Modern Thyroid and Wellness

What happens when you’re doing everything “right” for your health but still don’t feel like yourself?
In this episode of Modern Thyroid & Wellness, McCall McPherson sits down with Nicole Peterson Doran, co-founder of PUR-FORM, Humanaut Health franchisee, and host of The Healthspan Collective Podcast, to talk about her decades-long journey through PCOS, hypothyroidism, inflammation, fertility concerns, long COVID, mast cell activation symptoms, and ultimately finding a more personalized approach to health.
Nicole’s story began at just 16 years old when she rapidly gained weight, developed facial hair, experienced irregular periods, severe fatigue, and intense brain fog. She was diagnosed with PCOS and later hypothyroidism, but traditional treatment did little to resolve how she actually felt.
That experience eventually led her into integrative medicine, whole-food nutrition, mindfulness, and the concept of bio-individuality—the idea that what works for one person may not work for another.
In This Episode:
Nicole’s experience with PCOS and hypothyroidism beginning in her teens
Why whole foods and lifestyle changes became a turning point
The importance of bio-individuality in thyroid and hormone health
Why there is no single “best” diet, medication, or wellness plan for everyone
How Nicole prepared her body for pregnancy after years of PCOS
The supplements and lifestyle changes she personally used while preparing for fertility
Her long-COVID journey and mast cell activation symptoms
Her personal experience with microdosed tirzepatide
Thymosin alpha-1 and larazotide
Why gut health became an important piece of her recovery
What EBO2 is and how PUR-FORM uses regenerative therapies
The evolution from struggling patient to health entrepreneur

Fertility After PCOS
Nicole shares how being told as a teenager that getting pregnant could be difficult stayed with her for years.
When she decided she wanted to conceive, she worked intentionally with her practitioners, focused on reducing inflammation, prioritized rest, limited travel, reduced alcohol and sugar, and used supplements including CoQ10 and fish oil.
She became pregnant after approximately three months, while emphasizing that fertility is deeply individual and there is still an element of uncertainty that cannot always be controlled.
Long COVID, MCAS & Finding New Tools
After COVID, Nicole experienced months of intense histamine-type symptoms, inflammation, brain fog, irritability, and weight changes.
She describes working with practitioners and personally using several tools during her recovery, including microdosed tirzepatide, thymosin alpha-1, larazotide, nutritional support, and regenerative therapies. These are shared as Nicole’s personal experience and are not recommendations for every listener.
About Nicole Peterson Doran
Nicole Peterson Doran is a co-founder of PUR-FORM, a comprehensive health optimization clinic in Boca Raton, Florida. She is also involved with Humanaut Health and hosts The Healthspan Collective Podcast.
Her work focuses on personalized health, metabolic and hormonal wellness, regenerative medicine, and helping people find answers when conventional approaches have not been enough.
Connect with Nicole
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/nicolejdoran/
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolejpeterson/
PUR-FORM:
https://purformhealth.com/
Humanaut Health:
https://humanauthealth.com/
This episode is for educational purposes only and does not replace individualized medical advice.
📖 Pre-Order Take Back Your Thyroid + Get a Free Bonus
Pre-order McCall McPherson’s new book, Take Back Your Thyroid, and choose one free bonus:
🎓 Thyroid Empowered Course, a $399 value
OR
🩺 $150 off a new patient visit at Modern Thyroid Clinic
Pre-Order & Claim Your Free Bonus
📲 Follow McCall McPherson & Modern Thyroid and Wellness
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In this episode of Modern Thyroid and Wellness, McCall McPherson, PA-C sits down with thyroid health expert and bestselling author Elle Russ to discuss why so many people with hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s continue experiencing symptoms even while taking thyroid medication—and what may be missing from conventional thyroid treatment.
They break down the limitations of relying on TSH alone, the difference between “normal” thyroid labs and actually feeling well, and why thyroid treatment may need to consider the bigger picture, including T4, T3, reverse T3, medication type, dosage, timing, symptoms, and the individual patient.
If you’ve ever been told your thyroid labs are normal while you still struggle with fatigue, brain fog, stubborn weight gain, mood changes, high cholesterol, fertility concerns, or other hypothyroid symptoms, this conversation will help you better understand the questions to ask about your thyroid care.
📖 PRE-ORDER TAKE BACK YOUR THYROID
McCall McPherson’s new book, Take Back Your Thyroid, is the science-based guide for people who are tired of being told everything looks “normal” when they still don’t feel well.
Pre-order the hardcover and receive the Thyroid Empowered Course ($399 value) FREE with your pre-order.
👉 Pre-order here:
https://book.modernthyroidclinic.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=take_back_your_thyroid_preorder&utm_content=episode_62_elle_russ
🔑 IN THIS EPISODE:
Why you may still have hypothyroid symptoms while taking thyroid medication
Why relying only on TSH can leave important information out of the picture
“Normal” thyroid lab ranges vs. optimal thyroid function
T4, T3, reverse T3, and thyroid hormone conversion
T4-only medication vs. combination thyroid therapy
Natural desiccated thyroid vs. synthetic thyroid hormones
How medication dose and timing can affect thyroid treatment
The connection between thyroid dysfunction, fatigue, weight, mood, cholesterol, and fertility
Common misconceptions about thyroid hormone replacement
Why understanding your own thyroid labs matters
How to become a more informed advocate for your thyroid health

