LISTEN TO THE PODCAST – Also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts
On today’s episode of Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations, I dive into a critical conversation about Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism. If you’ve ever felt confused about the difference between these two conditions, you’re not alone!
In this episode, I’ll break it all down for you, from understanding what’s really happening in your body to how Hashimoto’s progresses through five distinct stages – and what that means for your thyroid function. I’ll also walk you through the best testing options to get a full picture of your thyroid health, discuss the most effective treatment approaches, and share practical, science-backed strategies you can start using right away to manage your symptoms, reduce thyroid antibodies, and feel more like yourself again.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed, still searching for answers, or looking for ways to optimize your health, this episode will empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to take charge of your thyroid journey. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by conflicting information, this episode will bring clarity and direction to your healing journey.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- The difference between Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism (and why it matters)
- The five stages of Hashimoto’s and how it progresses over time
- Why thyroid antibodies are crucial for early detection
- How to reduce thyroid antibodies and slow disease progression
- The most important lab tests to request from your doctor
- Why medications alone aren’t enough and what else you can do to heal
Products & Tools Mentioned
Testing & Labs
- Full thyroid panel – How and why to get tested for TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, TPO antibodies, and TG antibodies
- Ulta Labs – Self-order labs here and submit them to your insurance for reimbursement. (Be sure to check with your individual insurance to make sure they allow this.)
- Get a thyroid ultrasound for seronegative Hashimoto’s, as well as a nodule assessment
Supplements & Nutrients
- Thyroid support nutrients:
- Adrenal & Stress Support:
- Adaptogenic Herbs support the body’s ability to deal with stressors (as discussed in Adrenal Transformation Protocol)
- Gut & Infections Support:
- H. pylori testing and treatment – H. pylori can be linked to Hashimoto’s, nodules, and reflux
Medications & Treatment Considerations
- T4-only thyroid medications (e.g. Levothyroxine)
- T4/T3 combination medications may be good for those with conversion issues
- Desiccated thyroid medications may be good for those who do better with a natural thyroid hormone balance
- Addressing Reverse T3 issues (low stress, iron optimization)
- Thyroid medication guide for understanding T4- versus T3-based options
Root Cause Investigation & Lifestyle Interventions
- Gluten-free diet – This can reduce thyroid symptoms and antibodies
- Low iodine protocol – For those over-supplementing iodine
- Identifying and addressing infections – Infections such as H. pylori and Lyme can trigger Hashimoto’s
- Addressing mold toxicity – Mold can be a hidden trigger for autoimmunity
More Relevant Resources
- Thyroid Pharmacist Blog (thyroidpharmacist.com)
- Adrenal Transformation Protocol book for addressing stress-related thyroid issues
- Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: Lifestyle Interventions for Finding and Treating the Root Cause book for comprehensive Hashimoto’s treatment
- Mechanisms to Reduce Thyroid Antibodies
- Finding Your Root Cause: Key Lab Tests
Get the Full Episode Transcript
Let’s Connect!
- Follow me on Instagram:@izabellawentzpharmd
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- Subscribe & Review: If you loved this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!
Got questions? Drop them in the comments or DM me on Instagram!
Host
Dr. Izabella Wentz
Dr. Izabella Wentz is a compassionate, innovative, solution-focused integrative pharmacist dedicated to finding the root causes of chronic health conditions. Her passion stems from her own diagnosis of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis in 2009, following a decade of debilitating symptoms.
Dr. Izabella Wentz has written several best-selling books, including the New York Times bestseller Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: Lifestyle Interventions for Finding and Treating the Root Cause, the protocol-based #1 New York Times bestseller Hashimoto’s Protocol: A 90-Day Plan for Reversing Thyroid Symptoms and Getting Your Life Back, the Wall Street Journal bestseller Hashimoto’s Food Pharmacology: Nutrition Protocols and Healing Recipes to Take Charge of Your Thyroid Health, and her latest book, Adrenal Transformation Protocol.
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Thank you. Some years ago your book help me solve my hashimotos, which I had no idea existed and had never heard of. My doctor said my symptoms were my imaginayion. Thanks to you, I got a proper test and, lo and behold, I got some serious help, but not from my doctor. Thank you so much.
Rachel UK
Rachel, Thank you so much for sharing this, it truly means the world to me. I’m so glad the book helped you uncover what was really going on and empowered you to advocate for yourself. You’re not alone, so many of us have had our symptoms dismissed, but your story is a beautiful reminder of how knowledge and persistence can lead to healing. Wishing you continued health and happiness on your journey! 💛
I love your work it’s helped me from the time I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s gene and hypothyroidism cause was coeliac gene sibo im using compound pharmaceutical med. Working for me im using your protocols book and diet im very intolerant to lots of food especially protein and fats have very low ferrets not using supplements as im thalassaemia miner but try to work with food thanks heaps for your great information and help through OT my journey really loving ❤️ your work and passion Gina
Gina, Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m truly honored to be a part of your healing journey. It’s wonderful to hear that the protocols and dietary guidance have been helpful for you, especially with the added complexity of Coeliac genes, SIBO, food intolerances, and thalassemia minor. You’re doing an amazing job listening to your body and working with food as medicine. Keep going—you’re clearly dedicated and resilient. Wishing you continued healing and strength! 💛
Hi Izabella
I live in the UK what companies do you know that would go these tests…,
I’ve got hypothyroidism but I’m feeling very fatigued at the moment….i need to get my levels more in line …
I’ve also got prediabetes
And cholesterol
Any advice I would be grateful for thanks Anne-Marie Walton
Anne, thank you for reaching out. Please email my team at info@thyroidpharmacist.com and they will be happy to help you with this.
Can Hashimoto’s be cured or only managed?
Rose, I consider remission to be lowered antibodies and no symptoms. A cure would be getting off meds, and no symptoms or antibodies. I believe remission is possible for most people with the knowledge I have these days. I have seen a few people not need meds as well, but it’s not super common.
Thank you so very much for these pod casts. I’m passing them along to my 24 year old granddaughter in hopes she will be able to start treating any potential thyroid problems before years of unnecessary suffering.
Hi Teresa, Thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing the podcast with your granddaughter. It means the world to know the information is reaching those who may need it most. Your care and advocacy for her are such a gift—early awareness and support can truly make a profound difference. I’m sending both of you so much love and healing on this journey. 💜