Thyroid Answers Podcast

In episode 205 of the Thyroid Answers Podcast, Dr. Kelly Halderman returns to discuss Thyroid labs and what your doctor might be missing. In this episode, we cover: Why TSH run by itself can be a misleading test Why both total and free hormones should be run, but often aren't Understanding T3 Uptake Reverse T3: what it is and why it is improtant Thyroid antibodies: the reality behind their presence And more... If you struggle with chronic hypothyroid symptoms despite what you have been told is appropriate or "optimized" Thyroid Hormone Replacement, you must listen to this episode. The answers will help you understand why you are stuck in Thyroid Purgatory. Need your personal questions answered? Schedule a Complimentary Discovery call at: https://l.bttr.to/LGjGk Is there a topic you would like covered on the Thyroid Answers Podcast? Send your topic request to info@drericbalcavage.com. website: www.drericbalcavage.com

In this episode, Dr. Eric Balcavage discusses the recent announcement by the FDA to remove dessicated thyroid extracts from the market. Key Topics Covered: Why this may not be a bad thing. Alternatives to DTE Why DTE prescriptions can be a slippery slope. Why DTE prescriptions may keep you stuck in thyroid purgatory Why DTE prescription may be contributing to your hypo and hyperthyroid symptoms. And more...

Join Dr. Eric Balcavage as he explores the critical relationship between gut health and thyroid function with registered dietitian and microbiome expert Kara Siedman. This episode dives deep into how your microbiome - the collection of bacteria, fungi, and viruses living in your gut - directly impacts thyroid physiology and overall health. Kara breaks down the complex science into actionable insights, explaining how gut dysbiosis can trigger thyroid dysfunction through inflammatory pathways, intestinal permeability, and disrupted hormone conversion. You'll discover why digestive symptoms aren't always present even when gut dysfunction is driving thyroid issues, and learn practical strategies for supporting your microbiome through diet, lifestyle, and targeted interventions. Key topics include: The role of short-chain fatty acids, The truth about probiotic supplementation How to evaluate microbiome health The connection between GLP-1 production and metabolic function. Whether you're dealing with Hashimoto's, hypothyroidism, or other chronic conditions, this episode provides the foundational knowledge you need to understand why gut health is often the missing piece in thyroid recovery. Kara Siedman, RDN, CDCES is a registered dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist with over 15 years of clinical experience in inpatient care, outpatient program development, and integrative/functional nutrition. She earned her degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and completed her dietetic internship at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Kara's work in a leading gastroenterology practice sparked her transition into functional nutrition, where she integrated root-cause approaches into GI care and became a mentor and key opinion leader in the field. Her passion for the gut microbiome evolved into a professional specialty, leading her to collaborate with biotech and microbiome-focused companies like Pendulum, Microbiome Labs, and now Resbiotic. As Director of Partnerships at resbiotic, Kara educates healthcare providers on microbiome science and the clinical application of targeted microbiome therapies. Known for her ability to simplify complex research, she brings clarity, credibility, and passion to gut health education. https://resbiotic.com/

In this episode, Dr. Eric Balcavage responds to a thoughtful viewer comment that challenges key aspects of his adaptive thyroid physiology model and Cell Danger Response theory. This deep-dive discussion addresses whether his approach applies to every hypothyroidism case, clarifies the 71% improvement statistic, and explores the role of T3 therapy in thyroid treatment. Key Topics Covered: Does the Cell Danger Response theory apply to all hypothyroidism cases? Clarification of the 71% patient improvement statistic - what it really means Historical use of NDT (Natural Desiccated Thyroid) and treatment evolution Post-Graves disease thyroid management and receptor sensitivity Why T3 therapy works for some patients but doesn't restore physiology The difference between symptom management and true thyroid restoration When to consider alternative approaches for treatment-resistant cases Dr. Balcavage provides nuanced responses while acknowledging the limitations of current thyroid models, emphasizing that his approach offers hope for patients who haven't found success with conventional T4, NDT, or T3 protocols. Perfect for: Thyroid patients stuck in "thyroid purgatory," healthcare practitioners seeking new perspectives, and anyone interested in understanding why standard thyroid treatments sometimes fail.

