Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations with Dr. Izabella Wentz

In this episode of the Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations podcast, Dr. Izabella Wentz interviews pharmacist and menopause expert Dr. Anna Garrett to unpack the biggest myths – and most misunderstood truths – about menopausal hormone therapy. Together, they explore what hormone therapy looks like today, why many women were unnecessarily frightened after the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study, and how modern options (like transdermal estradiol and micronized progesterone) are changing the conversation.

They also discuss why progesterone can be a game-changer for sleep and mood in early perimenopause, why estrogen becomes more important later on, how testosterone supports strength and vitality, and why testing and metabolism pathways (including gut and histamine factors) can influence results.

What you’ll learn in this episode:


Why the “hormones cause cancer” narrative won’t die despite a flawed WHI study. Dr. Garrett explains how the Women’s Health Initiative used older products (like conjugated equine estrogens and synthetic progestins), and why today’s bioidentical options have a very different risk/benefit profile. She also shares the resource that helped her advocate for herself – even with a strong family history of breast cancer.


Progesterone supplementation can be a smart starting point, even for mid-30s hormone chaos. If you’ve suddenly developed insomnia, anxiety, mood swings, or “crime scene periods,” it may be a sign you’re ovulating less frequently (and losing that calming progesterone effect). Dr. Garrett talks about why progesterone alone can be a smart starting point for many women.


When progesterone stops working for sleep, this may point to a drop in estrogen. Dr. Garrett shares how low estrogen can become a bigger driver of sleep disruption in late perimenopause/menopause, and why combining estrogen and progesterone can be the “lights back on” moment for some women.


Testosterone isn’t a “male hormone” – and dismissing it can cost women strength and vitality. Dr. Garrett shares why testosterone matters for muscle maintenance, bone health, drive, and overall wellbeing… plus why pellets can be risky if you haven’t dialed in your dose.


The DUTCH test and hormone pathways: why metabolism matters as much as dosing. Even bioidentical hormones can create unwanted effects. Dr. Garrett walks through tools and nutrients used to support healthier estrogen/testosterone metabolism – and why these tests are best interpreted with a trained practitioner.


How to decide if hormone therapy is right for you (without needing a medical degree). They talk candidly about “shared decision-making,” quality of life, clotting risk considerations, transdermal estradiol vs oral estrogen, micronized progesterone, and experimenting with HRT to see if it’s right for you.

Tune in to learn more about navigating perimenopause and menopause with clarity, confidence, and thyroid-smart support.

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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In this episode of Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations, Dr. Izabella Wentz interviews functional medicine expert Dr. Sam Shay about the critical lab tests that go beyond TSH for people with Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism. Dr. Sam shares a pivotal patient story that highlights why “normal” thyroid labs can still leave people suffering – and how a broader, root-cause approach can uncover what’s really driving symptoms.

Together, they discuss thyroid panels, gut permeability and gluten triggers, stress hormones and adrenal patterns, estrogen dominance, nutrient deficiencies, genetics, and the often-overlooked role of mitochondria in fatigue, brain fog, and thyroid-like symptoms.

What you’ll learn in this episode:


Why a “normal” TSH can be misleading – and what a full thyroid panel reveals. Dr. Sam explains how people can have significant thyroid symptoms and autoimmunity even when their TSH is in a “normal” range. He outlines the additional labs that provide a more complete picture of thyroid function, hormone conversion, and immune activity so care is not based on a single number.


How gut permeability and gluten can trigger thyroid antibodies (and why it’s a “two-for-one” problem). Intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”) can allow food particles or microbial byproducts into the bloodstream, prompting antibodies that may cross-react with thyroid tissue. Gluten is a key factor because it can both increase gut permeability and contribute to immune cross-reactivity.


Why chronic stress can suppress thyroid function: Dr. Sam breaks down how HPA axis dysfunction shifts the body into a survival state, which can reduce thyroid activity and slow long-term healing. He also explains how ongoing stress can worsen gut health, creating interconnected challenges.


The role of mitochondria in thyroid-related symptoms. Dr. Sam describes mitochondria as the place where thyroid hormones are activated to produce energy. When mitochondrial function is impaired, individuals may experience symptoms of hypothyroidism even when standard thyroid labs appear normal.