👩‍⚕️ ABOUT ELLE RUSS
Elle Russ is a bestselling author, thyroid health educator, and advocate.
After experiencing years of hypothyroidism, misdiagnosis, and unsuccessful treatment herself, she became dedicated to helping others better understand thyroid health and advocate for more individualized care.
She is the author of The Paleo Thyroid Solution and creator of The Ultimate Thyroid Course.
🔗 ELLE RUSS RESOURCES
Website:
https://elleruss.com
Free Thyroid Guide:
https://freethyroidguide.com
🌐 ABOUT MODERN THYROID CLINIC
Modern Thyroid Clinic specializes in helping patients understand and address persistent thyroid symptoms through individualized, comprehensive thyroid care.
https://www.modernthyroidclinic.com
Subscribe for weekly conversations about thyroid health, Hashimoto’s, hypothyroidism, hormones, metabolism, functional medicine, women’s health, and longevity.
This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or replace individualized medical advice from your healthcare provider.
#Hypothyroidism #Hashimotos #ThyroidHealth #ThyroidMedication #WomensHealth

Could a simple neck self-check help you notice a thyroid concern earlier?
September is Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month, and in this episode of Modern Thyroid & Wellness, McCall McPherson sits down with Dr. Rashmi Roy, a fellowship-trained, board-certified endocrine surgeon specializing in thyroid and parathyroid disorders.
Dr. Roy practices at the Hospital for Endocrine Surgery in Tampa and has performed thousands of thyroid and parathyroid procedures. Together, McCall and Dr. Roy have an important conversation about thyroid cancer risk, early detection, diagnosis, thyroid nodules, surgery, Hashimoto’s, and how patients can make more informed decisions about their thyroid health.
They discuss how to perform a neck self-check, potential signs and risk factors to be aware of, and when thyroid ultrasound or additional evaluation may be appropriate.
Dr. Roy also explains what patients should know before thyroid surgery, including common misconceptions, potential complications, and why the experience of your thyroid surgeon can matter when evaluating surgical options.
The conversation also explores Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, its relationship to overall thyroid health and thyroid cancer risk, evolving approaches to treatment and post-surgical management, and why learning to ask better questions can help you become a stronger advocate for your own care.
Whether you are navigating a thyroid nodule, Hashimoto’s, a possible thyroid cancer diagnosis, or an upcoming thyroid surgery, this episode offers practical information to help you approach the next step with greater clarity.
🔑 In This Episode:
How to perform a neck self-check
Signs, symptoms, and risk factors associated with thyroid cancer
When thyroid ultrasound or additional screening may be considered
What patients should know about thyroid nodules
Why surgeon experience matters when choosing a thyroid surgeon
Common myths about thyroid surgery
Potential risks and complications of thyroid surgery
Hashimoto’s and its relationship to thyroid health and thyroid cancer risk
New and emerging approaches to treatment and post-surgical management
How to advocate for yourself and ask better questions about your care

