroid gland is your master metabolism regulator. What is hypothyroidism? An underactive thyroid. The thyroid gland doesnt produce enough thyroid hormone. Some common symptoms include: Chronic fatigue, Puffy face, Always feeling cold, Unexplained weight gain, Constipation, Muscle weakness or cramps, Hair loss/hair won't grow, Dry skin, Depression, and poor concentration. The problem is that most doctors only check TSH and diagnose off of that, but it can be prevented by checking a full thyroid panel! A Full thyroid panel would be checking these specific markers: TSH, Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, TPO/TgA antibodies, and sometimes will also check iron. We'll dive into why these markers are important to check and what to do after you're armed with this knowledge!  Time Stamps: (1:32) Moving Into Fall (3:00) Hypothyroidism (9:07) Full Bloodwork Panel (12:58) When Doctors Look At TSH (23:19) T4 to T3 (27:42) What To Work On With This Knowledge---------------------Follow @vanessagfitness on Instagram for daily fitness tips & motivation. ---------------------Download Our FREE Metabolism-Boosting Workout Program---------------------Join the Women's Metabolism Secrets Facebook Community for 25+ videos teaching you how to start losing fat without hating your life!---------------------Click here to send me a message on Facebook and we'll see how I can help or what best free resources I can share!---------------------Interested in 1-on-1 Coaching with my team of Metabolism & Hormone Experts? Apply Here!---------------------Check out our Youtube Channel!---------------------Enjoyed the podcast? Let us know what you think and leave a 5⭐️ rating and review on iTunes!

Here I am diving deep into the world of thyroid hormones and what you really need to know to be your own best advocate. I'm on a mission to clear up the confusion and empower you with the knowledge to take control of your thyroid health. It's time to stop chasing those T4 numbers and start focusing on what truly matters - your Free T3 and Reverse T3. I'll break down why these are the key players in optimizing your thyroid function and how to interpret your lab results like a pro. We'll also tackle the pitfalls of relying solely on conventional medicine and why it's crucial to find a practitioner who understands the nuances of thyroid treatment. By the end of this episode, you'll have the tools to confidently navigate your thyroid journey and demand the care you deserve. No more settling for subpar treatment or feeling lost in the maze of conflicting information. It's time to become the CEO of your own health and join the ranks of thyroid warriors who are thriving, not just surviving. Let's do this! Shop ALL of Dr. Amie's Fixxr® Supplements: betterlifedoctor.com LET'S GET YOUR LIFE BACK...Connect with Dr. Amie Hornaman Book a free application call: https://dramiehornaman.com/pages/book-a-call FREE DOWNLOADS… What Are the Optimal Lab Ranges? What Steps Can I Take? Don't know where to start...don't know which labs are useful? And what to do when you get your results? “How To” Guide For Supplements Here's your Fixxr® supplement timeline and guide. Fix Your Thyroid and Adrenals To Fix Your Life Check your symptoms of hypothyroidism and know OPTIMAL thyroid lab values. Learn why you are being told you're “NORMAL” by your doctor. Can Supplements Help with Hypothyroidism? Grab this thorough guide to help you select the most advantageous supplements that will best suit your health circumstances. RATE, REVIEW AND FOLLOW ON APPLE PODCASTS Show your love for Amie and The Thyroid Fixer Podcast! If you're enjoying our journey together, I'd be thrilled if you could take a moment to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts. Your support helps me reach and help more people just like you, guiding them towards their optimal selves! Just click HERE, scroll all the way down, give us those 5 stars, and share what you enjoy about my episodes in a review. Haven't subscribed yet? Make sure to follow The Thyroid Fixer Podcast to catch all the new episodes that come out every week. Follow HERE and never miss out on a moment of the journey! CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Join my exclusive Facebook Group, Dr. Amie…The Thyroid Fixer®...Love Your Mirror, for a Community of HOPE and Support in your thyroid journey. https://www.facebook.com/groups/dramie/ Like me on Facebook: Amie Hornaman Nutrition and Functional Medicine Subscribe on Youtube: Dr. Amie Hornaman Follow me on Instagram: @dramiehornaman

