Thyroid Truths For Midlife Women
Your energy, mood, and focus don’t have to be a mystery. We sit down with Dr. Kevin Smith, a board-certified functional medicine practitioner, to unpack the thyroid’s real role in midlife health and why so many women are told “your labs look fine” while symptoms persist. From brain fog and anxiety to constipation, weight shifts, and burnout, we map how thyroid hormones act as the body’s metabolic gas pedal—and what goes wrong when the system breaks down.
We explore hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and why a large share of people with low thyroid function are actually dealing with Hashimoto’s, an autoimmune process. Dr. Smith explains why a TSH-only approach misses crucial steps like T4-to-T3 conversion in the liver and gut, the transport of hormones via thyroid binding globulin, and the impact of inflammation on receptor sites. We dig into hidden triggers that keep you stuck: anemia and iron deficiencies, insulin resistance, cortisol imbalances, sex hormone shifts during perimenopause and menopause, chronic infections like Epstein–Barr, and exposure to endocrine disruptors—yes, even in everyday cosmetics.
You’ll hear how functional medicine builds a complete picture with broader lab panels, targeted nutrient support, and personalized plans that go beyond symptom chasing. We talk practical moves you can make now: balancing blood sugar, optimizing sleep and protein, choosing cleaner skincare and makeup, and testing smarter to uncover underconversion or transport issues. If you’ve ever felt dismissed by “normal” labs while your body says otherwise, this conversation offers clarity and a roadmap you can act on.
If this episode helped you connect the dots, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs answers, and leave a quick review so more women can find their path to better thyroid health.
Bio
Dr. Kevin Smith is a board-certified chiropractor and functional medicine practitioner who has been in practice since 2001. He is also a public speaker and published author, with his second book on functional medicine set to release later this year.
Dr. Smith specializes in identifying and treating complex or misdiagnosed chronic conditions without drugs or surgery. Many patients seek his care after feeling frustrated by limited results from traditional medical approaches.
Rather than masking symptoms, Dr. Smith uses a functional medicine model to uncover and address the root causes of illness — helping patients restore health by identifying and eliminating underlying triggers.
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