Understanding Thyroid Health: From Hashimoto's to Hormone Testing with McCall McPherson

In this eye-opening episode of The Flow State podcast, hosts Monica Grohne and Norah Candido sit down with McCall McPherson, PA and founder of Modern Thyroid Clinic, to discuss the often misunderstood world of thyroid health and its impact on women's wellbeing.

Breaking Down Thyroid Disorders

McPherson shares her personal journey with thyroid dysfunction, which led her to become a specialist in the field. After experiencing debilitating fatigue that had her going to bed at 3:30 PM daily, she spent nearly a year seeking answers before finally receiving proper treatment. This experience inspired her to create a clinic dedicated to helping others regain their lives from thyroid disorders.

The Hashimoto's Connection

A key discussion point centers on the difference between thyroid issues and Hashimoto's disease. As McPherson explains, Hashimoto's is an autoimmune condition where the body attacks the thyroid gland, leading to hypothyroidism. However, hypothyroidism can exist without Hashimoto's, and understanding this distinction is crucial for proper treatment.

Common Symptoms Often Dismissed:

• Severe fatigue and brain fog
• Hair loss and dry skin
• Low libido and depression
• Cold intolerance
• High cholesterol
• Weight management challenges
• Constipation
• Mood changes

The Testing Challenge

One of the most significant issues in thyroid care is inadequate testing. McPherson advocates for comprehensive lab panels including:

• TSH
• Free T4
• Free T3
• Reverse T3
• TPO and thyroid globulin antibodies

However, many doctors rely solely on TSH testing, which McPherson likens to "throwing darts at a dartboard blindfolded." She emphasizes the importance of understanding optimal ranges versus normal ranges, noting that lab ranges can vary significantly between locations.

The Diet Connection

The episode explores the relationship between thyroid health and diet, particularly focusing on gluten and dairy sensitivities. Interestingly, McPherson's extensive testing with Hashimoto's patients revealed dairy as the number one inflammatory trigger, with gluten coming in second. She advocates for a measured approach to elimination diets, testing one food group at a time and tracking measurable data.

Supporting Thyroid Health

McPherson's approach to treatment involves:

1. Establishing proper hormone balance first
2. Adding targeted lifestyle modifications
3. Addressing inflammation and gut health
4. Incorporating appropriate supplementation
5. Monitoring and adjusting treatment based on individual response

The Fertility Connection

The episode concludes with an important discussion about thyroid health and fertility. McPherson explains that thyroid dysfunction can significantly impact fertility, even at levels that conventional medicine might consider normal. She notes that a TSH above 2.0 could signal potential fertility challenges.

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