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Call for questions: THE THYROID (Patreon)

Published:
2024-09-22 22:00:54
Imported:
2026-06

Content

My next interview. is with a board-certified endocrine surgeon. We'll be talking about the thyroid, that gland in our necks responsible for producing hormones that effect metabolism, sleep, appetite, body temperature, and body growth and development. Let me know what questions you have on the thyroid and its conditions like thyroid cancer and hyperthyroidism.

Deadline: Wednesday, September 25 at 5pm PST

Comments

RJ Doidge

I know the endocrine system controls so much but like…is the thyroid the mastermind?

Timmy H.

Why thyroid?

Timmy H.

Do all animals have thyroids?

Corinna Regan

What's going on with hashimotos?

Samantha Axtman

What effect does diet have on the autoimmune thyroid conditions? Is there any scientific basis behind something like AIP or Gluten free diets for something like hypothyroidism/hashimoto’s?

ToadSoda

First time question: PFAS and thyroid issues, what and how?

Diana Teeter

Hashimoto’s gal here! If you have any little known tidbits about the disease I’d love to hear them. Just when I think I know everything about it I learn something new, fill my brain with more!

Rachael Mae

Oooooo so excited for this one! My mom has Grave’s Disease and has been impacted by that. She told me to ask this question: how does the thyroid/Grave’s disease impact eye function? She knows that your eyes can be impacted by Grave’s disease but is wondering about the who/what/when/where/why?

Anna

my mom had to take radioactive pills for her thyroid, what’s up with that??

Jennifer Templin

Why is mine broken? Why does it hate me? I’ve been diagnosed with hypothyroidism since I was 14 and it still makes my life miserable. Now it wants to goiter?!?! In my 50’s!?! Does it ever calm down??

Greg Walloch

Can you have Queen Anne eyebrows and your thyroid be fine?

Thomas Wallace

Can being on HRT affect your thyroid? also should I be taking iodine?

CoffeeLeaf90

How can patients advocate to have thyroid tests or symptoms considered when they sometimes present in other instances? Even when I mention a STRONG family history there is hesitation 🫤

Sarah Chaney

Since I recently had my thyroid removed (cancer) this is a topic that is on my mind! I’d love to know if there is something about our modern lifestyle/environment/diet that is causing more thyroid disorders? Is it sensitive to certain environmental conditions? I feel like I know so many people who have thyroid issues, cancer, hyper and hypo, you name it. Thank you so much for doing this show!

Curious Cat

Why is the thyroid so sensitive to radiation?

Taylor Wade

why is instagram always trying to heal my hormones

Yuri

Do thin eyebrows really lean poor thyroid function? Why do doctors act/talk like tests are 100% accurate? Why do they say you "can't" have a condition when your age is outside the norm? Why is misdiagnoses so prevalent with race, sex etc discrimination? What are the impacts of delayed diagnosis? How can someone advocate for themselves when they know something is wrong? Why do so few doctors seem to understand/ use clinical diagnosis and differential diagnosis? What does the PATIENT community say is needed in this medical area to help and protect patients? Yuri B/eauty

Cassidy Weber

First time question asker! My boyfriend was told he’s had an enlarged thyroid since birth. What causes this and is it a problem?

Roxanne Cheng

Hello! First time question asker. As an older Asian woman, I'm curious if age and genetics should pose any thyroid issues I should be aware of. Over the past couple of years my doctor has been ordering a TSH measurement in my blood work and I'm wondering why. Thanks! Love your podcast. Sometimes when I see the subject, I'm not sure what I'll learn. But you definitely make things fun to learn, so I give it a listen - if only to laugh at the asides, ha ha!

Chris Curious

Why does it take so long to diagnose an issue with your thyroid?

Emily Braibish

I was diagnosed with hasimoto's at 17. As I understand, that's pretty young. What sort of things would cause that? Also, why does the thyroid respond to a gluten-free diet? I recently started eating gluten-free and I'm hoping it helps get rid of heart palpitations that may or may not be thyroid related.

Ginkoman

Last spring I had my thyroid removed because it was full of cancer. All is good there, but coincidentally my eyesight made a radical shift. My distance viewing went to hell, but the good news is that I no longer need glasses to read. Is this a coincidence or is there some correlation between one's eyesight and your missing thyroid?

Izalina Bittencourt

I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer a few months ago and recently had surgery to remove my thyroid, will be getting radioactive iodine therapy soon. I was told that with the iodine therapy there’s a risk of disrupting sex hormones, like I guess it can cause menopause?? I was just wondering how that works. What is the interaction between the therapy and other hormones? Is there an increased risk of side effects for people with existing hormonal issues (pcos, endometriosis, etc)? Sorry for the long comment, just hits close to home!

Geo

Why does certain thyroid conditions/diseases affect the weight of those who suffer from them?

Lauren Legg

I have Hashimoto’s (diagnosed at 14, now 23), and have always had a lot of health issues but this was my first major one, can it be idiopathic or are there always genetics at play? I know it can be genetic but I’m the only one in my entire family with even auto immune issues, let alone the thyroid

Cassi Labahn

As someone who has Hashimotos thyroid disease, I’ve noticed that a lot of people with thyroid disorders still experience a lot of symptoms even when tests say they are “within range”. Why is that, and how can we advocate for more help when our doctors don’t see a need for additional tests if we are within range? We’re so tired of being tired.

Nicole Robb

As a person who was recently diagnosed with Hashimotos disease, I’d like to know why so little is known about such an important body part? I went to different doctors for over a decade with obvious signs but I was dismissed and misdiagnosed until I finally advocated for myself and did my own research and asked for the right tests.

Laura Fitzgerald

The thyroid seems to control SO MUCH that I feel like no one ever told me about in school, anatomy classes or even gotten info from my own doctor about. Why is thyroid care considered a specialty when it clearly impacts so much of the body’s functionality?

Sarah Jo

Why do some people’s Hashimoto’s symptoms go away with meds, but for others, the symptoms improve but don’t go away?

Obilot

What’s the real story in re. raw cruciferous veg (broccoli, kale, etc.) and thyroid function? Flimflam? Avoid it? Or nbd as long as one eats amounts smaller than one’s head?

The Joyful Spitfire

This is a personal one for me because my dad had thyroid cancer back in 2006. His thyroid was removed and he had a full round of treatments. Happy to report he is doing well thanks to good doctors, clean scans, and daily medication. My dad’s business was based for many years close to the Twin Towers. In the years after 9/11 he remained in the city and I wonder if that contributed to his diagnosis. So my questions - is there anything to my hunch about 9/11? Was there an increase of cancer afterward? I am curious about genetics and thyroid cancer. Anything I should look for?

Addie Cappello she her

Excellent! Can you please explain nodules? What are they? How do they come to be? I have one and so do lots of other people - mine is just chillin, but I know they can become a problem for others. Is there a reason why a nodule would grow on one side of your thyroid over the other? What does a thyroid even look like? Thank you! (She/her pronouns 🤓)

Sarah Jo

Do things that rev up the immune system, like illnesses and seasonal allergies, worsen autoimmune thyroid disease symptoms?

Mariann

I've been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, so what's next? What does this mean for my future?

The Joyful Spitfire

Another question - why does the thyroid seem to manage everything? What does…. What does it do? If my dad doesn’t take his medication he is dead in a few days… why is that?

Matt Ceccato

What are the best habits to keep thyroids healthy?

Sarah Jo

Any tips for people who have normal thyroid hormone levels but still have Hashimoto’s symptoms?

Cal Oppenheim

Is there a relationship between X-rays on the neck and thyroid cancer. When I was 12 I had X-rays on my neck to reduce scar tissue. In my 30s there were concerns in the media that this could put me at risk. One endocrinologist told me to take daily enzyme, another said to just have it cut every few years. I did the second. In my 60s I had a biopsy that was “inconclusive“. I had it removed and went on artificial enzyme. Now in my 70s I have been losing weight and found my thyroid readings were abnormal, this can cause weight loss. I am working to find the right dose. Is this common?

Samantha Steelman

What is the difference between hypo- hyperthyroidism?