👩‍⚕️ About Dr. Rashmi Roy
Dr. Rashmi Roy is a fellowship-trained, board-certified endocrine surgeon specializing in thyroid and parathyroid disorders. She practices at the Hospital for Endocrine Surgery in Tampa and has performed thousands of thyroid and parathyroid procedures.
Her extensive surgical experience gives her a valuable perspective on thyroid cancer diagnosis, surgical decision-making, potential complications, and what patients should consider when selecting a thyroid surgeon.
If you know someone navigating thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer, Hashimoto’s, or an upcoming thyroid surgery, share this episode with them during Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month.
📘 Pre-Order Take Back Your Thyroid
McCall McPherson’s new book, Take Back Your Thyroid, is available for pre-order now.
Pre-order and receive FREE access to the Thyroid Empowered Course — a $399 value.
👉 Pre-order here:
https://book.modernthyroidclinic.com/
📲 Connect with McCall & Modern Thyroid Clinic
McCall McPherson, PA-C
Instagram: @mccallmcphersonpa
https://www.instagram.com/mccallmcphersonpa/
Modern Thyroid Clinic
Instagram: @modernthyroid
https://www.instagram.com/modernthyroid/
Learn more about Modern Thyroid Clinic:
https://www.modernthyroidclinic.com/
This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace individualized medical care.
#ThyroidCancerAwarenessMonth #ThyroidCancer #ThyroidHealth #ThyroidCancerAwareness #ThyroidSurgery #ThyroidNodules #Hashimotos #HashimotosDisease #Hypothyroidism #ThyroidDisease #EndocrineHealth #WomensHealth #ModernThyroidClinic #McCallMcPherson #TakeBackYourThyroid

What if thyroid dysfunction isn’t always an isolated thyroid problem, but a signal that the cells throughout your body are under too much stress?
In this episode of Modern Thyroid & Wellness, McCall McPherson sits down with Dr. Bill Rawls, physician, bestselling author, and co-founder of Vital Plan, for a fascinating conversation about cellular health, chronic illness, autophagy, microbes, stress, thyroid function, and the role herbs may play in supporting resilience.
Dr. Rawls’ perspective grew out of his own health crisis. After years of intense work and inadequate sleep as an OB-GYN, his health deteriorated dramatically. He experienced fatigue, neurological symptoms, joint problems, cardiac symptoms, and eventually discovered evidence of Lyme disease. After conventional approaches failed to restore his health, his experience with herbal therapy led him into decades of research on chronic illness and cellular wellness.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
Why Dr. Rawls views cellular stress as a common thread in chronic illness
Five major categories that can stress our cells
Why nutrition, environmental toxins, sleep, movement, and microbes matter
What autophagy is and why cellular repair is essential
How fasting, exercise, and stress can influence autophagy
The relationship between thyroid hormone and cellular metabolism
Why Dr. Rawls views thyroid dysfunction as a possible signal of broader cellular stress
His hypothesis about microbes, thyroid cells, and Hashimoto’s
How chronic psychological stress and cortisol affect cellular recovery
Why whole foods, plant diversity, sleep, movement, and reducing toxic exposures form the foundation of his approach
How adaptogenic herbs may support cellular resilience
Ashwagandha, rhodiola, reishi, cordyceps, Japanese knotweed, Chinese skullcap, dandelion, and milk thistle
Why herbs became central to Dr. Rawls’ approach to chronic illness