Key symptoms that may point to mitochondrial dysfunction. The discussion highlights patterns such as persistent fatigue, low exercise tolerance, muscle weakness, brain fog, blood sugar instability, and migraines. Dr. Sam also explains how environmental factors like mold and toxins can significantly impact mitochondrial function.


How personalized testing can help identify root causes more effectively. Instead of relying on generalized approaches, Dr. Sam explains how targeted lab testing and genetic insights can guide more precise interventions. This approach helps identify the most impactful changes and can reduce the trial-and-error process often experienced in thyroid care.

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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In this episode of Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations, Dr. Izabella Wentz interviews integrative psychiatrist Dr. Will Van Derveer about the often-misunderstood field psychedelic-assisted therapy, and how it may be an effective tool for trauma healing and even deeper root cause work. Emphasizing the importance of safety, screening, and in-person clinical support, Dr. Van Derveer discusses the myths and misconceptions about these therapies, how they are very different from recreational drug use, and why they may offer new hope for people dealing with treatment-resistant PTSD depression, and more.

Together, they explore how trauma can shape immune function, inflammation, and even autoimmune conditions. They also discuss EMDR, somatic work, spiritual disconnection, mental health stigma, and the nuanced differences between MDMA, psilocybin, and ketamine in therapeutic settings. While this field is rapidly evolving, he emphasizes that these therapies are not a DIY solution and can be unpredictable or even destabilizing without proper clinical guidance.

What you’ll learn in this episode:


Why psychedelic-assisted therapy is not the same as recreational drug use. Dr. Van Derveer explains that these therapies are used in highly specific clinical settings, with careful screening, preparation, dosing, and follow-up. He also shares why trying to replicate these experiences on your own can be risky, unpredictable, and potentially dangerous, highlighting the critical role of trained practitioners in creating a therapeutic (not recreational) environment.


How unresolved trauma may become an overlooked root cause in chronic illness. Trauma can affect inflammation, immune function, the HPA-axis, and even autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s. This is especially relevant for people with thyroid issues, who may have focused only on the physical side of healing while missing an important emotional piece.


Why talk therapy alone may not always be enough. Some people can clearly identify their patterns, understand their trauma intellectually, and still feel stuck. Dr. Van Derveer shares why layered or preverbal trauma may require different approaches, including EMDR, somatic therapies, or psychedelic-assisted therapy, to help people access healing beyond words.


The key differences between MDMA, psilocybin, and ketamine in therapeutic settings. Each therapy has a distinct mechanism, duration, and use case. Dr. Van Derveer breaks down how MDMA is being studied for PTSD, psilocybin for depression, and ketamine for rapid symptom relief, and why clinical MDMA and psilocybin therapy may offer longer-lasting benefits.


Why safety, preparation, and the right practitioner are everything. Dr. Van Derveer explains how improper dosing, lack of preparation, or the wrong environment can overwhelm the nervous system – while skilled guidance can support meaningful and lasting healing.


How trauma healing may improve thyroid antibodies and autoimmune flares. While psychedelic-assisted therapy is not a magic bullet, Dr. Van Derveer has observed improvements not only in mental health symptoms, but also in markers like thyroid antibodies and autoimmune flare frequency, reinforcing the deep connection between emotional and immune health.

Tune in to learn more about trauma, safety, and the evolving role of psychedelic-assisted therapy in root-cause healing.

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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In this episode of Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations, Dr. Izabella Wentz speaks with Sara Russell, PhD, FNTP, a functional nutritional therapy practitioner specializing in women’s mental health and perinatal lab interpretation. Together, they explore the often-missed connections between bipolar symptoms, thyroid dysfunction and autoimmunity, gluten-related disorders (including serum-negative celiac), medication side effects, and postpartum mental health risks.

They also discuss why many patients aren’t properly monitored when prescribed medications like lithium, how blood sugar instability can amplify anxiety and immune activation, and what key labs can help uncover root causes – especially during preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum, when “normal” reference ranges can shift dramatically.