Bre Snodgrass

Have there been any connections to covid and developing thyroid issues? I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism after experiencing fatigue for months…loosely correlated with the time that I had covid, which gave me some long-lasting fatigue. But it was also loosely correlated with gaining some weight, as well as depression (sort of a chicken/egg situation as far as determining which came first). Maybe my brain is just trying to find some other reason for why this would happen at an otherwise healthy period of my life (tho I will say that mid-30s have been starkly different than mid-20s as far as dealing with having a body). I guess my follow-up question would be why do thyroids just go wonky all of a sudden?

Holly A

:) My thyroid was enlarged (ultimately I had it removed due to cancer) and when I went for one (of two) biopsies, the doc drained the cysts and almost immediately they filled back up. Where does this fluid come from and why do these cysts get fluid in the first place?

Amber McIntyre

Postpartum thyroiditis. Can you explain why/how a person can go from hypothyroidism pre-pregnancy and then after giving birth, experience the crazy highs of hyperthyroidism for a while and then experience the horrible crash back to hypo? It was a roller coaster of a ride!

Lizzie R

How come some family members can have 1 type of thyroid complaint and then have a close relative (uncle/niece) have the opposite thyroid problem? A.K.A: my sister has the type where she needs thyroid meds to supplement her thyroid function and our dad's brother has the other type of thyroid problem

Devyn

How is hypothyroidism in cats different or the same as it is in humans? In my area (seacoast of Maine) my vet once told me that cats in the seacoast are more likely to develop hyperthyroidism. He couldn't tell me why, just that he was tracking it and was seeing a pattern in seacoast cats vs inland ones.

Efjay777

Is there any recent thyroid related information related to in utero exposure to DES (diethylstilbestrol) in the 1960s?

Amber McIntyre

Explain T3 v T4….but like you’re talking to a three year old.

Bennett Vanderbosch

What are the most common concurrent diseases or conditions to have when you have thyroid issues?

Kelly King

Long story, leading to shorter questions. My mom has been on medication for an underactive thyroid for years. Several years back I saw a naturopath and she had me adjust my eating habits because my thyroid levels were low, then a month later my primary tried to strong arm me into going on medication, insisting I'd have no choice but to be on meds by the next year. My levels have been fine ever since, but now my medical record says I have an underachieving thyroid. What is happening here? How often are people on meds they potentially no longer need? How can you tell? What are the odds I'll wind up on medication at some point? SO many questions.

Britt Kline

We hear that testing for thyroid issues is really inadequate. Is that true and why?

Robyn from Canada

Love this topic! I have hypothyroidism, and so do a lot of people in my childhood neighbourhood. Is there an environmental connection or ancestral/genetic one? (my childhood neighbourhood is predominantly of Anglo-Saxon/western European origin)

Anthony Richards

I would love to know more about how the hormones released by the thyroid effect muscle hypertrophy, And if there's anything you can eat or Supplement with, in order to improve the production of muscle building hormones.?

Jess

How does thyroid cancer relate to other endocrine issues? For context, my dad had a pituitary brain tumor which in turn halted all his hormone production. He was diagnosed with thyroid cancer about 6 months later. He’s fine now (this was about a decade ago) and takes various medication for hormone replacement but I’ve always been curious if these two instances were related.

LittleC PsyD

Why do so many people with hypothyroidism still feel terrible and have trouble losing weight when their labs are all normal on medication?

rowantree

Are there any long term studies on the impacts of having no thyroid, especially since birth? I was born without one and medicated immediately after birth but have been experiencing a myriad of health problems in the past couple of years and am wondering if they’re connected at all or if long term studies show negative effects over time.

Turner Pierce

Oh I’m so excited!!! I have hashimoto’s and I would love, love, love to hear their take on autoimmune diseases specifically that one! Graves is the most common so there’s a lot out there, but I feel like Hashimoto’s doesn’t get as much coverage.

Paige Menking

Why does it feel like every woman I know has hypothyroidism… I got diagnosed with it at 20 and felt so alone but now 15 years later it feels as common as a vitamin D deficiency!

Paige Menking

Is there a link between hypothyroidism and PCOS?

Sydonie S.

My mom was diagnosed with thyroid cancer twenty years ago. She's now cancer-free and doing well on synthetic hormones. What is the most common cause of thyroid cancer? Is it there a genetic link? Is radioactive iodine the most common treatment post-thyroid removal for cancer?

Sher Kelz

Hashimoto’s diagnosee here— I’ve heard a lot of anecdotal evidence that changes in diet, such as cutting out gluten, soy, nightshades, etc, will improve Hashimoto’s symptoms and thyroid function. Is there much evidence to support that? How is diet related to thyroid function? Also, my sister and I have hashimoto’s, and so does our uncle, and all of us (relatively young) also have degenerative disc disease/have had to have spinal surgery for it. Only people in the family who have either problem — can thyroid function affect things with the spine?

KittyFin

FTQ: Why can I get by with half a thyroid and no meds (left lobe surgically removed because of a 6cm nodule) but so many people I know with a whole entire thyroid need daily medication? My doc says most people with half a thyroid don’t need meds so I know I’m not alone, but I get a lot of sceptical looks when people ask what thyroid meds I’m taking!

Ellen Storm

Why does it seem like half the women I know, myself included, have thyroid issues? Did above ground nuclear bomb testing in the ‘60s cause a lingering worldwide increase in thyroid problems? Will you do an episode on adrenal glands and Addison’s disease?

Zed Shirogane

Why is it always so broken? It seems to be a pretty big problem with a large population.

winn

I have hashimoto’s thyroiditis and I take replacement thyroid hormone for it, but I don’t actually understand how the disease works. So what’s the deal with hashimoto’s? I know it’s an autoimmune, so does my immune system just hate my thyroid?

winn

I also have hashimoto’s and have had two spinal surgeries for herniated discs!

Mattea Orr

Why does it seem like some people can have every symptom of hypothyroidism and yet, all their thyroid levels are fine? Do some people become symptomatic at different levels?

Cate Muenker

I’ve had hypothyroidism for 17 years, post 2nd baby. Even though I take what is considered my correct dose, I’ve still gained about 5 lbs a year. Is the normal range of levothyroxine normal for everyone or have I not been taking enough this whole time?

Max G

I’m not the expert, of course, but just in case it’s helpful: I do follow COVID research really closely, and research has shown a definite correlation between new thyroid problems (and problems with almost every organ and system in the body, unfortunately) and COVID, even after an infection that had mild symptoms during the acute phase. Here are a couple of papers, if they’re at all helpful for you! (Just wanted to share in case they don’t end up getting to your question - I know how hard it can be to navigate post-COVID issues. But obviously feel free to disregard!) https://www.nature.com/articles/s41574-023-00946-w https://www.thyroid.org/patient-thyroid-information/ct-for-patients/september-2021/vol-14-issue-9-p3-4/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9354510/ So sorry you’ve been dealing with this!

Brenna Pixley

Almost all of females in my moms family and on my dads (from same town ) all have had thyroid cancer/ removal or have an issue. Any clue to what in environments can have impact.. my aunt thinks it could have been when the animal feed in 70s was tainted with pesticides

Brenna Pixley

What’s up with semaglutides and cancer

Between Dumplings

Don't be swayed by the pseudo-science "evil gluten" "evil nightshades" it sounds like a villain but ...

Turner Pierce

Also everyone I met has taken years to get diagnosed with hypothyroidism. It took me 10 years even with a family history and symptoms! My T3 and T4 numbers all come back normal, so I was just brushed aside. Why are T3 and T4 the standard for diagnosis for hypo but so often come back normal for years even? The antibody blood test seems so easy. Why isn’t that a first line test? I’ve been able to help my friends advocate for that when they have concerns, but the antibody test isn’t something that any of us have been offered without asking.

Patrick Duffy

Why is the "normal" tsh range so large?

Kieran C.

What’s the actual biological process of the thyroid working (T3, T4, TSH, etc)?? Is there a known thyroid disorder where your level of a precursor can look normal but your body isn’t actually making the usable hormone, so everything is still screwy?

Turner Pierce

Is a dairy and gluten free diet really beneficial? If so how was that found out?

