The Energy Blueprint Podcast

Beyond Adrenal Fatigue: What's Really Happening With Your Cortisol with Dr. Izabella Wentz

Dec 20, 2025
Dr. Izabella Wentz, a licensed pharmacist and thyroid specialist, reveals that 90% of Hashimoto's patients experience cortisol fluctuations that lead to fatigue and sleepless nights. She challenges the myth of 'adrenal fatigue', explaining it as a protective response to chronic stress rather than damaged glands. Wentz introduces a simple 4-week protocol that dramatically improves anxiety and sexual health. Discover how lifestyle changes related to sleep and circadian rhythms play a vital role in restoring energy and well-being.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
INSIGHT

Hashimoto's Strongly Tied To Cortisol Changes

  • About 90% of people with Hashimoto's show altered cortisol release patterns during the day.
  • Izabella Wentz links thyroid dysfunction tightly with HPA axis changes that explain fatigue and brain fog.
INSIGHT

Thyroid Meds Can Lower Cortisol Fast

  • Starting thyroid replacement can increase cortisol clearance and cause symptoms as cortisol drops.
  • Wentz warns some patients feel worse after thyroid meds because cortisol exits faster once thyroid improves.
INSIGHT

Adrenals Adapt, Not Burn Out

  • 'Adrenal fatigue' is not damaged glands but an adaptive HPA recalibration to chronic stress.
  • Wentz emphasizes the body downregulates cortisol production to protect itself from constant high cortisol.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app