31: When Kids Struggle: Thyroid Clues, OCD, Anxiety & Integrative Pediatric Care | Roy Steinbock

In this episode of Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations, Dr. Izabella Wentz interviews integrative pediatrician Dr. Roy Steinbock to explore the often-overlooked links between thyroid dysfunction, mental health, and chronic conditions in children and postpartum mothers. As a physician who blends conventional medicine with functional and holistic tools, Dr. Steinbock shares practical insights on how to identify and address root causes of common issues like fatigue, anxiety, ADHD, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Thyroid disorders in kids often present differently than in adults. Dr. Roy shares how symptoms like anxiety, constipation, insomnia, and even changes in handwriting can indicate an underlying thyroid issue.
  

• Postpartum thyroid dysfunction is more common than you think. Many mothers with postpartum anxiety or depression may actually have undiagnosed thyroid issues, and testing TSH alone often isn’t enough.
  

• Iron and ferritin levels are crucial for thyroid and mental health. Dr. Roy explains how low ferritin can trigger fatigue, anxiety, immune dysfunction and even behavioral issues in children — even when hemoglobin levels (iron tests) appear normal. Furthermore they can prevent proper use of thyroid hormones.
  

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may be tied to thyroid and nutrient imbalances. Supplements like myo-inositol, NAC, and even nutritional lithium can make a big impact — especially when combined with thyroid support.
  

• PANDAS is a real and underdiagnosed condition. We break down the signs, the overlap with thyroid dysfunction, and how antibiotics and IVIG therapy are helping some children recover.
  

Tune in to learn more about pediatric thyroid health, mental health, and how integrative care can offer lasting healing for families.

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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/