Iris Hutchings

Graves disease over here. If they were to choose between being on anti-thyroid meds (methimazole) for 40 years or going through with one of the treatments that can lead to hypothyroidism (radioactive iodine or thyroidectomy) and have to be on meds for that for 40 years, what are the side effects they'd consider or what would weigh into that decision? Note: I'm not asking for them to tell me what to choose, just what their deciding factors would be

Between Dumplings

When will AI find a way to isolate and modify the offending gene? e.g one family: Sjogren's, Grave's, Major food allergies, Hashimoto's...is there hope in leveraging AI for some gene modification?

Chuck Meriam

Hypothyroidism runs in my family. I've been tested a few times, but I've been in the clear. Is it possible to have later onset hypothyroidism?

Mercedes Tarasovich

What's the connection between hypothyroidism/Hashimoto's and chronic urticaria? How does that work? Are those conditions linked with increased likelihood of any other conditions?

Alli Barg

I’m curious about the history of thyroid related disorders and diseases. When did we figure out so many things were connected to this little gland? Were thyroid problems always this prevalent, but we didn’t have an explanation? Or are they actually increasing (as is suggested by the number of questions here asking why everyone we know has thyroid issues)?

Iris Hutchings

I absolutely agree with this. Is there something in modern society that's causing it to go on the fritz more, or was that just something that our ancient ancestors didn't have to deal with due to shorter life spans? Or was it part of the cause of the shorter life spans?

Katie Rutkowski

What are your thoughts on the shift to functional medicine for thyroid issues? Almost all the women I know now see doctors in functional medicine for our thyroid issues. Why aren’t our doctors taking us seriously and only relying on T3/T4 labs?

Lauren Moore

Prior to getting covid in February 2020, I had a couple of benign nodules on each side of my thyroid. A few months after covid I had subacute thyroiditis, which was such an indescribable nightmare I won’t say anything other than I was very ill for the rest of that year. They wanted to do a thyroidectomy but I was too sick. In 2021, once I was better, my thyroid was just fine, normal panels, even the nodules had shrunk. I’ve been motivated to do my own research on the possible connection between covid and SAT, and see some compelling case data, but no one mentions thyroid damage from covid autoimmune issues. How common is this, or was I just lucky?

winn

Also, what kinds of questions should I be asking my doctor when we talk about monitoring my thyroid?

Iris Hutchings

I would love them to get more into this, but having Graves, my endocrinologist told me it was the antibodies attacking what holds the eyes back in place.... But yeah, I'd love more info!

Aubrey C

First time question asked: what's the connection between thyroid hormones and mental health? I know people who take synthetic hormones, and when the levels weren't right she got really depressed. I have family history of thyroid cancer and personal history of depression , and now I'm keeping an eye on a pesky nodule, so I have vested interest...

Andy Pepper

Also curious about the relationship between thyroid and mental health. Folks in my family have really struggled with both. Also? A goiter explainer?

Dionne Needham

What's with getting older and suddenly your thyroid seems to be an issue? Does perimenoupause throw it off it's game? I had a blood test recently and my levels must have been off because I need to have another test in six weeks to see if it has sorted itself out or intervention is needed.

Pacheecha

I'm curious if there are any suspected links between plastics and thyroid issues. The internet says they don't know what causes thyroid cancer usually, but I always wonder if plastic disrupts the endocrine system. Also, if one has their thyroid removed and is on synthetic replacement and the zombie apocalypse (or shortage) happens and that replacement isn't available... What happens to the body? And what is the difference between hyper and hypothyroidism and what causes that?

Iris Hutchings

Any thoughts on why it's so hard to get appointments with endocrinologists? Mine asked me to set one to follow up in 3 months, but their first available was 8 months out. The scheduler said they only work one day a week... Are they busy researching? Any idea how to navigate and advocate for yourself in that system?

Court

What would cause thyroid diseases, like hypothyroidism, to occur in younger individuals? I was diagnosed at 12 and always wondered how I managed to develop it so young.

Paul Hoffman

Everyone gets "hypo" and "hyper" confused. Do you have one or two better words that soud more different that we can use?

Iris Hutchings

Also! Thank you so much for doing this episode! If I'd heard it earlier, I would likely have recognized the symptoms as related much earlier, since they can truly feel like you're just getting older and your body's just declining. It wasn't until I had an episode of wholly numb fingers and tremors that made me almost not able to do normal things that I finally called. The doctor immediately ordered the TSH and free T4 tests, thank heaven.

Emily Totero

My mom had hyperthyroidism and ended up with thyroid eye disease. How are the two connected? Are there other ways the thyroid affects the eyes?

Erin White

Maybe this should be obvious, but: can you live without it? Like if it has to go for some reason are there workarounds?

Jen O

So many symptoms associated with hypo- or hyperthyroidism seem like they could also be caused by stress or other common mental or physical issues. When should a person start to suspect thyroid issues specifically and prompt a discussion with their physician, especially without being looked at as a hypochondriac who spends too much time online and listening to podcasts :) ?

Vanessa Adams

I’m a veterinarian. We diagnose hyperthyroidism in cats very frequently as they age. There are no clear reasons why cats get it so much, but are there any studies that show why people don’t get it as often? (And contrarily, dogs are over diagnosed with hypothyroidism but people seem to be under diagnosed)

Vanessa Adams

In dogs and cats, non-thyroidal illness can cause false negative low levels of thyroid hormone (T4 and even free T4) on bloodwork. Does this happen with people too? Do our thyroid levels get suppressed by other factors?

Shannon Amiot

My sister experiences hypothyroidism and it sounds like a constant drumbeat in the back of her everyday life. I am really happy this topic is getting covered because she is going through and making commitments to avoiding certain foods (most carbs). My firsttime question is "what are the ways we currently have access to monitor long-term hypothyroidism? And are there ways proven to slow symptoms,?

Saira (‘Sarah’) Manns

In autoimmune disorders, why do the same antibodies sometimes make the thyroid overactive and sometimes under active? Asking on behalf of my ladybird cousin and best fren 🐞

Vanessa Adams

Veterinarian here, it’s not more common in some geographic areas compared to others. I wish we knew why cats got it— maybe research in people can help us figure it out!

Kpelliss

I recently had RFA (Radio Frequency Ablation) to treat a a couple of toxic thyroid nodules.... Besides it being the weirdest feeling ever (A tube and instrument moving around inside my neck, then noise and pop rocks going off) it was extremely effective. Is this a standard treatment option and if not, why not? So much less invasive than surgery..... (Besides the issue of insurance coverage, everything has been great) My thyroid meds for hyperthyroidism have been halved, with continued shrinkage expected. I am hoping to be off of meds by early in the New Year.

Justina Vasiliauskas

Is there a wholistic way to treat hashimotos? Or is hypothyroidism inevitable? Are there any nutrients/supplements you recommend?

Rob S

I'm borderline hypothyroid, (or definitely hypothyroid, depending on which country's health system is asking), and ---- I was wondering if there is a known association btw hypothyroidism and Restless Leg Syndrome? ---- My RLS seems to have calmed down since I've been supplementing my thyroid hormones over the last year. (First time question asker 🙂) Langley, BC, Canada 🇨🇦

Kpelliss

Menopause brings really special gifts, like hot flashes, sleeplessness, and moodiness that for years I had no idea I was battling thyroid issues as well, due mostly do overlapping symptoms... At what point should we ask for tests (T3, T4, TSH, Tai, Thyroglobulin etc) as a first line of diagnostics?

stephanie lingard

First timer here. I had graves disease (hyperthyroidism) about 5 years ago. It's been in remission for a few years now. What are the odds it will reoccur? My Endo was the most socially awkward person that barely talked to me at my appointments, so I'm not clear on weather I'm good now or not. Definitely hoping it doesn't return. It's a really aweful ride to be on.

Kpelliss

Any linkage between X-rays and thyroid disease? (had several high dose X-rays in college for a broken collarbone, just wondering)

Heather Vinge Hanson

Imagine there is a zombie apocalypse and we can’t get our levothyroxine. What would happen to our bodies?

Jessie Pearce

Yay! I have had hypothyroidism for 4years and the medicine makes a huge difference. No amount of alarms could wake me up, it was almost a talent. I’m wondering how much can a thyroid change over time? How many types of hormones does the thyroid impact and is it all impacted the same if the thyroid is over/under producing? What is the difference between T4 and T3 on a thyroid cascade test?

