Modern Thyroid and Wellness

What if your symptoms aren’t because your hormones are “wrong”—but because your body can’t actually use them?
In this episode of Modern Thyroid and Wellness, McCall McPherson sits down with Dr. Cassie Smith, board-certified endocrinologist and Chief Medical Director at Modern Thyroid Clinic, to uncover the powerful connection between gut health, inflammation, and hormone function.
Dr. Smith shares why so many women continue to feel exhausted, inflamed, and out of balance—even when their labs look “normal.” This conversation reveals how gut dysfunction drives inflammation, blocks hormone activity at the cellular level, and creates a cycle that conventional medicine often misses.
🔑 Key Topics Covered
Why “normal labs” don’t always mean optimal health
How gut inflammation prevents hormones from working at the cellular level
The bidirectional relationship between gut health and hormones
Early warning signs of gut dysfunction (beyond digestion)
How chronic stress damages the gut microbiome
The connection between cortisol, insulin, and hormone imbalance
Why women in their 30s and 40s experience worsening symptoms
How gut health impacts thyroid hormone conversion and absorption
The role of inflammation in weight gain, fatigue, and brain fog
How microdosed GLP-1 can help break the inflammation cycle

🧠 The Gut–Hormone Connection Explained
Hormones don’t just need to be present—they need to enter your cells and function properly.
When inflammation is high:
Hormone receptors become resistant
Hormones cannot enter the cell effectively
Symptoms persist—even with “perfect” lab results

👉 This is why many women feel stuck despite treatment

🔁 The Cycle No One Explains
This dysfunction creates a loop:
Stress, diet, and lifestyle disrupt the gut
Gut imbalance (dysbiosis) increases inflammation
Inflammation raises cortisol and insulin
Hormone production (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone) declines
Hormone imbalance worsens gut health

👉 The cycle reinforces itself unless the root cause is addressed

🚨 Signs Your Gut Could Be the Root Cause
You may not have obvious digestive issues—but your gut could still be involved.
Common signs include:
Bloating or acid reflux
Constipation
Brain fog
Fatigue
Anxiety or depression
Skin issues
Weight gain or resistance
Hormonal imbalance

👉 Multiple symptoms across systems often point back to gut dysfunction
🦋 Thyroid, Gut & Cellular Function
Gut health is critical for thyroid patients.
Most T4 → T3 conversion happens in the gut
Inflammation blocks T3 from entering cells
Autoimmune activity increases inflammation

👉 Even with proper thyroid medication, symptoms may persist if the gut is not addressed
🔥 Inflammation Is the Real Problem
Inflammation is often invisible—but it affects everything:
Energy levels
Hormone function
Brain clarity
Weight regulation

As Dr. Smith emphasizes, inflammation is not just a concept—it’s something you feel daily.
⚖️ Insulin, Cortisol & Metabolic Dysfunction
Gut-driven inflammation leads to:
High insulin → fat storage
High cortisol → hormone suppression
Low estrogen and progesterone

👉 This results in:
Midsection weight gain
Increased hunger
Difficulty losing weight

💉 GLP-1 and Breaking the Cycle
One of the most powerful tools discussed:
Microdosed GLP-1 therapy
When used correctly, it can:
Lower inflammation rapidly
Reduce insulin levels
Improve hormone signaling
Support gut healing

👉 The key is low, physiologic dosing
🌱 Where to Start
Instead of increasing hormone doses endlessly, focus on:
Reducing inflammation
Supporting gut health
Improving metabolic function
Restoring hormone signaling

Foundational strategies:
Prioritize sleep (7–9 hours)
Manage stress
Stay hydrated
Incorporate movement
Support gut health through diet

📘 About the Guest
Dr. Cassie Smith is a dual board-certified endocrinologist in endocrinology, diabetes, metabolism, and internal medicine, and the founder of Modern Endocrine. She is known for her root-cause, whole-body approach to hormone health, focusing on gut health, metabolism, and inflammation to help patients feel better beyond “normal labs.”
She also serves as Chief Medical Director at Modern Thyroid Clinic, where she helps guide advanced, patient-centered protocols for complex thyroid and hormonal cases.
🌐 Resources & Links
🌐 Modern Thyroid Clinic Profile: https://www.modernthyroidclinic.com/cassie-smith
🌐 Modern Endocrine About Page: https://www.modern-endocrine.com/about/
📲 Follow McCall McPherson & Modern Thyroid and Wellness
💻 Website: modernthyroidclinic.com
🐦 X / Twitter: @thyroidexpert
🌐 Host Website: mccallmcpherson.com
📺 YouTube: McCall McPherson Channel
📘 Facebook: McCall McPherson PAC
📸 Instagram: @mccallmcphersonpa