The Five Drivers of Cellular Stress
Dr. Rawls encourages listeners to zoom out from individual diagnoses and look at the health of the cells themselves.
He organizes common sources of cellular stress into five broad areas: inadequate nutrition, toxic exposures, insufficient recovery and sleep, physical stress or inactivity, and microbes.
His goal is not simply to suppress symptoms, but to create an internal environment that gives cells the resources and recovery time they need to function well.
Autophagy: Your Cells’ Recycling and Repair System
A major part of the conversation focuses on autophagy, the ongoing process cells use to recycle damaged components and maintain themselves.
Dr. Rawls explains how fasting, movement, and other mild stressors may stimulate this process, while excessive stress can become counterproductive. He emphasizes balance between stress and recovery, rather than believing that more fasting or harder exercise is always better.
What Does This Mean for Thyroid Health?
Dr. Rawls describes thyroid hormone as an important metabolic signal that helps cells produce and use energy.
His central argument is that when cells are chronically stressed, thyroid function may become part of that larger picture. Rather than viewing fatigue or thyroid dysfunction completely in isolation, he encourages looking at sleep, nutrition, stress, environmental exposures, movement, and overall cellular health.
Connect with Dr. Bill Rawls
🌿 Dr. Bill Rawls at RawlsMD
📖 The Cellular Wellness Solution
📖 Unlocking Lyme
🌱 Explore Vital Plan
RESTORE180™
Dr. Rawls also shares RESTORE180, Vital Plan’s six-month program for people navigating complex chronic illness. The program progresses through stress regulation, gut and detoxification support, and concentrated botanical formulations.
Learn More About RESTORE180
📲 Follow McCall McPherson & Modern Thyroid and Wellness
💻 Website: modernthyroidclinic.com
🐦 X / Twitter: @thyroidexpert
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📺 YouTube: McCall McPherson Channel
📘 Facebook: McCall McPherson PAC
📸 Instagram: @mccallmcphersonpa

With thousands of supplements promising more energy, better hair, improved thyroid function, and healthier aging, how do you know what your body actually needs?
In this episode of Modern Thyroid & Wellness, McCall McPherson sits down with Melissa “Mel” Afflerbach, Clinical Director of Weight Loss & Supplement Programs, for a practical conversation about the supplements they use and recommend within their thyroid and metabolic health programs.
They break down some of the most common concerns women with hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s experience—from persistent fatigue and low energy to hair loss—and explain why supplementation should support the bigger picture rather than replace investigating the root cause of a symptom.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
Why correcting thyroid function may not completely resolve fatigue
How adrenal and mitochondrial health relate to energy production
The difference between stimulant energy and supporting cellular energy
Why thyroid dysfunction can contribute to hair shedding and changes in hair, skin, and nails
Why ferritin and thyroid labs matter when investigating hair loss
How collagen, micronutrients, and antioxidants may support hair, skin, and nails
Why myo-inositol and selenium are used in ThyroShield™
Why testing and understanding the cause of a symptom still matters
How McCall and her clinical team choose supplements for MDRN Wellness
A sneak peek at what they are developing specifically for the thyroid community

McCall also shares the deeply personal story behind the “Sol” found throughout the MDRN Health line. Her late brother, Solomon, had been working on the project before his unexpected passing, and the line now carries part of his legacy forward.
Supplements Discussed in This Episode
Adrena-Sol — adrenal and energy support
Shop Adrena-Sol
Mito-Sol — mitochondrial and cellular energy support
Shop Mito-Sol
Beauty Glow Collagen — collagen support for hair, skin, and nails
Shop Beauty Glow Collagen
Complete Beauty — micronutrient support for hair, skin, and nails
Shop Complete Beauty
Astaxanthin Antioxidant — antioxidant and skin support
Shop Astaxanthin
ThyroShield™ — myo-inositol + selenium thyroid support
Shop ThyroShield™
Shop MDRN Wellness
The MDRN Wellness store was created to make choosing supplements less overwhelming. Products are selected by McCall and the clinical team with the needs of people navigating thyroid dysfunction, hormone concerns, low energy, and related symptoms in mind.
Shop All MDRN Wellness Supplements
📖 Pre-Order Take Back Your Thyroid + Get a Free Bonus
Pre-order McCall McPherson’s new book, Take Back Your Thyroid, and choose one free bonus:
🎓 Thyroid Empowered Course, a $399 value
OR
🩺 $150 off a new patient visit at Modern Thyroid Clinic
Pre-Order & Claim Your Free Bonus
📲 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