Madison Welke

Can high dietary intake of iodine lead to hyperthyroidism? I know that low iodine leads to hypothyroidism, hence iodized table salt. I have a condition called POTS and my doctors want me to have like twice the amount of sodium in my diet. But I'm a little concerned about using iodized table salt for this (I have a ton of it because people keep giving me salt lol) and triggering hyperthyroidism. Is that even possible? I haven't been able to find a clear answer online because not many people are told to increase salt by their doctors

Madison Welke

Also first time question asker 😊

Autumn Knol

What is actually happening with a goiter?

Katie Biardi

I have hypothyroidism, and my medication brings my TSH levels into normal range, but I still have trouble waking up and feeling tired after sleeping 8+ hours. What gives? Do I just need more thyroid hormones than most people to feel functional? Is there something else wrong with my body?

Eating dog hair for a living

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism when I was in my 30's, in my mid 50's now. Can I ever expect to feel fully awake and not tired all day? Is there something I should be doing that would help boost my meds? I'm on 75 mgs. of Armour, used to take Levothyroxin.. and neither have done anything to help me feel awake. Would it help to take something to help my endocrine system or adrenal system? I hate being tired all the time, and I DO MEAN all the time!

Miranda Panda

How genetic are thyroid conditions? My mom and grandmother both have hypothyroidism...am I doomed?

Emilia Phillips

I have Hashimoto’s disease. I got long COVID. Is there any preliminary research that correlates hypothyroidism (or other thyroid disorders) with long COVID?

Ryan Homer

I was diagnosed with hyper and hypothyroidism when I was 15 years old. My pediatrician had never had a pt with both before but I’ve heard it occurs more in adults. Are there any “special” side effects of having both? And how do these diseases affect children vs adults?

Melea Holland

I had mine removed due to suspicion of papillary thyroid carcinoma. Turned out, not a thing. What are my risks going forward. Am I just as good with Synthroid, I’m tired all the time.

Cynthia

Is every woman in America diagnosed with hypothyroidism or is it just me? It seems like everyone I know is taking levothyroxine. Is it over or mis diagnosed - especially in post menopausal women.

Hannah Kastoryano-Hudson

My daughter saw the allergist for chronic spontaneous urticaria and he mentioned that my mothers hypothyroidism was possibly to blame. Can you explain why my mom’s thyroid issue would give my kid spontaneous hives??

Padraic Malinowski

Please ask the expert to discuss the connection between thyroid, vitamin D, depression, and Eastern European genetics. My old lady Polish doctor felt really strongly about it.

Matt Hirschl

What’s happens if there’s a tumor on a thyroid doing puberty? And during adulthood?

Anjali Himali

Is there any food linked to or related to hyperthyroidism?

Shannon Burns

I have hypothyroidism and have been on medication for over 10 years. I’d love to know how thyroid medications like levothyroxine work, and how they are made. Bonus question: are there any comorbidities commonly seen along side thyroid disease?

SmoothKriminal

Less a question and more a comment: thank you for covering this. I have Hashimotos, have had half of my thyroid removed, and have been on a painful journey of trying to find appropriate care for decades. I've had so many of the experiences listed here (something that helped me with the constant tiredness was adding synthetic T3 to my regimen, as it seems my body wasn't breaking things down as it should). It's taken so much time and so SO much money to get the deep testing that actually explained how my endocrine system was (and wasn't) working. I know so many people of all genders that struggle with this and most don't have access to the kind of resources it takes to get appropriate treatment. I'm glad we're talking about it because things need to change.

Elizabeth Potter

How is Armour thyroid made and why do some people ask for prescriptions for that preferentially

Stephanie Magnusson

As a thyroid cancer survivor I then wound up with pituitary issues, I'd love to know how common this is, it is a pain to deal with.

Kelly Slate

I had a thyroidectomy in 2011 (thank you Dr.Julie Sosa!) and ever since, I’m cold. What do thyroids have to do with body heat?

Kelly Slate

FYI Hashimoto Thyroiditis is super common after pregnancy. If you have access to you labs, see if your TSH is going up, even if it may be “within normal limits” 🙄 I dealt with that exact thing for 10 years after my second pregnancy before getting a diagnosis!

Kelly Shaver

How does levothyroxine work?

Kelly Shaver

I am fat and every doctor I have keeps insisting on doing thyroid blood tests even though they're always fine. Why are they so obsessed with my thyroid??

Kieran H

Why do thyroids seem to crap out on people so much? I have hypothyroidism and so do my mom and my sister. Also, are conditions like hypothyroidism genetic? I think that some other people in my family have it too.

Kelly Shaver

What is the connection between thyroid issues and iodine deficiency?

Kelly Shaver

What is the relationship between postmenopausal osteoarthritis and bone density issues and thyroid function?

Kelly Shaver

I've read a few historical fiction books that talk about people having a "goiter". Is that a thyroid thing?

Phylicia Chandler

Can hypo or hyperthyroidism be reversed? Can diet help manage thyroidism?

Daniel Johnston

Can your labs look normal, and you still have a hypothyroid issue?

Joyce Marquardt

How do forever chemicals, like PCBs, affect thyroid health?

Kyla C (KAI-luh, rhymes with Myra or Lyla)

sooo why do primary care providers seem to roll their eyes when patients suggest they might have a thyroid problem b/c they're tired? do you think thyroid issues are under/over diagnosed?

Brain 🧠 Shenanigans

It feels like there are certain parts of the body that are just doomed more than others, such as the appendix and gallbladder. The thyroid also seems to be one of them! What is it about the thyroid that makes it seemingly so susceptible to going wonky? For something that plays such a critical role in our bodies, the fragility seems like a major design flaw.

David Pagano

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism after being told that I had more or less killed my pituitary gland via long-term calorie restriction. I was born male, and at the time of my diagnosis I had virtually no testosterone in my body. I have been on both testosterone and thyroid meds ever since. So, two questions: 1) What exactly is the relationship between the thyroid and the pituitary gland? 2) How does caloric restriction do damage to the endocrine system? Thanks for all you do.

Cat_Mattress

I have hypothyroidism, but almost never feel cold. In fact, I'm overly sensitive to heat, which always confuses my doctors. Can you talk a bit about the thyroid and how it affects people's reactions to temperature?

Cat_Mattress

+1 to this - it took me coming in with a stack of research paper printouts 1/2" thick compared to my symptoms to get them to even test me at 22. Surprise surprise, I had hypothyroidism. I had had symptoms for over 5 years at that point, all ignored/waved off.

Daniele Bourhis

Oooh, thank you for this! I had my thyroid removed due to Thyroid Cancer in 2017. It has been a long journey since then and I’ve been on Anxiety meds since 2019…. My question is, since the thyroid produces hormones which work in tandem with a host of other hormones in our bodies, how do we ever get back to balanced? It seems like not having a thyroid has thrown everything out of whack- I take replacement thyroid hormones and have my thyroid levels checked regularly, but I still feel like so many things are effed up now.

SaraSunshine

Why does my thyroid suck? Jk that's not my real question. How can someone (i.e. ME) have both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism? I was diagnosed with hashimotos about 6 years ago and then tested positive for Graves disease about 4 years ago, after my son was born and my thyroid went nuts. I still swing back and forth between a hypo and hyper thyroid state, making it really hard to manage my medications. What gives?

Lydia Trom

Can you please talk a little about when to be concerned about thyroid modules? I have several that are being monitored. But, why wait until they are a problem? Why not just remove them?

Sonjabird

Why does hypo/hyperthyroidism occur in folks that have no underlying problem such as cancer? Is it an age thing? Like why has my thyroid been working fine all these years but now it isn’t?

Svet Libre

How does thyroid dysfunction affect PCOS symptoms? And can unresolved hormonal imbalance issues with PCOS result in thyroid issues?