What if your fertility challenges weren’t random—but your body signaling deeper imbalances that can actually be addressed?
In this episode of Modern Thyroid and Wellness, McCall McPherson sits down with Natalie Crawford, a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and infertility expert, to break down the real drivers behind fertility struggles.
Dr. Crawford shares a powerful, root-cause approach to fertility, explaining how your menstrual cycle acts as a vital sign, how thyroid health and inflammation play a major role, and why modern lifestyle factors are significantly impacting fertility outcomes. This conversation is both eye-opening and deeply empowering for women who want to better understand their bodies and take control of their reproductive health.

🔑 Key Topics Covered
The rising rates of infertility and what’s driving the increase
Why your menstrual cycle is a key indicator of hormonal health
What a “normal” cycle actually looks like (and common red flags)
How to accurately track ovulation using simple, effective methods
The connection between thyroid health and fertility outcomes
Why Subclinical Hypothyroidism is often missed—but critical
How inflammation impacts egg quality, hormones, and conception
The role of gut health and the microbiome in fertility
Why insulin resistance affects fertility—even without diabetes
How stress, sleep, and lifestyle directly influence reproductive health

🩺 Understanding Your Cycle (Your Hormonal Blueprint)
Your menstrual cycle is one of the most important tools for understanding your fertility.
Each month, your body moves through two key phases:
Follicular phase: Estrogen rises, the egg matures, and energy increases
Luteal phase: Progesterone supports potential pregnancy

Ovulation occurs in between—and timing matters more than most people realize.
👉 A healthy cycle should be:
Predictable (within 1–2 days each month)
Consistent in ovulation
Supported by a stable luteal phase

🚩 Warning signs include:
Irregular cycles
Short luteal phases
Spotting before your period
Difficulty identifying ovulation


🧪 Tracking Ovulation (Without Relying on Labs)
Dr. Crawford emphasizes that lab testing alone is often not enough.
Instead, your body gives you clear signals:
Cervical mucus (egg-white consistency = ovulation)
LH urine testing (best between 10 AM–2 PM)
Basal body temperature or wearable tracking

👉 Even one tracking method improves fertility awareness
👉 Combining methods increases accuracy significantly

🦋 The Thyroid–Fertility Connection
Thyroid health is one of the most overlooked drivers of fertility issues.
Even when labs appear “normal,” your body may still be under stress.
This is known as Subclinical Hypothyroidism
Key insights:
The brain may be signaling for more thyroid hormone even if labs look normal
This reflects underlying inflammation and imbalance
It is linked to:
Infertility
Miscarriage
Hormonal dysfunction

👉 During pregnancy, your body needs 30% more thyroid hormone
If your system is already strained, it may not be able to meet this demand

🔥 Inflammation: The Root Cause You Can’t Ignore
One of the biggest themes in this episode is the role of inflammation.
Chronic inflammation can:
Damage egg quality
Disrupt hormone signaling
Impair mitochondrial function (critical for embryo development)

Modern contributors include:
Processed foods
Environmental toxins
Poor sleep
Chronic stress


🦠 Gut Health & Fertility
Your gut plays a central role in regulating inflammation and hormones.
When gut health is compromised:
Hormone metabolism becomes disrupted
Inflammation increases
Fertility outcomes decline

Key factors impacting gut health:
Low fiber intake
Ultra-processed foods
Imbalanced microbiome

👉 Fiber-rich foods are essential for supporting a healthy gut and hormone balance

🍬 Insulin Resistance (Even If You’re “Healthy”)
Insulin resistance is not just a diabetes issue—it’s a fertility issue.
It can:
Disrupt ovulation
Increase inflammation
Lower IVF success rates
Increase miscarriage risk

Even women without PCOS or diabetes can be affected.

