Struggling with Hashimoto’s or hypothyroidism and wondering whether thyroid medication could actually help you feel better? How do you know which thyroid labs to test, whether you need T3 or T4, and if medication belongs in your thyroid healing journey?
In this episode, I’m sitting down with Dr. Jen Mann, a naturopathic doctor who understands this struggle on a deeply personal level. Jen and I both experienced thyroid and gut issues from a young age, and we talk about what it’s like to spend years pushing through fatigue, depression, brain fog, digestive problems, and other symptoms before finally getting answers.
We also dive into thyroid medication, a topic that is usually surrounded by a lot of confusion for women with thyroid disease. We break down the differences between T3 and T4, synthetic and compounded options, what your thyroid labs can tell you, and why how you actually feel matters just as much as the numbers on a piece of paper. Our goal is to take away some of the shame around needing medication and remind you that thyroid support doesn't have to be all-natural or all-medication. It can be both.
And as always, we're looking beyond the thyroid itself. We talk about gut health, stress, hormones, nutrition, rest, and the other pieces that can influence how your body feels and functions. If you have Hashimoto's or hypothyroidism and you're tired of wondering whether you're doing the "right" thing, this episode will help you better understand your options and feel more empowered to find the approach that works for your body.
Disclaimer: This information is being provided to you for educational and informational purposes only. It is being provided to educate you about how to take care of your body and as a self-help tool for your own use so that you can reach your own health goals. It is not intended to treat or cure any specific illness and is not to replace the guidance provided by your own medical practitioner. If you are under the care of a healthcare professional or currently use prescription medications, you should discuss any dietary changes or potential dietary supplement use with your doctor, and should not discontinue any prescription medications without first consulting your doctor. This information is to be used at your own risk based on your own judgment. If you suspect you have a medical problem, we urge you to take appropriate action by seeking medical attention.
In This Episode:
- [05:30] Dr. Jen’s personal Hashimoto’s journey
- [07:30] Why thyroid symptoms are often dismissed in young women
- [08:15] How Dr. Jen finally discovered she had Hashimoto’s
- [12:45] The connection between gut health and thyroid health
- [14:45] Where thyroid medication fits into Hashimoto’s treatment
- [17:15] Do you have to stay on thyroid medication forever?
- [20:30] How to choose between T3, T4, and combination thyroid medication
- [22:00] Why normal thyroid labs don’t always mean you’re feeling well
- [23:30] Synthetic vs. compounded thyroid medication
- [24:45] The thyroid labs and markers you should be testing
- [26:30] How quickly can thyroid medication make a difference?
- [29:00] Important functional labs beyond a thyroid panel
- [30:15] How estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, and other hormones affect your thyroid
- [32:45] Dr. Jen’s top recommendations for women with Hashimoto’s
- [34:30] Why you shouldn’t be afraid of thyroid medication