Justin Bowen

How do drugs such as semaglutide and tirzepatide affect the functions of the thyroid?

cuxjmber

How/why does the thyroid have so much impact on body temperature? I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism based mostly on being freezing cold all the time. But I struggle with getting overheated too, and changes in weather patterns like right now as we move from summery weather into fall. What gives? Is there anything besides medication I can do to help? -- Leah (FTQA, dedicated collector of long underwear and fuzzy hats)

Cindy Goodrich

Hi Alie: Long time listener, first time questioner... When my thyroid started to crap out, my glucose went up. Then my doc and I got my thyroid sorted and then I went into menopause and my glucose when up again. I know insulin controls glucose and insulin is a hormone. And when we have one hormone problem it can mess with the spiderweb that is our hormone systems working together. My question is, has anyone studied thyroid/insulin/menopause and how they relate to each other? Thank you for doing this pod. I have learned so so much and your sense of humor is so dry, I love it!

Sarah

First time question asker, long time listener! I was diagnosed with and started medication for Hashimoto’s disease just last week (age 27) and I could not believe the timing of this episode! As my husband and I are hoping to try for a baby very soon, I would love to hear more about the role of the thyroid in fertility and pregnancy please. I’m also interested in co-morbidities, particularly relating to circulation, as I have Raynaud’s and get joint pain when cold. I also have ADHD and autism and wonder if there is any overlap here at all? And lastly, I finally hyped myself up to listen to Suicidology and just wanted to say how incredibly brave and inspiring Alie is - I have learned and gained so much from Ologies and am incredibly grateful xx

Stephanie Coombes

How often do things actually go wrong? Thyroid issues are a common differential diagnosis but how frequent are issues? Also - fill a nurse nerd in on how cool and complicated neck surgery is!

Holly Cole

I found that the generic medication did not do the trick and it seems that only the incredibly expensive branded thyroid medication is what works for me. What’s that about?

Kelly Pal

What foods/dietary changes can help or hurt the thyroid.

Claire Richie

Asking on behalf of a friend who had her thyroid removed: is there a correlation between the thyroid and eczema or other skin conditions? My friend is suffering from bad eczema flares post-surgery, and it’s been generally harder for her to manage

Honeybee

What is the significance of its shape?

Anuja Joshi

Asking for my fiancé, what are the things he can look out for and do to support me (I have hypothyroidism)

Bre Snodgrass

Oh wow! Thanks so much for the info, I really appreciate it! :)

Scalebar

Is it a vertebrate thing or a mammal thing? If the former, can fish get goitre?

Barbara M

First time questioner. I see things about natural treatments for hypothyroid that supposedly replace levothyroxine. Are these really options that work? If so, what it the best option? -Barbara M

Michelle

First time question asker here! Do we know why thyroid issues can lead to depression-like symptoms? In other words, what is the connection between thyroid hormones and mood?

Joy Krogsgaard

Yes this! Adding to it, if a patient has ocular decompression surgery, is there still a risk of the thyroid eye disease coming back again?

Joy Krogsgaard

Yes this! And what does it mean if one test (TSH) is normal but others (free T4) and very not normal?

Alli B

I would like to know this as well.

Badoopadoo!

Is it true that women on the east coast see a higher chance of thyroid cancers due to nuclear fallout from testing sights out west?

Alli B

What causes thyroid disorders? How genetic vs environmental is it? If a parent has Hashimoto’s, is it likely that their daughter (who had post-partum hypothyroidism that resolved after a few months) will get it?

Alli B

Why the postpartum thyroid havoc? Why does it affect mood disorders (like PPD) and why does it wreak havoc after having a baby?

Eva Haisova

So many older women (born in the 70's and earlier) in the Czech Republic have thyroid issues. Is that caused by the Chernobyl disaster? If so, is there a way to protect the thyroid against radiation?

Marianne Moscynski

First time question asker, was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism more than 25 years ago now, would love to know what, if anything can be done for weight loss, because, in general, changing the diet and exercising just don't work. Thank you!

Alli B

How does alcohol affect thyroid function?

Diana Staresinic-Deane

Yes! Do all animals have thyroids? And if so, do thyroids universally have the same functions in all animals?

Alli B

Any new thyroid medications or treatments on the horizon?

Retha Silvis

How does hypo or hyperthyroidism affect progesterone, estrogen, FSH, or the general menstrual cycle?

Alli B

Why are people assigned as female at birth diagnosed with thyroid disorders at such a higher rate than those assigned male?

Saira (‘Sarah’) Manns

At what point should someone see an endocrinologist if they have thyroid issues? And what are the most thorough blood tests to ask for? (Asking on behalf of my friend, Kristie!)

Honeybee

I'd like to know this too!

Dave Cannon

I have a buddy who has Graves syndrome(?). What does that mean?

Kim

Another hypothyroid person who is sensitive to heat here! I can't stand summer because high temps make me so irritable, I just can't properly cool down. Winter is so much easier for me. I struggle to keep my extremities warm sometimes but it's easier on my mood.

Kim

My first ever question! I've had hypothyroidism my whole life, diagnosed at 6 weeks for being unnaturally sleepy as a baby (spotted my grandmother, I think my mum was just grateful to not have a constantly crying baby!). I'm starting to experience perimenopause symptoms now so I'd love to know what I can expect. How does hypothyroidism affect perimenopause and vice versa?

Cindy Zheng

I've been diagnosed with hypothyroidism a few years ago and I think I could connect it with me being sleepy almost all the time, since it got less since I started to take medication. My question is whether there are any developments on actually curing or finding the cause of hypothyroidism? Cause currently where I am from, the only 'solution' is to take the pill every morning for the rest of my life..

indregru

Hi Alie, long time listener, first time question. I’d like to know about thyroid surgery, especially about partial and full removal. What happens to the body afterwards, what changes, what doesn’t, what’s to watch out? Thanks!

Milisa Van Steenis

My mom had Graves disease and had to have her thyroid radiated. She was younger than I am now at the time. What is the percentage of chance that I will develop this in my lifetime? (I am now in my 40’s)

BF Brinklestein

I have hypothyroidism (aka Hashimoto’s) and would love to hear about how delicate the balance is with hormonal supplement pills such as synthroid/levothyroxine. It’s typical for folks who get the generic to move to name branded Synthroid when they are having issues with their thyroid levels. This is because the generic versions of levothyroxine will vary slightly, though it’s still the mg dosage officially. What is our expert’s opinion on this - should manufacturers start measuring hormone medication to a more precise level? And perhaps there needs to be injections vs pills (which the later is most common for the layperson, I’ve found)? Side note, synthroid is for the T4, but I also take liothyronine for my T3 levels. ALSO would love to hear why stress completely devastates me. Example: once I thought I had the flu but turns out it was just thyroid issues triggered by stress (got tested etc). Things got better and a couple weeks later I started to feel bad again the same way, got tested, and I had both flu strands AND strep. Soooo 🤷‍♀️ bodies are weird.

Katie Stalder

Are many allopathic physicians (including some endocrinologists) overlooking thyroid dysfunction diagnosis based on TSH alone and outdated reference ranges that include unwell populations? This is what I’ve been hearing from functional medicine practitioners and have seen in my personal experience. I’ve also heard that hormone imbalance in general is a downstream effect of gut dysfunction, is this true?

Verena Runstadler

What are the triggers that cause genetic thyroid diseases like Hashimotos?

Melina Filomia

I was diagnosed hypothyroid in 2020, and I was really unwell at that time. Someone told me it would take a year to really feel better, not my doctor, just someone I know. Two doctors said I would feel better fast, as soon as my TSH number was right. The doctors were wrong, it did take a year. My question is, why did it take a year of taking levothyroxine before I actually felt better?

Jenna Congdon

I've heard many times that "regular" doctors (straightforward western-medicine types) generally only check TSH and maybe a couple of other thyroid hormone levels. The idea is that this may miss underlying issues and create missed diagnoses. I don't really understand which other hormones should be checked- what are they called, and why aren't they regularly checked? Is it worthwhile to push for further testing, or is this internet flim flam? Basically, if someone suspects they have thyroid dysfunction, but the basic labs are all normal, what next??

Ashley McConnaughy

Yesss I've been hoping for this topic for so long! As someone who has been dealing with Hashimoto's and subsequence hypothyroidism for years, I have a question around medication. Many doctors swear by synthetic meds (Synthroid for T4 and Cytomel for T3) which makes sense for consistency (I know there used to be dose concerns with NDT meds). However, even when my levels on paper looked good with synthetics, I didn't actually *feel* better until switching to NDT meds (NP Thyroid) a few years later. Why do some patients feel drastically different on different meds even when their levels are the same on both? And are there any meds patients should prioritize trying first before trying others?

