Made for Health
Thyroid Whisperer
Listening to the Signals Your Body Has Been Sending
Dr. Aaron Hartman
December 4, 2024
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"Your symptoms are signals, not inconveniences. They’re your body’s way of asking for help.” —Dr. Amie Hornaman
Imagine gaining 40 pounds in just a few months despite doing everything “right.” Now imagine hearing doctor after doctor tells you, “There’s nothing wrong.”
For millions of people, this frustrating experience is more than a passing health scare—it’s their everyday reality. Thyroid dysfunction leaves individuals battling unexplained fatigue, weight gain, depression, and other life-altering symptoms. Time and again, they’re told their lab results are “normal” or that they just need to eat less or exercise more.
“I felt like I was doing everything I was supposed to do—dieting, exercising—but nothing changed. I wasn’t just tired; I was exhausted. It was like my body had given up on me.” – Dr. Amie Hornaman
The truth, however, is far more complex. Your thyroid is more than a number on a lab report—it’s the master hormone regulating critical processes across your body. When it’s out of balance, its impact ripples through nearly every system, from your metabolism to your mood.
I had the privilege of sitting down with Dr. Amie Hornaman, “The Thyroid Fixer,” to discuss the role of this critical hormone in our health.
For Dr. Hornaman, this struggle hit close to home. Once a competitive athlete, she experienced weight gain, debilitating fatigue, and a series of dismissive diagnoses. It wasn’t until she embraced functional medicine, a personalized, science-based approach, that she began to uncover the true root of her health challenges.
The Mystery of the Master Hormone
“Your thyroid isn’t just about weight—it’s about life.”
The thyroid is often underestimated. While many think of it as a regulator of metabolism, it actually serves as a command center for nearly every bodily function. From energy production to hormonal balance and even heart health, its influence is vast.
Thyroid dysfunction is particularly difficult to diagnose because it mimics symptoms of countless other conditions. Fatigue, weight gain, and mood swings might be attributed to stress or aging, while the true culprit—a poorly functioning thyroid—goes unnoticed.
“Many patients come to me saying, ‘My doctor says it’s just stress,’ but they know something deeper is wrong,” shares Dr. Amie Hornaman.
For Dr. Hornaman, uncovering her thyroid’s full impact required looking beyond conventional lab tests. Functional medicine allowed her to understand how her thyroid influenced not only her metabolism but also her mood and energy levels.
Key Takeaway: If you’ve been struggling with unresolved symptoms, it’s time to look deeper. Understanding your thyroid’s role could be the breakthrough you need.
The Missing Link: Active vs. Inactive Thyroid Hormones
“The problem isn’t always what’s missing—it’s what isn’t working.”
Conventional medicine often treats hypothyroidism with T4-only medications like Levothyroxine, assuming the body will convert it into active T3. However, for many people, this conversion doesn’t happen efficiently, leaving them stuck in a state of functional hypothyroidism.
This issue is more common than many realize: patients take their medication, their lab results look “normal,” but they still feel fatigued, overweight, and mentally foggy.
“Patients tell me, ‘I’m taking my medication, but I still feel terrible.’ It’s because their bodies aren’t getting the T3 they need to thrive,” explains Dr. Amie Hornaman.
Why T3 Matters:
- T3 is the active thyroid hormone responsible for fueling metabolism, energy, and mental clarity.
- Without T3, your body remains sluggish, even if T4 levels appear adequate on lab tests.
Emerging therapies like T2 supplementation also show promise for supporting metabolism without disrupting the thyroid’s natural function.
Key Takeaway: If T4-only treatments aren’t enough, it’s time to explore T3 and newer approaches like T2 supplementation to unlock better health.
Breaking the Cycle of Misdiagnosis
Seven doctors, one persistent problem, and zero answers—until a functional approach changed everything.
For many, thyroid dysfunction feels like a revolving door of misdiagnoses and ineffective treatments. Standard care relies heavily on basic tests, such as TSH and T4, which often fail to capture nuanced thyroid issues like poor T4-to-T3 conversion.
Functional medicine takes a broader approach:
1. Comprehensive thyroid panels (including T3 and reverse T3).
2. Evaluating symptoms alongside lab results.
3. Addressing lifestyle, stress, and nutrient deficiencies.
“Every doctor told me I was fine, but I knew I wasn’t fine. I just needed someone to take me seriously.” - Dr. Amie Hornaman
Key Takeaway: If standard care has failed you, a functional approach offers a deeper dive into your unique challenges and needs.
Cortisol, Insulin, & Thyroid: The Hormone Trinity
Three systems, one vicious cycle—breaking it could be the key to reclaiming your health.
Your thyroid doesn’t work in isolation—it’s closely linked with cortisol (stress hormone) and insulin (blood sugar regulator). When one is out of balance, the others often follow, creating a cycle of dysfunction.
For example:
- Chronic stress raises cortisol levels, which can suppress thyroid function.
- Elevated cortisol increases reverse T3, blocking active T3 from working effectively.
- Insulin resistance exacerbates cortisol levels, creating a vicious metabolic cycle.
“Think of your thyroid, cortisol, and insulin as three legs of a stool. If one is wobbly, the entire system becomes unstable.” – Dr. Amie Hornaman
Balancing these systems involves stress management, dietary changes, and targeted supplementation, such as berberine or magnesium.
Key Takeaway: Addressing cortisol and insulin alongside thyroid health is critical to restoring balance.
The Role of Protein in Thyroid Health
“You’re not just what you eat—you’re what you build.”
Protein is the foundation for thyroid hormone production and muscle maintenance. Yet, many people—especially women—don’t consume enough.
Why protein matters for thyroid health:
- Provides amino acids for T3 and T4 production.
- Supports muscle mass and metabolism.
- Stabilizes blood sugar levels, reducing stress on the thyroid.
Dr. Hornaman recommends high-quality protein sources such as:
- Lean meats (chicken, turkey)
- Fish (wild-caught salmon, mackerel)
- Eggs
- Plant-based options (beans, lentils)
Key Takeaway: Prioritizing protein can fuel your thyroid, boost energy, and support overall vitality.
Conclusion: Your Health Journey Starts Here
"The first step to thriving? Listening to your body.”
“You don’t have to go it alone. Find a health advocate who listens, empowers, and supports you.”
Never Accept ‘Feeling Fine’ as an Answer
“Fine is a baseline, not a destination.”
Too often, symptoms like fatigue or brain fog are dismissed as normal. But these are your body’s way of signaling that something is off.
“Your health isn’t a guessing game—it’s a puzzle waiting to be solved,” says Dr. Amie Hornaman.
Take Action Today:
- Explore 1:1 Membership with RIFM
- Read our Series on Hormone Health: Your Hormones in Harmony
- Explore the Thyroid Fixer podcast for practical insights.
- Join a supportive health community that understands your journey.
