Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations with Dr. Izabella Wentz

• 54: Thriving Through the Perimenopause Hormone Rollercoaster with Dr. Jen Pfleghaar

  In this episode of Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations, Dr. Izabella Wentz interviews Dr. Jenny Pfleghaar, double board-certified physician and author of the upcoming book, The Perimenopause Reset, about how to thrive through the hormone rollercoaster of perimenopause. (She has Hashimoto’s too!) Perimenopause symptoms can feel overwhelming and confusing, and we’re finally lifting the curtain. We share practical insights and cutting-edge solutions, including how progesterone, cycle syncing, and peptides can help you rebalance hormones, support detox pathways, and navigate this life stage with more ease and joy. Tune in to learn: Why perimenopause feels unpredictable and what’s actually happening hormonally. It’s not just a slow decline in estrogen. Dr. Jen explains that during perimenopause, estrogen can spike and crash wildly, while progesterone steadily drops. This hormonal mismatch is why symptoms like mood swings, anxiety, and irregular cycles can appear seemingly out of nowhere and why the traditional “wait and see” approach doesn’t work. The overlooked role of cortisol, and why stress hits harder now. As progesterone levels drop, its natural calming effect on the nervous system fades. Dr. Jen highlights how women in perimenopause become more sensitive to stress, and how cortisol spikes can drive insomnia, anxiety, and fatigue. She emphasizes daily tools like HRV monitoring, breathwork, and parasympathetic support to calm the system and rebalance hormones. Blood sugar swings aren’t just about food; they’re a hormone issue. Perimenopause shifts metabolic function, increasing insulin resistance even in healthy women. Dr. Jen connects the dots between blood sugar instability and symptoms like belly weight, brain fog, and energy crashes, and shares why protein-forward meals and strength training are non-negotiable for midlife women. Sleep isn’t just rest, it’s hormonal therapy. Poor sleep amplifies cortisol, disrupts blood sugar, and worsens estrogen/progesterone balance. Dr. Jen underscores how addressing the cause of poor sleep, like stress, late-night eating, or alcohol, can unlock profound hormonal improvements without starting with medications. Progesterone might be the missing piece for mood, sleep, and calm. As levels drop in perimenopause, many women experience anxiety, restlessness, and disrupted sleep. Dr. Jen explains why bioidentical progesterone, particularly in oral form, can be a safe, effective way to restore balance and help women feel like themselves again. Be sure to subscribe to the Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations podcast so you don’t miss an episode! Sign up for the Thyroid Pharmacist Weekly Thyroid Solutions Newsletter here: https://thyroidpharmacist.com/gift/  For the full list of resources and products mentioned in this episode, and to get the full episode transcript, see complete show notes here: https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/podcast/

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• 53: Magnesium Myths: The Best (and Worst) Types for Hashimoto’s | Dr. Izabella Wentz

  Magnesium can be a game-changer for people with Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism, but only if you’re using the right form for your body. In this episode of Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations podcast, Dr. Izabella Wentz shares her experience with magnesium deficiency, how to spot it even when labs are normal, and why forms like magnesium glycinate can make symptoms worse in some people. She explains how magnesium connects to thyroid health, and why magnesium citrate and Epsom salt baths are often the best choices for those with autoimmune thyroid conditions. Tune in to learn: Why more supplements aren’t always better: A client of Dr. Wentz was taking 12 different supplements but continued to struggle with anxiety, insomnia, and migraines. Once her magnesium deficiency was addressed with the right form of magnesium, nearly all of her symptoms resolved (and she stopped the other 12 supplements). This shows how one targeted intervention can be more effective than a whole shelf of supplements. How to spot magnesium deficiency even when your labs look normal: Muscle cramps, constipation, sensitivity to noise, and menstrual pain are just a few of the common signs that often go unnoticed. Since conventional testing may not catch low magnesium levels, Dr. Wentz shares a more symptom-based approach. The connection between magnesium and thyroid function: People with Hashimoto’s are more likely to be low in magnesium. This nutrient has been linked to higher thyroid antibodies and an increased risk of hypothyroidism. It also supports mood, energy, digestion, and overall immune health. Why magnesium citrate can be a helpful tool for thyroid-related symptoms: This form is often best for those dealing with constipation, anxiety, and cramps. Dr. Wentz also shares clinical findings showing that magnesium citrate may help normalize thyroid appearance on ultrasound. Why magnesium glycinate isn’t the right fit for everyone: Even though it’s popular, this form can trigger anxiety, joint pain, or panic in some individuals, Dr. Wentz explains who may need to avoid it and what to try instead. How Epsom salt can improve magnesium levels without taking a supplement: This topical option bypasses digestion and can quickly relieve joint pain, headaches, and stress. Dr. Wentz shares how to use it. Be sure to subscribe to the Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations podcast so you don’t miss an episode! Sign up for the Thyroid Pharmacist Weekly Thyroid Solutions Newsletter here: https://thyroidpharmacist.com/gift/  For the full list of resources and products mentioned in this episode, and to get the full episode transcript, see complete show notes here: https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/podcast/