In this episode of Thyroid Answers, Dr. Eric Balcavage sits down with functional health coach Anu Simh to explore the critical connection between gut health, thyroid function, and overall metabolism. What You'll Learn: Why normal TSH doesn't mean optimal thyroid function - and what's really happening at the cellular level How chronic stress disrupts your gut microbiome and creates a cascade of health issues The difference between homeostasis and allostatic regulation - and why understanding this changes everything Why gut protocols often fail long-term (and what's missing from most approaches) The truth about probiotics, fermented foods, and prebiotic fibers How ultra-processed foods damage your microbiome - and how quickly you can reverse it Why GLP-1 medications work but don't address root causes The behavioral and mindset shifts that make healing sustainable Key Topics Covered: The mitochondria-microbiome-thyroid connection Why restrictive diets often backfire How to eat for your individual body and microbiome The role of nervous system regulation in gut healing Practical strategies for sustainable behavior change ANU SIMH is a board-certified functional health coach and the founder of 9 Arms of Wellness. She specializes in helping busy women lose weight and maintain their goal weight by focusing on gut health. Her personalized and unique philosophy has successfully guided hundreds of women in achieving and maintaining their goals. Anu is now training other coaches in her methodology. Based in La Jolla, California, Anu sees clients nationwide virtually. Her passion lies in the microbiome; she is also a skilled plant-based chef. Her new book, Flourish From Within, reveals the importance of gut health for overall well-being and includes over 50 plant-based recipes. Anu's guiding principle is to help people get off medications for lifestyle diseases through diet and lifestyle changes. Find her at: ninearmsofwellness.com and @ninearmsofwellness on Instagram.

Dr. Eric Balcavage interviews Nagina Abdullah about why traditional weight loss approaches fail for women with thyroid issues, especially in midlife. Nagina shares her personal journey from yo-yo dieting to losing 40 pounds using metabolism-focused strategies and reveals the framework she's used to help 1600+ women. Key Topics Covered: Why "calories in, calories out" doesn't work in midlife How perimenopause changes metabolism and increases inflammation The role of stress, sleep, and under-eating in weight gain Nagina's "Tested & Perfected Fat Burning Food Framework" Specific macro ratios: 40% protein, 35% healthy fats, 25% healthy carbs When to use advanced strategies like "feeding up" and intermittent fasting Why thyroid patients need digestive support and adequate carbohydrates The connection between liver function and T4 to T3 conversion Perfect for: Women over 40 struggling with weight despite "doing everything right," especially those with thyroid conditions seeking practical, science-based nutrition strategies. Nagina Abdullah is the founder of MasalaBody. She is the metabolism expert for midlife women who feel like their bodies have turned against them. When nothing else works, she helps them fire up their metabolism, burn stubborn fat, and finally see results. After maintaining a 40-pound weight loss for over a decade, she used her Bloat Busting Protocol to shed 14 pounds of perimenopause weight. With a degree in Molecular and Cell Biology from UC Berkeley & an MBA from NYU, she blends scientific research with practical strategies to help midlife women boost their metabolism, shed stubborn weight, and create a sustainable, healthy lifestyle. While most midlife women are told to "eat less and exercise more," Nagina does the opposite. She replaces restriction with metabolism-boosting foods that melt belly fat & make healthy living effortless. Her proven methods have helped 1,600+ women finally break free from stubborn midlife weight, without frustration or deprivation. Guest Links & Resources: 🌐 Website: https://masalabody.com/ 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masalabody 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/masalabody 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MasalaBody FREE GIFT - Nagina shares her "Sweet Spice Cheat Sheet" with the spice that is in your kitchen cabinet! It helps to lower blood sugar and curb sugar cravings. The cheat sheet includes: 3 health benefits of using this spice 5 ways to use it in your day An easy recipe using this spice https://masalabody.com/SweetSpicePDF/