In this episode I'm sharing my recent lab test, 23 lab tests in menopause, to be exact. I'll share why so many, how often, what I'll learn from them. If you're at a loss for what to order or really, what you need and want a doctor to run this will help. Connecting the dots is not always easy! Though I ran almost all of these as a part of writing You Still Got It, Girl! Almost a decade ago, by ordering self-directed labs and doing the research to interpret them and take actions to either follow up with a physician or to consider dietary, exercise, and natural solutions that would improve results, I recommend you utilize a physician who's willing to and not threatened by your desire to learn more about the what, why and when for these tests. You know how you feel and what's right for you. Hopefully you're not settling for less than feeling great. Signs that you're not doing okay, in spite of your efforts include unexplained weight gain, inability to lose it, feeling lethargic/tired either on a regular basis or after exercise. Add to that insomnia, dizziness, brain fog, gut issues, and so many more. Having a basic understanding of the tests, that often are not ordered by Western trained docs, and why you want them, may help you be a detective and an advocate for your own health. Recent Lab Tests in Menopause Fasting Glucose Fasting levels above 125 are indicative of diabetes. Those 100-125 indicate prediabetes. Knowing this is helpful for monitoring your habits. A continuous blood glucose monitor can be a fantastic tool for you. https://www.flippingfifty.com/myglucose Fasting Insulin Metabolism issues or weight loss resistance are good reasons to check fasting insulin (beyond just fasting glucose). Insulin resistance can promote additional weight gain. A1C This number can indicate how well controlled sugar levels have been over the past 3 months and also can indicate a prediabetic or diabetic condition. Serum Ferritin Reliable indicator of body's iron stores. Low or very high ferritin may have a condition that results in fatigue. Vitamin D 25-Hydroxy This is important for energy and gaining muscle, particularly fast twitch muscle, as well as energy. Falling into “norms” is under optimal levels so this one can be important for women in midlife and beyond to know. Uric acid Optimal levels may support antioxidant activity but too high can be linked to oxidative stress. Vitamin A Concentrations of uric acid and vitamin A are closely associated. This test may be used to indicate a reason why uric acid levels are high. CRP A major marker of inflammation. Risk of disease increases significantly with high CRP. A Fasting Lipid Panel Looking at cholesterol, LDL, HDL and the total/HDL ratio can tell you what's happening in your body. It might be genetic, lifestyle or also occurring during menopause as the body generates more cholesterol to attempt to produce hormones. Free Testosterone This is the testosterone immediately available. Can support weight loss and improve memory and strength. Testosterone Elevated testosterone can lead to hair growth, acne, moodiness. But too low can lead to difficulty gaining muscle and bone density. DHEA-S Your precursor to the sex hormones and also an indicator of adrenal function. Variety of Lab Tests in Menopause Estradiol Check for optimal levels for some women, confirming they're in menopause and for others like me doing hormone replacement, that hormone levels are optimized. Estrone The estrogen product after menopause. Progesterone Can lower post menopause and make sleep and relaxing harder. Thyroid Hormone Tests TSH Released by your brain to signal your thyroid gland. It can be used to monitor dosing of your thyroid medication or as a screening test for the presence of thyroid disease. Free T4 The thyroid makes predominately T4. Free T4 is what your body uses to make the active thyroid hormone called free T3. These are advanced biomarker tests, not routinely done, but very helpful to determine if the thyroid can be affecting how you feel. Free T3 Symptoms (constipation, weight gain, tiredness, low libido) of low thyroid may be missed (passed off as normal or something else) unless the active thyroid hormone (free T3) is measured. High levels may indicate hyperthyroidism. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include fatigue, anxiety, sudden weight loss, rapid heartbeat, irritability, more frequent bowel movements, difficulty sleeping, sweating and tremors. Free T3 is an advanced screening biomarker that helps screen routinely missed thyroid issues. TPA (Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies) Thyroid disease has become very common and we can often pick up inflammation in the thyroid years before the thyroid fails. This is important because natural interventions may help reverse the inflammation of the thyroid gland. TA (Thyroglobulin Antibodies) This test can be positive in people with inflammation of the thyroid gland, and it can be seen years before complete thyroid failure – giving you time to take action! Reverse T 3 Reverse T3 is the storage form of the active thyroid hormone. Many conditions can cause you to store thyroid instead of use it as active free T3. If your reverse T3 is high then you may need to address the reasons why. Broader Selection of Lab Tests in Menopause **FSH (**Follicle-stimulating hormone) Levels of this hormone indicate phases of hormones including puberty, reproduction and menopause. Levels rise significantly after menopause. ****This test can be helpful for someone who isn't sure what's happening or wants to confirm levels are dropping. **SHBG **(**Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) SHBG is used to keep excessive free estrogen out of the blood stream, looking at these levels can help identify if hormone control health habits can improve your overall health. Sex hormone binding globulin is a protein mainly produced by the liver, and studies show that diets high in simple sugars cause the liver to produce less SHBG. Low levels of SHBG are seen in obesity, prediabetes, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Other Tests Total Cortisol Early morning cortisol screen for adrenal gland function. 