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• 52: Hormones Uncensored – With America's Holistic Gynecologist Dr. Shawn Tassone

  In this episode of the Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations podcast, Dr. Izabella Wentz interviews Dr. Shawn Tassone, America's Holistic Gynecologist and author of The Hormone Balance Bible. Together, they explore how archetypes like The Mother, The Nun, and The Underdog can help women understand hormonal imbalances in a more personal and empowering way. They also dive into testosterone therapy for women, the myths surrounding hormone replacement, the limitations of conventional birth control, and Dr. Tassone’s SHINES protocol, a holistic roadmap to hormone balance. Tune in to learn:  Dr. Tassone created hormonal archetypes to make hormone healing easier to relate to. Instead of just reading lab results, women can see their patterns reflected in archetypes like the Mother, the Underdog, and the Nun, and learn how their imbalances can affect their emotions. The three most common hormone issues Dr. Tassone sees are low testosterone, estrogen deficiency, and subclinical hypothyroidism. These imbalances often show up as fatigue, low libido, mood swings, or weight gain. Many women are told their labs look fine, but a closer look reveals the real story. Testosterone is not just a “male hormone.” In fact, it’s the most abundant hormone in a woman’s body. Dr. Tassone explains that women can still have symptoms like brain fog and lack of motivation when their levels are at the low end of “normal.” Just nudging them to the right level can bring a huge shift in energy and drive. Many women still worry that hormone therapy causes cancer, but that fear is based on outdated data. Dr. Tassone breaks down how the original study that sparked this concern used synthetic hormones, and newer research shows that bioidentical estrogen may actually improve longevity and reduce disease risk. Birth control pills are often used to mask hormonal symptoms rather than resolve them. Dr. Tassone sees young women with low libido, mood changes, or fatigue caused by the very medication meant to help. He encourages a deeper look at root causes, especially when birth control is being used for anything other than contraception. Dr. Tassone’s SHINES protocol goes beyond medication. By including elements like spirituality, nutrient support, movement, and even energetic therapies, it gives women multiple paths to feel better.  Be sure to subscribe to the Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations podcast so you don’t miss an episode! Sign up for the Thyroid Pharmacist Weekly Thyroid Solutions Newsletter here: https://thyroidpharmacist.com/gift/  For the full list of resources and products mentioned in this episode, and to get the full episode transcript, see complete show notes here: https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/podcast/

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• 51: Is it ADHD, Thyroid Dysfunction, or Both? A Comprehensive Approach to Healing With Dr. Lauren Noel