Join Dr. Eric Balcavage as he explores the cutting-edge world of nuclear medicine with Dr. Munir Ghesani, Chief Medical Officer at United Theranostics. Discover how theranostics—the fusion of diagnostics and therapeutics—is revolutionizing cancer treatment, particularly for thyroid conditions. Key Topics Covered: The fascinating history of nuclear medicine, born from thyroid treatment in the 1940s How radioactive iodine therapy works and why it's so effective for thyroid cancer The difference between traditional treatment and modern theranostic approaches Revolutionary redifferentiation therapy that can restore cancer cells' ability to absorb iodine Applications beyond thyroid: prostate cancer and neuroendocrine tumors The role of AI in precision dosing and treatment planning Why hypothyroidism might be a protective response, not just a deficiency What You'll Learn: When radioactive iodine treatment is recommended vs. traditional surgery How theranostics provides targeted treatment with fewer side effects The importance of proper patient selection and staging Future developments in nuclear medicine and personalized cancer care Whether you're dealing with thyroid cancer, supporting someone who is, or simply interested in the latest advances in precision medicine, this episode offers invaluable insights into treatments that are changing lives. https://unitedtheranostics.com/ Dr. Munir Ghesani, MD, FACNM, FACR, FSNMMI, is Chief Medical Officer at United Theranostics with 30+ years in nuclear medicine, specializing in theranostics, oncologic imaging, and targeted radiopharmaceutical therapies

In this in-depth episode of Thyroid Shorts, Dr. Eric Balcavage addresses one of the most misunderstood aspects of thyroid physiology: T4 to T3 conversion problems. What You'll Learn: Why conventional medicine ignores conversion issues and focuses only on TSH The critical difference between "broken" physiology vs. adaptive responses How deiodinase enzymes (D1, D2, D3) actually control thyroid hormone conversion Why your body might be intentionally reducing T4 to T3 conversion The real reasons behind elevated reverse T3 levels Why T3 medication often backfires and creates more problems Practical steps to naturally improve conversion through addressing root causes Dr. Balcavage explains how reduced T4 to T3 conversion isn't a malfunction—it's often your body's intelligent response to cellular stress, inflammation, or danger signals. Instead of forcing conversion with medication, he advocates for identifying and addressing the underlying stressors through his Strategic Thyroid Solution approach. Key Topics: Thyroid conversion, T4 to T3, functional medicine, reverse T3, deiodinase enzymes, cellular physiology, stress response, inflammation, homeostasis vs allostasis Resources Mentioned: The Thyroid Debacle book Free discovery calls at DrEricBalcavage.com Thyroid Recovery Blueprint Perfect for anyone struggling with hypothyroid symptoms despite "normal" labs or those on T3 medication without lasting results.

Struggling with thyroid belly that won't budge despite being told your TSH is "normal" or "optimized"? Dr. Eric Balcavage reveals why 70% of people on thyroid medication were put on it inappropriately and why T3 medication often makes things worse. Discover the difference between homeostasis vs. allostasis and why your cells aren't broken—they're adapting. Key Topics Covered: Why thyroid optimization fails vs. true thyroid recovery The cell danger response and allostatic regulation Why more T4/T3 medication often worsens symptoms Strategic Thyroid Recovery Blueprint approach 18 Fitness Factors assessment for root cause analysis Escaping "thyroid purgatory" for good RESOURCES: Fitness Factor Assessment: DM "fitness" on Instagram @drericbalcavage • Thyroid Recovery Blueprint: www.drericbalcavage.com Free Discovery Call: www.drericbalcavage.com TIMESTAMPS: 0:06 - Why thyroid belly persists despite "normal" labs 2:44 - Modern thyroid care failures (conventional vs functional) 4:22 - SHOCKING: 70% inappropriate thyroid prescriptions 8:21 - Blood levels vs cellular physiology disconnect 10:29 - HOMEOSTASIS vs ALLOSTASIS explained 15:16 - Why doctors fail despite "optimizing" labs 17:29 - "Thyroid purgatory" concept 18:23 - Why there's no optimal thyroid hormone dose in allostasis 21:21 - Strategic Thyroid Recovery Solution 22:44 - 18 Fitness Factors assessment (DM "fitness" for free copy) 26:39 - Strategic supplementation approach 30:07 - T3 medication controversy: 5-10 mcg max 32:30 - HOPE: Thyroid belly is NOT a life sentence 33:03 - Action steps & free resources #ThyroidBelly #HypothyroidSymptoms #ThyroidRecovery #CellularHypothyroidism #AllostaticRegulation #StrategicThyroidSolution #ThyroidPurgatory