💪 Why Muscle, Stress & Sleep Matter
Muscle Health
Building muscle helps regulate blood sugar without relying on insulin, improving hormonal balance.
Stress
Chronic stress raises cortisol, which increases inflammation and disrupts fertility signals.
Sleep
Sleep is one of the most powerful tools for hormone regulation.
👉 Aim for 7–9 hours per night to support recovery, hormone balance, and fertility

🌱 Pre-Pregnancy Planning (The Missing Strategy)
Instead of waiting until something goes wrong:
👉 Start preparing your body before trying to conceive
This includes:
Optimizing thyroid health
Reducing inflammation
Supporting gut health
Tracking your cycle
Building healthy lifestyle habits

Fertility is not just about pregnancy—it’s a reflection of long-term health.

🌐 Resources & Links
🌐 Website: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com
📘 Book: The Fertility Formula by Natalie Crawford

📲 Follow McCall McPherson & Modern Thyroid and Wellness
💻 Website: modernthyroidclinic.com
🐦 X / Twitter: @thyroidexpert
🌐 Host Website: mccallmcpherson.com
📺 YouTube: McCall McPherson Channel
📘 Facebook: McCall McPherson PAC
📸 Instagram: @mccallmcphersonpa

What if the future of medicine isn’t about managing symptoms—but actually helping the body rebuild and heal itself?
In this episode of Modern Thyroid and Wellness, McCall McPherson sits down with Dr. Karolynn Halpert, a regenerative medicine specialist at BioXcellerator, to explore the powerful and rapidly evolving world of stem cell therapy.
Dr. Halpert shares her journey from emergency medicine to regenerative care, and explains how stem cells and exosomes are being used to reduce inflammation, restore function, and support healing in conditions ranging from spinal cord injuries to autoimmune disease, infertility, and neurological disorders.
This conversation dives deep into what stem cells actually are, why treatment options differ drastically between the U.S. and countries like Colombia, and how regenerative medicine may reshape the future of longevity, hormones, and chronic disease care.

🔑 Key Topics Covered
The difference between conventional medicine and regenerative medicine
What stem cells and exosomes are—and how they actually work
Why inflammation is a key driver of aging and chronic disease
How stem cells help regulate the immune system and promote healing
Why stem cell therapy is limited in the U.S. compared to other countries
The difference between autologous (your own) stem cells vs. cultured stem cells
Why BioXcellerator uses a combination of stem cells and exosomes
How specialized delivery (like intrathecal injections) improves outcomes
Real patient transformations, including spinal cord injury and autism cases
The role of stem cells in fertility, hormone balance, and perimenopause
Why lifestyle still matters—even with advanced therapies


🧠 What Are Stem Cells (And Why They Matter)
Regenerative medicine focuses on helping the body repair itself rather than simply treating symptoms.
According to Dr. Halpert:
Stem cells reduce inflammation
They modulate the immune system
They signal the body to repair damaged tissue
They work through cell signaling (paracrine effects) rather than just replacing cells

Exosomes, on the other hand, are tiny vesicles released by stem cells that carry healing signals—but unlike stem cells, they are not alive and cannot adapt to their environment.
👉 At BioXcellerator, combining both creates a powerful effect:
Exosomes = fast results (short-term)
Stem cells = long-term regeneration (up to 12–18 months)


🌍 Why People Travel for Stem Cell Therapy
One of the most important distinctions discussed:
In the United States:
Only your own stem cells can be used
No expansion (limited quantity)
Often lower potency due to age, health, and inflammation

At BioXcellerator:
Stem cells are cultured and expanded in a lab
Tens to hundreds of millions of cells can be used
Higher quality, younger, more functional cells

👉 This creates a significant difference in outcomes and effectiveness.

🧬 Real Patient Transformations
Dr. Halpert shares powerful real-life cases:
🦽 Spinal Cord Injury
Patient paralyzed from the neck down
After treatment: regained hand movement, independence, and ability to hold his child

🧠 Autism
Non-verbal child began speaking, making eye contact, and engaging socially

These cases highlight what may be possible when regenerative medicine is applied with precision and specialization.