  In Episode 51 of Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations podcast, Dr. Izabella Wentz interviews Dr. Lauren Noel, founder of Shine Natural Medicine, to explore the surprising overlap between ADHD and thyroid dysfunction. Together, they unpack how symptoms like brain fog, anxiety, fatigue, and mood swings often stem from deeper imbalances in the gut, immune system, nervous system, and environment. Dr. Noel shares her functional medicine framework for uncovering the root causes behind ADHD and thyroid symptoms, from childhood trauma and gut dysbiosis to heavy metals, mold, and hormone imbalances. This episode is packed with clinical pearls and real-world healing stories that will inspire anyone who’s been told “it’s just in your head.” What you’ll learn in this episode: Thyroid dysfunction and ADHD share many symptoms, and may even be connected. Low thyroid function can mimic or worsen ADHD symptoms like brain fog, mood swings, and anxiety. Dr. Noel explains how even suboptimal thyroid labs can significantly affect cognition and emotional regulation. For many women, optimizing thyroid health leads to improvements in focus, motivation, and energy. Childhood trauma and stress can lay the foundation for chronic health issues later in life. Emotional trauma and chronic stress can show up as brain fog, digestive issues, and mood instability decades later. Dr. Noel explains how early emotional wounds dysregulate the nervous system – and why therapies like EMDR and neurofeedback are crucial to true healing, not just symptom relief. The gut-brain connection plays a key role in both ADHD and thyroid dysfunction. Chronic digestive issues, food sensitivities, and gut infections like H. pylori and SIBO can contribute to systemic inflammation that impacts the brain and thyroid. Dr. Noel walks through the testing she uses to identify gut imbalances and the protocols that support both digestive and mental wellness. Heavy metals, mold, and environmental toxins are common in both thyroid and ADHD clients. Dr. Noel often sees exposure to mercury, lead, mold, and chemical sensitivities as hidden drivers behind fatigue, neurological symptoms, and thyroid resistance. She shares her process for identifying these toxic burdens and outlines how to detox safely through drainage and liver support. Standard ADHD treatments often miss the mark for women. Stimulant medications might provide temporary focus, but they don’t resolve the deeper imbalances, and may even worsen anxiety or sleep issues. Dr. Noel discusses natural support strategies like amino acids, adaptogens, blood sugar balancing, and targeted nootropics to support long-term brain health. A personalized approach can make all the difference. There’s no one-size-fits-all protocol for ADHD or thyroid issues. Dr. Noel emphasizes the power of testing (not guessing), building trust with your body, and making sustainable lifestyle changes such as eating for blood sugar balance, reducing histamine, and healing the limbic system, to support mood, memory, and metabolism. Be sure to subscribe to the Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations podcast so you don’t miss an episode! Sign up for the Thyroid Pharmacist Weekly Thyroid Solutions Newsletter here: https://thyroidpharmacist.com/gift/  For the full list of resources and products mentioned in this episode, and to get the full episode transcript, see complete show notes here: https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/podcast/

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• 50: Common Pitfalls of Thyroid-Friendly Eating and How to Avoid Them | Ginny Mahar the Hypothyroid Chef

  In this episode of Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations, Dr. Izabella Wentz interviews Ginny Mahar, also known as the Hypothyroid Chef, about the most common pitfalls people face when trying to follow a thyroid-friendly diet – and how to avoid them. Ginny shares her personal healing story and the foundational food and lifestyle principles that helped her turn her health around. Listeners will learn how to identify their own food sensitivities, overcome perfectionism and overwhelm, and adopt simple, sustainable habits that support thyroid healing… without the stress and burnout. The episode also touches on the importance of mindset, community, and looking beyond food to help you thrive and embrace a holistic approach to healing. Tune in to learn more about making your thyroid-friendly lifestyle joyful and practical! What you’ll learn in this episode: Why identifying your own food triggers is not only essential, but empowering. While common culprits like gluten, dairy, soy, grains, and nightshades can drive inflammation, Ginny emphasizes the importance of personal experimentation to uncover what truly works for your body – and what doesn’t. Using flexible frameworks like Paleo or AIP as a starting point, she encourages a “detective” mindset to find your ideal food roadmap. The perfectionism trap: why “all or nothing” can stall your healing. Many thyroid patients feel they must follow their diet flawlessly to succeed. But the stress of trying to “get it perfect” can backfire. Ginny shares how defining your non-negotiables (like gluten) while allowing for personal “wiggle room” can relieve pressure and make healing more sustainable. How to cut through the online noise. Carnivore, keto, oxalates, AIP… with so much conflicting advice, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Ginny shares how to tune out confusion, identify thyroid-savvy experts, and reconnect with what your body needs – not what’s trending. She encourages simplifying your inputs, trusting your intuition, and staying grounded in what actually works for you. Start simple and make healing sustainable. Instead of chasing complex protocols or recipes with 20 ingredients, Ginny recommends focusing on nutrient-dense staples like organic produce, clean proteins, and healthy fats. Her strategy: build a weekly foundation with batch-prepped basics like roasted veggies, shredded protein, and a go-to sauce for fast, nourishing meals. The power of mindset and community. Reframing your journey from deprivation to empowerment – focusing on what you can eat, celebrating small wins, and leaning on a supportive community – can radically shift your relationship with food, healing, and yourself. Ginny walks through mindset tools like “tiny celebrations” and the joy of finding thyroid-safe foods you love, plus the importance of not doing it alone. Why lifestyle habits matter as much as food. Thyroid healing isn’t just about what’s on your plate. Ginny explains the eight foundational rituals – from sleep and self-care to stress reduction and gut repair – that build energy, calm the immune system, and support long-term wellness. Her “8 Daily Rituals” framework offers a doable, whole-life approach to healing, one habit at a time. Be sure to subscribe to the Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations podcast so you don’t miss an episode! Sign up for the Thyroid Pharmacist Weekly Thyroid Solutions Newsletter here: https://thyroidpharmacist.com/gift/

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