Episode Summary Join Dr. Eric Balcavage and Dr. Kelly Halderman for this milestone 200th episode of Thyroid Answers! This comprehensive discussion covers the evolution of thyroid care, key lessons learned from treating hundreds of patients, and the future of thyroid recovery. Dr. Eric shares his 70% patient recovery rate and explains why the shift from management to recovery is revolutionizing thyroid care. Key Topics & Timestamps 🎉 Opening Celebration & Reflection (0:00-10:00) Celebrating 200 episodes and the thyroid recovery revolution Evolution of thyroid conversations on social media The shift from symptom management to root-cause recovery 📊 The Data Behind Recovery (10:00-35:00) What 70% recovery rate actually looks like for patients Why "normal labs but still sick" is so common Cellular hypothyroidism explained simply Moving away from "optimal lab ranges" obsession Lab interpretation vs. just reading high/low values 🔥 Social Media Hot Topics (35:00-65:00) Gut-Thyroid Connection: Starting with foundations, not complex protocols Mind-Body Connection: Subconscious stress and emotional baggage impact Medication Debates: Focus on adequate T4, not chasing T3 optimization Lab Posting in Groups: Questions to ask doctors instead of strangers Stress Management: Practical strategies without getting stressed about stress Nutrition Confusion: Whole food diet 80-85% of the time, avoid food fear 🚀 The Future of Thyroid Care (65:00-80:00) Shift from "broken physiology" to "adaptive physiology" model Cell danger response vs. homeostasis understanding Certification program development for practitioners Open rounds for clinicians to learn new interpretation methods 💡 Key Takeaways for Recovery Your body isn't broken - it's adapting to stress Recovery requires addressing the state you're in (homeostasis vs. allostasis) The elephant in the room is often emotional/mindset issues Forgiveness is one of the most powerful "biohacks" Set boundaries and prioritize your health in your daily schedule Notable Quotes "Your lab values are rarely ever the actual problem" "You can have values out of the functional range and you're perfectly healthy" "What goes on in your mind has a massive impact on your gut physiology" "If you've tried everything and nothing works, you're not in homeostasis" "The body adapts; it's not broken" Resources Mentioned The Thyroid Debacle book (co-authored with Dr. Kelly Halderman) Strategic Thyroid Recovery Blueprint (DIY course) MAP Method with Madeline Lowry Emotion Code technique Discovery calls available at Dr. Eric's website Next Steps for Listeners Self-Assessment: Consider if you want management or recovery DIY Option: Thyroid Recovery Blueprint course for a self-guided approach One-on-One: Schedule a discovery call for a personalized strategy Future: Certification program will train more practitioners in this model Dr. Kelly Halderman is a distinguished leader in the field of integrative and precision health, with extensive expertise in functional medicine, nutrigenomics and nutraceutical formulation. She earned her medical doctorate in 2007 and completed a family practice medicine internship at the University of Minnesota in 2009 (license retired). Dr. Halderman also earned a Traditional Naturopathic Degree, a Doctorate in Clinical Nutrition (DCN), is a board-certified clinical nutritionist (CCN) and is working on completing her PhD in Executive Leadership. Dr. Halderman is a recognized international educator, specializing in innovative approaches to health optimization. She holds certifications in MethylGenetic Nutrition through the Nutrigenetic Research Institute and Functional Neurology and Neurofeedback from the American Functional Neurology Institute. Her commitment to advancing healthcare is demonstrated by her active memberships in leading organizations, including the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, Women in Nutraceuticals, Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, Women In Nutraceuticals, Society of Physician Entrepreneurs, and her role as President and founder of The American Association of Nutraceutical Formulators. Her extensive experience in nutraceutical science includes formulating cutting-edge supplements and educating consumers, practitioners, and professional organizations, such as the NFL Hall of Fame, on novel health solutions. She is also an accomplished author on various topics in functional medicine including Phase 2.5 Detox and The Thyroid Debacle and has her research published in the prestigious journal Aging. Currently serving as a Clinical Advisor at Premier Research Labs & ExtendingMe, Dr. Halderman continues her mission to empower individuals through proper nutrition and advanced health strategies based on nutrigenomic and epigenetic testing. Her lifelong dedication to health restoration and education exemplifies her unwavering commitment to improving lives through science-based wellness solutions.