Maja Lecher

First-time question asker, long-term listener! What is the current development in data-driven diagnostics for thyroid disease, and how much potential do you see with early alert approaches based on e.g. wearables and other easily accessible stats? It appears that a lot of medical advice is still based on qualitative experience despite there being so much quantitative data that can be used to tailor treatment to individuals with very little effort instead of relying on one-size-fits-all approaches. Background: I have Grave's disease (i.e. hyperthyroidism), it was diagnosed last year after my resting heart rate suddenly went through the roof (thanks, Fitbit!). Having that hard data point allowed me to interpret the more diffuse symptoms like sudden weight loss + insane hunger, being hot all the time, and always being on edge with the appropriate alarm bells, which I otherwise would have just chalked up to the stress of having recently moved. I suspected Grave's after some online digging and went to my GP to get my thyroid checked out for hyperthyroidism specifically. I turned out to be right and was diagnosed only a month after symptoms started, which appears to be much faster than is common. I was put on a low dose of meds and had my blood checked every two weeks for half a year, allowing me to track my progress curve and remain on a low dose for longer than my GP initially wanted me to because he thought my labs should already be in the reference range at the time. Whereas I could see from the data that I was on track to reach target values 2-3 weeks later, which happened as predicted. Likely as a result of this fine-tuned low dosage, I didn't have any side effects from meds whatsoever.

BENJAMIN

Is there anything that can be done for good thyroid health?

Emily G

My sister and I are both long-time migraine sufferers (her since childhood, me since I was 18). My sister met a woman recently who claims that there is a link between fluoride exposure causing hypothyroidism, which is to blame for most migraines. The woman sells "fluoride detox" kits which are supposed to help reduce migraines. Is this total flim-flam, or is there possibly some kernel of truth here?

Kadie Quiles Gray

Hypo lady here. Why, why, WHY does my TSH continuously "get used to" my medication, causing my levels to drop and the cycle to repeat over and over? Why can't we just set it (the meds) and forget it?

Lorraine Boissoneault

This is a question about one of the absolute weirdest things I've ever experienced with thyroid disease. Diagnosed with Hashimoto's (hypothyroidism) more than a decade ago, with pretty extreme symptoms and literal holes in my thyroid from the disease process. Then, this year, I developed *Graves' disease*, the autoimmune HYPERthyroid condition. Not only are the holes in my gland gone, it has now turned into a super vascularized goiter that is producing way too much hormone. I've gone from taking thyroid hormone supplement to anti-thyroid medication. I'm sorry, but WHAT?! From what I've read this is really rare. But is it actually? And HOW on earth did it happen?

Beet lover

Can you weigh in on changing attitudes in the endocrinology field related to thyroid removal surgery vs long term use of methimazole?

Sam Acker

FTQA (pronounced "acre"): I have a dear friend who was just diagnosed with Graves' disease. She has tons of questions like: What's the best way to manage Graves' in the long term? Is removing part of the thyroid as a potential treatment option wise, or could that cause too many uncertain, lifelong consequences? What are some actionable ways to prevent flare ups while staying physically active? Thank you so much for your help!

Cassie Kenton

I'm SO looking forward to this episode. Please ask about the connection between pregnancy, thyroid function, and lactation. Specifically - can pregnancy cause hypothyroidism? And, can hypothyroidism affect milk production?

Ashley Marrs

veterinary pathologist here - hyperthyroidism is super common in cats as they age due to hyperplasia/adenomas. I recall a paper about environmental toxin exposure as a potential contributing factor. It might have been a compound applied to carpets/fabrics? An endocrine disruptor? Is there any new info on that?

Angie Doulas

Long time listener, FIRST time question asker! I was dx with hypothyroidism (non hashimotos) 15 years ago, a few years after my second child was born. I was told it was a secondary "down stream" issue caused by a stressed out adrenal system due to pregnancies and Life. Why does my body only respond to armour thyroid and not synthetics? Why do I still need to pair it with adrenal support supplements to not be uber-sleepy? Why do I function best when my TSH is under the "safe range"? What else can I be doing to support my body? Thank you!

midnightcat

Super basic q but how does thyroid activity in male vs female bodies change throughout development, adolescence and then in age (esp menopause!). Is the thyroid to blame for raging teenage, well... everything? What are the research holes that we should be looking into?

Gina S

Long time listener and FIRST time questions asker here! I was so hopeful you would eventually get to this topic! I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2023 and I'm just over a year post-thyroidectomy and will be a year post RAI in November (Yay!). My thyroid went from unknown and invisible with no family history of thyroid disease to seeing a large lump move in my neck every time I would swallow in under 6 months. I had zero issues at all with thyroid function and my labs were always normal. Then I got covid and that's when things changed for me. My question is what makes a thyroid go berserk and just start growing 4 cm cancerous (papillary and follicular variant of papillary) nodules super fast? And is it possible that covid activated something in my body to start this rapid growth process? I guess I'm still looking for why I had such a rapid onset and trying to understand the how/why of this disease. Thank you!

Brittney Corrigan

What is the relationship of age and genetics to developing a thyroid condition? All the women on my mom's side of the family (including me) developed hypothyroidism just about the time we turned 40.

Kasey Crouse

When it is underachieving can it make you extra cold even when your levothyroxine dose is correct?

Mariann

I would like to know this as well.

Zinc

why and how the fuck can it control so much?

Zinc

could any part of our modern lifestyle be contributing to the common thyroid problems that we encounter?

Voxothoth

I apparently have mild Hashimoto's disease, and am also immune to cannabis edibles, and it's not a tolerance issue. Someone in the canna industry said they heard about some correlation with Hashimotos and the way the body metabolizes THC. Is there any validity to this?

Theresa Egan

Are you born with issues or is it spontaneous?

Iben Christiane Hansen

First time asker, hypothyroidism and neurodivergent lady here: I’ve noticed a loooot of my neurodivergent peeeps also having thyroid issues and diagnoses, but I haven’t been able to find any research on the subject, so have questions. Like, does anyone do research here, is there a connection, or is it mere speculation on my (and several others’) part, could the thyroid diseases be causing or contributing to neurodivergent troubles or vice versa, what is the deal with that? Thanks a billion for doing an ology on this topic, love it!

Caitlin Fitz Gerald

Is there any debate on what is considered a "normal" range in thyroid function? I have Hashimoto's thyroiditis and have been living for years with many of the symptoms of a hypoactive thyroid (brittle nails, thinning hair, slow metabolism, et al.) but my blood tests still show "normal" function so my doctors won't give me any treatment. It has me wondering if my normal and someone else's normal maybe just don't mean the same thing. Is there any better way to determine what might require intervention of some kind?

Patrick Duffy

Having high thyroid levels can make your hair fall out, and taking medication to fix that can also make your hair fall out. What's the deal with that?

Alli B

Are there any supplements or diets you can recommend for optimal thyroid function?

Becky Taylor

Hello, more of a PSA than a question. I had thyroid cancer and a complete thyroidectomy and ablation 19 years ago when I was 28. They monitored me for 11 years (I believe 10 years is protocol here in Canada). My thyroglobulin was never as good as they wanted it to be but it also wasn't going up so when I was released from my specialist it made me uncomfortable. I asked my GP if I could keep getting my thyroglobulin checked and he said yes (thankfully). Nineteen years later, I noticed it going up, called my GP and asked for a referral to my Endo. Long story short, I'm 5 days post op from having two lymph nodes in my neck removed where my cancer had started growing again. I had no symptoms and it was caught early enough that I probably won't need any further treatment. Take charge of your health people ❤️

Alli B

Is there any evidence that microplastics present in our bodies could be affecting thyroid function?

Felix Lasselle

How variable can thyroid function be within an individual? And can we improve it the way we can with cardio and heart function?