👩‍⚕️ Hormones, Fertility & Women’s Health
Stem cells are also being explored in:
Perimenopause & menopause
Reducing inflammation
Improving energy, sleep, and mood
Fertility
Supporting ovarian function
Improving uterine environment for implantation
IVF success rates
Evidence suggests higher success when stem cells are used beforehand

Early patient feedback shows:
Better hormonal stability
Reduced symptoms
Improved response to hormone therapy


🦋 Autoimmune Conditions & Thyroid Insight
While research is still emerging, one key takeaway:
Stem cells may help modulate autoimmune activity
This could potentially benefit conditions like Hashimoto’s

However, more clinical data is still needed, especially for thyroid-specific outcomes.

⚠️ Common Misconceptions About Stem Cells
A major myth addressed in the episode:
❌ All stem cells come from embryos
✔️ Many (including those used at BioXcellerator) come from umbilical cord tissue, a discarded, ethical source
Other misconceptions:
Not all stem cells are equal
Quality, source, and processing matter significantly
Protocols and delivery methods impact results


🌱 The Bigger Message: You Still Have to Do the Work
Dr. Halpert emphasizes something critical:
Regenerative medicine works best when paired with lifestyle changes.
Key factors:
Nutrition
Sleep
Stress management
Reducing chronic inflammation

Stem cells are not a shortcut—they are a powerful tool layered on top of a healthy foundation.

🌐 Resources & Links
🌐 Website: BioXcellerator Official Website
👤 Guest: Dr. Karolynn Halpert
🔗 LinkedIn: Karolynn Halpert LinkedIn Profile

📲 Follow McCall McPherson & Modern Thyroid and Wellness
💻 Website:

What if sauna therapy supports more than relaxation, influencing detoxification, circulation, and long-term health?
In this episode of Modern Thyroid and Wellness, McCall McPherson sits down with Connie Zack, co-founder of Sunlighten, to unpack the science, strategy, and real-world benefits of sauna therapy. Connie shares the deeply personal story that led her and her husband to leave careers in pharmaceutical sales and build Sunlighten after seeing infrared therapy transform her brother’s health. Connie and her husband started Sunlighten more than 20 years ago after her brother’s life changed through infrared light therapy, and the company continues to focus on science-backed infrared sauna technology.
Together, McCall and Connie break down the differences between traditional saunas and infrared saunas, why all infrared saunas are not created equal, what far infrared actually does inside the body, and how sauna use can support cardiovascular health, detoxification, skin, nervous system regulation, and overall longevity. They also discuss red light therapy, what to look for when shopping for a sauna, and how to think about sauna use as a practical part of a wellness routine.
This episode is a helpful guide for anyone curious about sauna therapy and wanting a clearer, more evidence-informed understanding of how to choose the right sauna and use it well.
Episode Highlights
Connie Zack’s personal story of how her brother’s chronic illness led her into the world of infrared light and sauna therapy
Why Connie and her husband left stable pharmaceutical careers to build Sunlighten
The difference between traditional saunas and infrared saunas
How traditional saunas heat the air, while infrared heats the body more directly
Why far infrared is the foundational wavelength in infrared sauna therapy
Why all infrared saunas are not the same and what consumers should watch out for
Why heater surface temperature matters more than cabin air temperature in infrared sauna performance
The importance of low EMF design and non-toxic building materials
How infrared sauna use may support detoxification, circulation, and skin health
Why combining far infrared, near infrared, and red light creates a more complete wellness experience
The role of red light and near infrared light in supporting collagen, skin repair, and cellular energy
Why Connie considers sauna use one of the best whole-body longevity tools available
Research discussed around cardiovascular health, blood pressure, nervous system support, and long-term wellness
How sauna can support a shift from sympathetic stress mode into a more parasympathetic, restorative state
Connie’s approach to habit stacking and using sauna time intentionally
The differences between Sunlighten’s Solo, Signature, Amplify, and mPulse collections
Why the Sunlighten red light panel and mask may be useful tools for skin, recovery, and wellness routines

Resources & Links
Sunlighten: https://www.sunlighten.com/
Connie Zack LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/conniezack/

📲 Follow McCall McPherson & Modern Thyroid and Wellness
💻 Website: modernthyroidclinic.com
🐦 X / Twitter: @thyroidexpert
🌐 Host Website: mccallmcpherson.com
📺 YouTube: McCall McPherson Channel
📘 Facebook: McCall McPherson PAC
📸 Instagram: @mccallmcphersonpa