What you’ll learn in this episode:


Why bipolar symptoms can sometimes point to an underlying thyroid issue. Sara explains how hypo- and hyperthyroidism can mimic depression, mania, anxiety, and even psychosis – and why skipping a full thyroid panel (including antibodies) can lead to years of misdiagnosis or mistreatment.


The overlooked triad: thyroid autoimmunity, gluten-related disorders, and psychiatric symptoms. We discuss how celiac disease (including serum-negative celiac) can fly under the radar, how gluten exposure has been linked to neuropsychiatric symptoms in some cases, and why “negative antibodies” don’t always mean “not celiac.”


How the “gluten-free junk food” trap can backfire – especially for mood and antibodies. Dr. Wentz shares her own experience of feeling better off gluten… yet more anxious when her blood sugar swings got worse. We’ll unpack why blood sugar balance can be a game-changer for calm, stable energy, and better immune resilience.


Why lithium requires closer monitoring than many patients receive. Why lithium requires thyroid and kidney monitoring (and why it often doesn’t happen), the “prescribing cascade,” and how one missed lab can snowball into multiple medications and side effects.


The postpartum “gray zone”: bipolar vs postpartum thyroiditis vs autoimmune shifts. Sara shares why postpartum psychosis risk skyrockets in people with bipolar disorder, and why postpartum thyroid changes can muddy the clinical picture – making screening and lab literacy critical in pregnancy and postpartum.


Preconception + pregnancy labs aren’t “one-size-fits-all.” Sara explains how pregnancy changes kidney filtration, thyroid physiology, and reference ranges for many markers, and why interpreting labs by trimester (and postpartum) can prevent unnecessary panic and missed issues.

Tune in to learn how to advocate for the right labs, the right monitoring, and the right root-cause approach, especially when mental health symptoms may actually be driven by thyroid, immune, or metabolic imbalances.

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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In this episode of Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations, Dr. Izabella Wentz explores a surprising perspective on food sensitivities – and why eliminating foods may not actually solve the root problem.

While elimination diets can provide short-term relief for symptoms like bloating, migraines, IBS, and fatigue, Dr. Wentz explains that reacting to multiple foods is often a sign of deeper issues such as gut infections, digestive enzyme deficiencies, microbial imbalances, and intestinal permeability. She shares insights from her own healing journey and outlines the hidden root causes that can drive food sensitivities.

Dr. Wentz also walks through common categories of food reactions – including histamine intolerance, sulfur sensitivity, oxalate issues, and FODMAP reactions – and explains how addressing the underlying gut imbalances can often restore tolerance to many foods.

What you’ll learn in this episode:


Why food sensitivities are often a symptom – not the root cause – of chronic illness. While elimination diets can temporarily reduce symptoms, reacting to dozens of foods is usually a sign of deeper issues like intestinal permeability, gut infections, or immune dysregulation rather than the foods themselves.


How gut infections like Blastocystis hominis can drive food reactions and IBS symptoms. This common protozoal infection may be present in up to 73 percent of people with IBS (according to various studies) and can trigger sensitivities to foods like sugar, wheat, dairy, and fruit until the infection is properly treated.


The hidden digestive deficiencies that can make healthy foods feel intolerable. Issues like low pancreatic enzymes, bile acid deficiencies, or poor fat digestion can lead to symptoms after eating fatty foods and may indicate the need for digestive support rather than eliminating those foods entirely.


Why reactions to sulfur foods, histamine foods, or FODMAPs often signal metabolic or gut imbalances. Sensitivities to foods like garlic, onions, fermented foods, or cruciferous vegetables may indicate nutrient deficiencies or microbial overgrowth rather than true intolerance.


How oxalate and salicylate sensitivities can develop – and what actually resolves them. These reactions are frequently linked to issues like mold exposure, Candida overgrowth, or nutrient deficiencies, rather than the foods themselves.


The supplements and gut-support strategies that can help restore food tolerance. Supporting digestive enzymes, microbial balance, intestinal lining repair, and nutrient status can help many people gradually reintroduce foods they once reacted to.

Tune in to learn how addressing the root causes of gut dysfunction may help you expand your diet and restore your health.

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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