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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