What if the reason many thyroid patients struggle is not the condition itself, but how thyroid care is traditionally approached?
In this episode of Modern Thyroid and Wellness, McCall McPherson continues the clinician interview series by introducing three more members of the Modern Thyroid Clinic team: Yari Tran, PA-C, Melody Volz, FNP-C, and Nikki Abelow, APRN. Yari earned her psychology degree at Texas A&M and her physician assistant training at Texas Tech, then began in neurosurgery and pain management before shifting into root-cause thyroid and hormone care. Melody trained at the University of Texas at Austin, became a family nurse practitioner in 2014, and brings both clinical expertise and her own history of hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s to patient care. Nikki, a Florida-based APRN, graduated from Chamberlain University in 2019 after working as a cardiac nurse and later pursued additional functional medicine training through the School of Applied Functional Medicine.
This conversation gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at how each clinician found their way into medicine, what changed their perspective on conventional thyroid care, and why they are so passionate about individualized treatment. Across all three interviews, a shared theme emerges: thyroid care is rarely simple, TSH alone is not enough, and patients deserve to feel seen, heard, and fully supported.
Note About This Episode
Hillary Mayers was originally scheduled to appear in this episode. Due to a technical error during recording and editing, we were unable to include her segment. We greatly value Hillary’s insights and expertise, and she will be featured in a dedicated solo episode in the future. Thank you for your understanding.
We truly appreciate your patience and support as we navigate this, and we’re excited to continue bringing you meaningful content in Thursday’s episode.
Episode Highlights
Why this clinician interview series was created and what listeners can expect from future parts
Yari’s early love of medicine, from bringing an anatomy textbook to kindergarten show-and-tell to becoming a PA
The hormone conference that changed Yari’s entire view of thyroid and chronic symptom care
Why conventional, insurance-based models make nuanced thyroid treatment difficult
Yari’s take on one major misconception: thyroid treatment is never one-size-fits-all
Melody’s personal story of being diagnosed with hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s after struggling for answers as a teenager
How Melody learned firsthand that “normal” labs do not always mean patients feel well
Why Melody believes thyroid disease is not a life sentence when treated properly
Nikki’s path from nursing into functional medicine after her own health challenges led her to question conventional care
Nikki’s experience of being told a TSH in the 3s was “normal” despite obvious symptoms
Why Nikki is passionate about creating generational health by educating mothers and daughters earlier
The shared message from all three clinicians: patients do better when care is personalized, symptom-aware, and root-cause focused
Fun personal details, from Yari’s love of 80s and 90s country to Melody being a twin and Nikki’s love of cruising and Alaska

In This Episode, You Will Learn
Why many thyroid patients still struggle when care focuses only on TSH
How thyroid symptoms can be real even when standard labs appear “normal”
Why full thyroid panels, thoughtful medication choices, and individualized dosing matter
The difference between treating Hashimoto’s and simply replacing thyroid hormone
Why many women are dismissed with “you’re just tired,” “you’re just a mom,” or “it’s not your thyroid”
How proper thyroid care can restore quality of life, energy, confidence, and hope
Why clinicians who have lived through thyroid dysfunction themselves often bring deeper empathy to care
How Modern Thyroid Clinic’s approach combines education, empowerment, and precision

About the Clinicians
Yari Tran, PA-C began her medical career in neurosurgery and pain management before a hormone education conference reshaped her clinical perspective and sparked her passion for functional thyroid and hormone care. She lives in Austin with her two daughters and enjoys reading, running, and hiking.
Melody Volz, FNP-C earned both her BSN and MSN from the University of Texas at Austin and became a certified family nurse practitioner in 2014. Her own experience with hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s helped shape her patient-centered approach to thyroid and hormone care.
Nikki Abelow, APRN is a Florida-based advanced practice registered nurse who came from a cardiac nursing background and later expanded into functional medicine after her own health challenges pushed her to look beyond conventional care. She lives in Florida with her husband and son.
📲 Follow McCall McPherson & Modern Thyroid and Wellness
💻 Website: modernthyroidclinic.com
🐦 X / Twitter: @thyroidexpert
🌐 Host Website: mccallmcpherson.com
📺 YouTube: McCall McPherson Channel
📘 Facebook: McCall McPherson PAC
📸 Instagram: @mccallmcphersonpa