4 Sample Saliva Test Measures throughout the day to get a more accurate picture of your stress hormone pattern. ACTH Stimulation Test Administered by a physician to test response Omega 3 and 3/6 Index For muscle and joint aches and pains, and brain health, knowing your omega 3 and 6 index can help you improve overall health and decrease inflammation. Food Sensitivity Testing Depending on which level of comprehensive test you do, you can test for 90 common food sensitivities (or more) and learn what is low, moderate, and highly sensitive for you. Avoiding moderate and higher food sensitivities for 3 months while also taking extra care of your gut can help reduce symptoms of gas, bloating, or other digestive issues stemming from leaky gut situation. Adding probiotics, glutamine, oregano oil and foods known to support gut bacteria can all help improve the gut before attempting to reintroduce. GI-Map For gut issues that aren't resolved with dietary changes, scores will tell you your gut bacteria levels and which may be out of balance so you can choose very specific probiotics to help rebalance, as you avoid foods that show moderate and high on your sensitivity results. Other Episodes You Might Like: When Exercise & Diet Aren't Working: Which Lab Tests Should I Get?: https://www.flippingfifty.com/which-lab-tests/ Adrenal Fatigue Talk with the Hip Hop Energy Doc, Tricia Pingel: https://www.flippingfifty.com/adrenal-fatigue-talk/ Is a Food Sensitivity Getting in the Way of Your Fitness After 50? https://www.flippingfifty.com/is-a-food-sensitivity-getting-in-the-way-of-your-fitness-after-50/ Resources: **Link to Ultimate Assessment: https://www.flippingfifty.com/store** https://www.flippingfifty.com/store/coaching-programs/private-coaching-90-min/

Here's one of the most pressing questions I get all the time: "How do I know if I need thyroid medication?" Trust me, I get it. Being diagnosed with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's can be this giant rollercoaster, and navigating through it can be confusing and frustrating. I've personally been through the wringer, going to several doctors before finally getting the diagnosis I needed. And let's not even get started on the cookie-cutter solutions like t4-only medications that just don't cut it for most of us. Jump in here and listen as I break down why t4-only might be sabotaging your health and what you can do to get on the right track with the appropriate thyroid hormone replacement. I'll break it all down with lab tests, from TSH to Free T3 to Reverse T3, and what those numbers truly indicate about your thyroid health. Whether you're battling weight gain, fatigue, or hair loss, this episode is all about empowering you with the knowledge to advocate for yourself and get the help that truly transforms your life. Shop ALL of Dr. Amie's Fixxr® Supplements: betterlifedoctor.com LET'S GET YOUR LIFE BACK...Connect with Dr. Amie Hornaman Book a free application call: https://dramiehornaman.com/pages/book-a-call FREE DOWNLOADS… What Are the Optimal Lab Ranges? What Steps Can I Take? Don't know where to start...don't know which labs are useful? And what to do when you get your results? “How To” Guide For Supplements Here's your Fixxr® supplement timeline and guide. Fix Your Thyroid and Adrenals To Fix Your Life Check your symptoms of hypothyroidism and know OPTIMAL thyroid lab values. Learn why you are being told you're “NORMAL” by your doctor. Can Supplements Help with Hypothyroidism? Grab this thorough guide to help you select the most advantageous supplements that will best suit your health circumstances. RATE, REVIEW AND FOLLOW ON APPLE PODCASTS Show your love for Amie and The Thyroid Fixer Podcast! If you're enjoying our journey together, I'd be thrilled if you could take a moment to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts. Your support helps me reach and help more people just like you, guiding them towards their optimal selves! Just click HERE, scroll all the way down, give us those 5 stars, and share what you enjoy about my episodes in a review. Haven't subscribed yet? Make sure to follow The Thyroid Fixer Podcast to catch all the new episodes that come out every week. Follow HERE and never miss out on a moment of the journey! CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Join my exclusive Facebook Group, Dr. Amie…The Thyroid Fixer®...Love Your Mirror, for a Community of HOPE and Support in your thyroid journey. https://www.facebook.com/groups/dramie/ Like me on Facebook: Amie Hornaman Nutrition and Functional Medicine Subscribe on Youtube: Dr. Amie Hornaman Follow me on Instagram: @dramiehornaman