Urp

Hello, popping the cherry here, from Ross-On-Wye (rhymes with "why") in England. It does not have a literature festival like Hay-On-Wye but they do have Country and Western weekend when someone can be bothered or the Wye isn't flooding, so never. Can you please consider asking about Parathyroids? My ex. had a goitre which was removed and since then she has more problems with hypoparathyroidism than with the effects of hypothyroidism, particularly with respect to calcium absorption. It does not seem to be so well understood. Adam

Cassie

This question is from my mother, a big Ologies fan. She asks, "My GP prescribed 150mcg L-thyroxine and 25mcg Liothyronine for several years before I went to an endocrinologist who said, 'You mean 5mcg Liothyronine?' When I said, 'No, 25 mcg.' She almost fell out of her chair, no joke. I have been on 5mcg since then, but for the approximately 10 years I took 25mcg every day, what damage have I done to my body?"

Jessica Chance

My cat developed hyperthyroidism, and I was able to find a clinic to treat it with radiation. How does that work, and could it work for people too?

Björn Fredberg

I have heard that injuries to different parts of the brain give different mental effects, for instance lack of impulse control. What would be the typical effect of having a damaged thyroid?

Anni Sayers

Long time listener, first time question asker! Recently my partner was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and so we are both really curious to know more about the condition, in particular - Can stress make an underactive thyroid worse?

Johanna Burr

Hi Allie! What is the connection between thyroid issues and the development of type 1 or type 2 diabetes? I ask because my mother, who has hypothyroidism, was recently told that she has pre-diabetic symptoms, and my own endocrinologist (I have type 1 diabetes) said that sometimes women who have gone through menopause and/or have issues with their thyroid can develop diabetes because the changes in their hormones can create insulin resistance. My endocrinologist also said there might be a genetic connection between my mother having thyroid issues and my own development of type 1 diabetes at age 27. What's up with all these weird maybe-connections between your insulin levels, your hormones, and these diseases? As always, thanks for being your fabulous self and asking all these fascinating questions!

David Villafranco

Why do I hear people have thyroid gland issues so often but rarely do I hear about any other gland, do we have other glands? Is the thyroid just flawed from evolution?

Amanda

Can you talk about the relationship between the thyroid and raynauds syndrome. I have this and my hands a feet turn white and numb in even in temperature in the high 60’s(F). Why are antidepressants like fluoxetine prescribed for this? I’ve also heard of a Pavlovian-esk type treatment for raynauds where you sit outside in cold/winter temperatures with your hands and feet in warm water (this causes the vasodilation that warms the extremities.) rumor has it, if you stick this, over time, your body will learn to vasodilate when exposed to colder temps. Why does this treatment work if it’s thyroid related? Is this also why I’m so sweaty even when cold?

KAREN CALLA-BRANTLEY

Can you have thyroid symptoms like hair lose , cold feet and hands , low energy and weight gain but thyroid labs are normal?

KAREN CALLA-BRANTLEY

Ultrasound of my thyroid looks like swiss cheese , multiple areas of degeneration but lab functions are normal. Why ?

Olivia

im not sure how it works, but they do it on humans too!

Annmarie Everhart

Is there anything special about the thyroid gland's placement in the neck versus the location of other glands?

ConnieConnieBoBonnie

I’ve heard that the typical labs for thyroid function are insufficient to properly assess for possible thyroid disease or dysfunction. If that’s true, why don’t doctors just do all the lab work needed? There are multiple people in my family with hashimotos and I had to ask several times to be tested for antibodies. What labs do you usually do when someone presents with possible thyroid issues?

Brooklyn Baron

Oooh exciting! I have a strong family history of hypothyroidism, so I get mine tested regularly. My results seem to bounce back and forth between fairly significant subclinical levels and normal, with no discernible pattern. My question is, what can cause these fluctuations? Do people who end up with overt disease often or ever start out this way? And is it possible for seasonal changes to have an effect? (My highest TSH levels have all been in the winter).

Renee Wanger

What is the history of use for radioactive iodine as treatment? also what's the connection between thyroid and fertility?

Kylie Wash

Why is Hashimoto’s so hard to pin down? I have all the symptoms, the family history, and a climbing TSH - but all my doctors keep telling me it’s in my head. What’s the deal??

Caro Young

What are the risk factors for thyroid cancer and why does it seem that young (20s and 30s) males are most at risk?

Caro Young

Why does it seem that thyroid dysfunction has become so prevalent? Are the environment factors involved? Is there anything we can do to prevent it?

Caro Young

Is there a difference in thyroid functions between males assigned at birth and females assigned at birth?

Em Sediyo

For those who have had their thyroid removed completely, what are the long term differences (if any) between someone who takes oral levothyroxine every day to act as a thyroid versus actually having the gland?

Amy Vanko

What are the main distinctions between functional medicine and endocrinology? It seems like there must be a ton of overlap, and I’d love to know which option makes more sense for someone with Hashimoto’s, anxiety, depression, vitamin D deficiency, and ADHD. I feel like I’m stuck treating the various symptoms with a variety of meds and supplements, but since it’s near impossible to identify the true root cause(s), I’m doomed to always be chasing the “right” mix of treatments. Are we just not to the point yet of understanding how all this stuff is interconnected to really be successful in accurately diagnosing and then treating these conditions?

Kim G

Long time listener, FTQA: Basic question here... What's the difference between a nodule and a goiter? Is one worse than the other?

Ian Garrett

I've been treated for Hashimoto's for 30 years (I'm 42), and in that time I was prescribed Thyrolar for T3/T4 replacement with the approach that you dosed high enough to shut down the thyroid itself (This was the approach advocated by Dr. Boris Catz, as I understand notable in the field), it went into extended shortages to the point where I had it compounded before working with a new endocrinologist who got me to a stable level with just Synthroid (just T3), in part because of the concerns around osteoporosis from that method Catz advocated. Can they unpack this change in the understanding/approach to treatment and why the medication has been so problematic to keep in supply? What's the difference between T3, T4 and TSH and the current understanding of how these inform treatment?

Stephanie Mckechnie

Can you ask them to talk about the connection / relationship between iodine and our thyroid? And what do they think of non-iodozed salt in place of iodized salt? Are people going to have messed up thyroid levels again because of lack of iodine in our diets?

Stephanie Mckechnie

My mom had her thyroid gland removed years ago for reasons that are still unclear to me. How does living without a thyroid differ than with one?

CurtisDawg

Wow. This little gland does a lot! Any tips on keeping this healthy?

Erin Gill

Low TSH for years and complained of fatigue and anxiety. Normal T3 and T4 so I was diagnosed as a silly woman. Fifteen years to get a Graves diagnosis and that only happened when my TSH bottomed out. Why the gaslighting? How can we be taken seriously when so many of our symptoms are invisible?

Lara Ayres

How does tor thyroid affect hormone levels and hormonal responses?

Erin Gill

Also "endocrine disrupters". Is that a thing or nah?

Makayla Ballard

First time question asker! Why don’t any of the doctors I have talked to, look into any other factors like vitamins, diet, supplements for treating Hashimotos? Can one pill really fix the job of a whole organ?

Deborah Gray

Can we use animal thyroids in place of our own?

poppy

I’ve had hypothyroidism for 25 years and was just recently diagnosed ad having Hashimotos and learned it’s the most common cause of under active thyroid in women. So why do GPs not seem to know much about it and how to treat it. Is it just not cool enough? Is it because there isn’t an easy fix? Why the disinterest.

Mini Minnie

Similar question for me. Are more people diagnosed now because testing is better?

Mini Minnie

It’s my understanding thyroid levels fluctuate naturally, and bounce around like that before the thyroid basically says “I’m done” and you officially have hypothyroidism (like so many posters here, I’m also a hypothyroid person)

Mini Minnie

Really? There may be a connection?? I would really like to know about this!!

Mini Minnie

My thyroid went kaput during/after pregnancy as well. Been hypothyroid ever since. Why does pregnancy do that? We really sacrifice our bodies to bring new people into the world…

mossdreams

How often do chronic eating disorders cause thyroid issues?

On the Brize

Any general recommendations regarding diet/nutrition post-thyroidectomy? I've never had an endocrinologist able to give any real, helpful information or even point me in the right direction to learn more regarding that. Is there just a general lack of studies/knowledge about that within the field? Since thyroid diseases have a tendency to impact women at a higher rate than men, does plain old medical misogyny play a role in lack of information? Is there a link between thyroid disease and other endocrine issues, such as PCOS or diabetes? Why does levothyroxine reduce bone density and what are the best ways to prevent that for those who have to be on the medication for life? Also, while humans and dogs are prone to hypothyroidism and cats are prone to hyperthyroidism, are there other species that have thyroid disease that seem more specific to them?

