Confessions of a Male Gynecologist
Thyroid hormone is one of the two hormones that are critical to our survival.
Unfortunately, thyroid disease is very common, and women are around five to eight times more likely to be diagnosed with a thyroid condition than a man.
In my practice, I see many women who have either been diagnosed with thyroid disease or who have subclinical thyroid disease, where they have all the symptoms but have often been dismissed by doctors because their labs are within the normal range.
Today I'm exploring the role of the thyroid in our bodies, different types of thyroid disease, why I don't think we should be satisfied with being on the low end of normal lab ranges, common symptoms of thyroid disease, my approach to thyroid testing, how you can advocate for yourself with your doctor, and more. Enjoy the episode!
Highlights
My approach to interpreting hormone levels
What is the thyroid and where is it located?
Your thyroid plays an essential role in keeping you alive
Why I often choose NP-Thyroid for patients with hypothyroidism
What your TSH levels really mean
Why you might not feel good even though your thyroid hormone levels are "normal"
Women are at higher risk for thyroid disease
Conditions and medical history that can increase the risk of developing thyroid disease
Common causes of thyroid problems and the differences between them
Taking iodine without being supervised by a medical professional can be dangerous
Diabetes increases the risk of thyroid disease
Why TSH shouldn't be used to diagnose thyroid disease
Symptoms of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism
Thyroid disease and hair loss
How thyroid disease is diagnosed
It's important to look at symptoms in conjunction with thyroid hormone levels
My recommendations for thyroid testing
When imaging is useful in diagnosis
You have to be a persistent advocate for yourself
Understanding treatment options for thyroid disease
What you can learn about the Underdog (hypothyroidism) and Over-Achiever (hyperthyroidism) archetypes in the Hormone Balance Bible
A thyroid panel should include: Basic: TSH, free T4, and free T3 Advanced: TSH, free T4, free T3, thyroid peroxidase antibodies, thyroglobulin antibodies, and thyroglobulin
Why I rarely order the reverse T3 test
What your thyroid panel results mean
Mentioned in this episode
Integrative Therapeutics BMR Complex https://www.integrativepro.com/products/bmr-complex
Connect with Dr. Shawn Tassone, MD, PhD
Instagram @ShawnTassoneMD https://www.instagram.com/shawntassonemd/
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3rKOqycMebP0Sb6G83lQJg
Call his office: 512-956-0296
Resources
Dr. Shawn Tassone's Practice https://www.drshawntassone.com/
Dr. Shawn Tassone's Book | The Hormone Balance Bible https://tassonemd.com/hormone-balance-bible/
Dr. Shawn Tassone's Integrative Hormonal Mapping System | Hormone Archetype Quiz https://tassonemd.lpages.co/hormonearchetypequiz/
Disclaimer
This podcast and website represent the opinions of Dr. Shawn Tassone and his guests. The content here should not be taken as medical advice and is for informational purposes only. Because each person is so unique, please consult your health care professional for any medical questions.