42: Against the Grain: Endocrinologist Dr. Brittany Henderson on Hashimoto’s, Root Causes, T3, and NDT

In this episode of Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations, Dr. Izabella Wentz interviews Dr. Brittany Henderson, a board-certified endocrinologist and founder of the Charleston Thyroid Center. Dr. Henderson shares her unconventional journey from a standard T4-only treatment approach to a more integrative practice that includes T4/T3 combination therapy,  natural desiccated thyroid (NDT) and root cause medicine. Listeners will gain insight into why many thyroid patients continue to suffer despite “normal” lab results, and how looking beyond the TSH can reveal more accurate root causes of persistent symptoms.

Together, Dr. Wentz and Dr. Henderson explore full thyroid panel testing, the impact of gut health on thyroid medication absorption, the autoimmune mechanisms behind Hashimoto’s, and why early intervention can sometimes reverse the need for lifelong medication. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking deeper answers in their thyroid healing journey.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why a full thyroid panel is essential. Conventional TSH lab tests can miss critical clues. A comprehensive panel — including free T3, reverse T3, thyroid antibodies, and even an ultrasound — paints a more complete picture of thyroid function and autoimmunity, helping identify issues like poor T4-to-T3 conversion or ongoing immune attacks.

• How T4/T3 combination therapy and NDT can change lives. For many patients, especially women and those with low muscle mass or inflammation, levothyroxine alone isn’t enough. Using natural desiccated thyroid or adding T3 can dramatically improve symptoms like fatigue, depression, hair loss, and stubborn weight gain.

• The truth about “normal” thyroid labs — and why you might still feel awful. Even with labs in the “normal” range, you could still experience classic thyroid symptoms such as anxiety, brain fog, and irregular periods. Dr. Henderson emphasizes aiming for optimal levels — not average levels — and the importance of tailoring labs to how you actually feel.

• Why identifying root causes is key to calming the immune system. Hidden triggers like gut infections (e.g., SIBO or H. pylori), mold exposure, nutrient deficiencies (like iron or selenium), or even oral, tooth and vaginal infections can fuel Hashimoto’s. Identifying and addressing these drivers can significantly reduce thyroid antibodies and improve well-being.

• Yes, healing is possible — and meds aren’t always forever. Up to 20% of Dr. Henderson’s patients are able to reduce or even stop thyroid medication by identifying root causes early, lowering inflammation, and supporting thyroid regeneration. Especially in children, teens, and postpartum cases, early intervention can lead to full recovery.

  
  

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For the full list of resources and products mentioned in this episode, and to get the full episode transcript, see complete show notes here: https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/podcast/