Greg Walloch

Does the maternal thyroid actually play a role in sexual orientation or is this outdated thinking?

Danielle Sucher

Why aren’t we more aggressive with hypothyroid treatment during early pregnancy? Or in general, really? It seems like a better safe than sorry sort of thing, but doctors seem so reluctant to prescribe levothyroxine!

Danielle Sucher

Do other animals develop an equivalent of Hashimoto’s too?

Lisa N

How does the thyroid work together with the brain? Via the hypothalamus? Or pituitary glaand? Or some other way?

Earl of Greymalkin

1) Why is the thyroid located where it is? Happenstance? What is the evolutionary history? Does it mechanically cushion the trachea from impacts? 2) I had a cat with hyperthyroidism who got the I-131 treatment and she was radioactive for a while. We had to keep her poop sequestered for a month or so to wait for the radioactivity to drop before throwing it out. Is this a treatment option in people? Do people have to bag their poop until it is no longer radioactive? Where is this I-131 sourced or made? 3) How does the thyroid know what levels of hormones to put out? Does it follow a circadian rhythm? 4) Do all endocrine glands communicate with every endocrine gland or are there specific sub-networks? 5) In evolutionary history, what were iodine sources? 6) What does a differential diagnosis for thyroid issues look like? Do you have a flow chart? 7) How the heck does lithium interact with the thyroid?

Cecelia Morales

What is their best advice for supporting our thyroids???

Ani Gee

When I was in my early to mid-20s I had hyperthyroidism and took medication. But at some point that disappeared, is that normal? As far as I know I don't have any issues with my thyroid and I'm now in my early 40s!

Mona Finlayson

Why does it seem that so much wrong can happen to a thyroid? Is it really sensitive? To my understanding it's a small organ, so why is thyroid cancer so apparent? What about hyperthyroidism?

Diana Burgess

Why is my thyroid the first thing my doc checks when I come in with other issues?

Elliot Feeling

Hello, FTQA and hyperthyroidism / Graves’ disease-have here. I’m just wondering how they determine what the “normal” ranges of the T3, T4 and TSH are, and whether putting someone on a drug to regulate their thyroid can do more harm than good if they are just slightly out of those ranges. I took methimazole for many months, and I’m still not sure if my fatigue during that time was caused by my other medical problems or by the thyroid medication.

Mrs Mills

Hashimoto's got me after a miscarriage many years ago. At the same time I started suffering heat induced reactions like itching skin, eyes and even a swollen tongue. A really good hot flush can make me look like a size 400 plucked chicken! What other autoimmune responses do Hashimoto people need to be on the lookout for that may cause issues further down the track?

Lalie Broten

Please ask them what hashimotos actually is, my mom who historically didn't trust doctors, self diagnosed herself to have this condition... but what IS IT?

Anna

I’ve heard the thyroid performs many functions. What does the thyroid do?

Jackie McCann

FTQA: Thyroid issues seem to be relatively common. What are some symptoms that I would have that might alert me to get my thyroid checked?

Maddy Dennison

How does the thyroid impact trying to conceive, and the growth of a baby through pregnancy?

Orrin Stanforth

I've noticed my wife has several symptoms of hypothyroidism,but she won't bring it up with her doctor to get it tested. If the symptoms aren't bothering her is she fine to go on as is, or could there be other bigger things that pop up from untreated hypothyroidism?

Ari Lacenski

What is the difference between Hashimoto's and Graves' disease? Are there other types of hypothyroidism that are not Hashimoto's?

Caro Young

How much Iodin do we need for healthy thyroid function and how can we get enough of it especially when one doesn’t like fish (asking for a friend)

Caro Young

Why does thyroid function plays such a big role in being able to conceive?

Time Dr., Phd

Last I looked at still didn't know much about the pulsatility of TH secretion. Does it/they have circadian rhythms? Pulses like luteinizing hormone and cortisol? What do we know about natural time patterns like that, and the effects of taking synthetic TH, which is just a single daily bolus?

Alyssa Benson

I have sub-clinical hypothyroidism; my thyroid anti bodies are high (not as high as people with full-blown hypothyroidism) but my other levels are okay so I'm not on medication. I do have some symptoms like peeling nails when I always had good nails and some other things. I started taking selenium and myo-inositol because I saw studies where they seemed to help. I've noticed my symptoms are better than before. What does selenium and myo-inositol do in the body to help with thyroid function specifically?

Emma Wren

Are thyroid nodules quite common? If they are, why is it some thyroids just want to grow that bit extra?

ChickenChomper

Has the number of thyroid issues overall been increasing? If so, is it environmental factors that are likely causing this increase? Or is it likely more genetically driven and these traits are sticking around because we are better able to manage them?

Mouse Paxton

Can you survive without a thyroid?

Jessie Meeks

How can someone regulate their thyroid levels through dietary choices?

Christine Pikstein (she/her)

I read that avoiding certain foods, like cruciferous vegetables, can help with my hypothyroidism, but some people have looked at me like I'm crazy. Are there foods I should be careful with?

Amy Johnson

Any support for the autoimmune protocol diet helping to reduce inflammation levels with hypothyroidism? Or any suggestions for foods to eat or avoid?

Hannah Beyl

What causes Grave’s disease? I was diagnosed in November and recently did RAI treatment. It seemed to come out of nowhere and I’d love to know thoughts on why it develops. Also, why does the thyroid affect everything? With Graves I have heart rate issues, skin issues and even hiccups!

Melissa Wolff

Can you explain Hashimoto’s compared to hypo and hyper thyroid. Why do some doctors believe this is not a real condition? Thanks

Patti Bakker

Question: when hypothyroidism runs in a family, is there a recommendation for when younger generations should start paying attention to potential symptoms/talking to your doctor about it/advocating for yourself to make doctors pay attention to it? Background: My mom had hypothyroidism. I started feeling symptoms in my early 30s, but my doctor at the time was dismissive and didn’t want to talk about it (I was also low in iron so he contributed it all to anemia). I was later confirmed to have hypothyroidism by another doctor, and have been on medication for it since. My 24yo son has had sporadic symptoms and I have a 22yo daughter also (no symptoms.)

Between Dumplings

Do women have more thyroid issues due to hormones than men? What is the autoimmune connection?

Organic Free-Range Lily

Is it true that you can avoid the worst effects of radiation by taking iodine to block your thyroid function for about a week? Or are all those "anti-radiation kits" lying?

Ashleigh Rivers

Oooohhhh, I could spend so much time here. But I’ll try to keep it brief (hah). 1) why does my thyroid hate me? 2) is there really a way to heal Hoshimoto’s thyroiditis? I see all these protocols for it, but it’s mostly supplementation and I’m more and more distrustful of the supplement industry. 3) why was I told by every natural health practitioner to avoid synthroid/levothyroxine? And does the guest have a take on dedicated pig thyroid vs the more pharmaceutical route? After some not great experiences, I finally decided to go the synthroid route, after seeing what some of my more natural practitioners are up to in other areas of healthcare (ivermectin, etc.). 4) my new endocrinologist explained to me, for the first time ever, that when dealing with hypERthyroidism, you eventually stop being able to build muscle easily. I just spent the last two years with the most extreme fluctuations of my thyroid ever (BIG life change that left me having to completely overhaul my life and change my plans for the future [med school 😔] and my body totally freaked out). I went from really hypo and carrying a little extra weight, to being diagnosed with Grave’s disease (I knew better) and losing 40 pounds WAY too quickly and acquiring a really messed up BP issue, to going back to pretty dang hypo again and gaining most of the weight back really quickly and having the opposite BP problem. My endo said the weight was in part because of the inability to gain muscle efficiently after being so very hyper for over a year. And the BP went to stroke-level high while hypER to pass out/can’t get out of bed/POTS-y low. I think I understand what’s happening on a basic level, but would LOVE to hear it from someone with time to go into detail. Still got long, but hopefully they all make sense. Thanks!!