"Measure, measure, measure." —Dr. Ron Hunninghake

Fatigue that lingers. Brain fog that will not clear. Sleep that never feels restorative. Many people are told their labs are within normal ranges, yet they still do not feel like themselves.

This conversation is designed for anyone looking to better understand hormone health, thyroid health, and metabolic patterns that can shape daily energy.

In this episode of the Real Health Podcast, Dr. Ron Hunninghake and Dr. Drew Rose explore how hormones and metabolism influence energy patterns, mood, sleep, and day-to-day vitality. They discuss why thyroid evaluation can involve more than a single TSH result and how markers such as free T3 and reverse T3 may add helpful context when reviewing metabolic patterns.

Register for Lunch & Learn: How Hormones and Metabolism Shape Your Energy, Mood, and Wellness (attend in person or watch live on YouTube)  

Learn more about Check Your Health (March 2–13)

They also talk through adrenal function, stress physiology, insulin dynamics, and the ways nutrient status can intersect with hormone balance. Dr. Ron shares historical context around hormone therapy, including where past concerns originated, and explains how careful measurement and ongoing monitoring can support individualized decisions.

Upcoming events at the Riordan Clinic

Lunch & Learn  

Thursday, February 26, 2026  

Lunch: 11:30 AM | Lecture: 12:00 PM  

Register to attend in person or watch live on YouTube

Check Your Health  

March 2–13, 2026  

Available at Wichita and Overland Park locations  

Learn more about Check Your Health

Episode links and resources

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Episode chapters  

00:00 Welcome  

00:56 Why hormones and metabolism matter  

02:22 Looking beyond TSH  

03:59 Free T3 and reverse T3 explained  

07:14 Adrenal patterns and stress  

08:43 Insulin and nutrient interplay  

10:21 Sleep and hormone balance  

11:28 Environmental influences on hormone levels  

12:51 Questions about hormone therapy  

15:28 Measurement and long-term perspective + closing reflections

Disclaimer  

The information contained on the Real Health Podcast and the resources mentioned are for educational purposes only. They are not intended as and shall not be understood or construed as medical or health advice. The information contained on this podcast is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. Information provided by hosts and guests on the Real Health Podcast or the use of any products or services mentioned does not create a practitioner-patient relationship between you and any persons affiliated with this podcast.

Topics we explore in this episode include:  

thyroid evaluation, free T3, reverse T3, adrenal physiology, stress physiology, insulin dynamics, hormone balance discussion, nutrient status, laboratory evaluation, metabolic patterns