Could a parasite lurking in your body be affecting your thyroid? 

It sounds surprising—even bizarre—but researchers have been exploring whether certain parasitic infections could contribute to inflammation, autoimmune reactions, and thyroid dysfunction. 

In this episode, we dive into the intriguing—and still evolving—connection between parasites, Hashimoto’s, and hypothyroidism, and why the idea of looking beyond genetics may be gaining attention. We explore evidence suggesting that certain parasites may potentially trigger immune responses that could play a role in autoimmune thyroid disease.

We’ll also discuss what parasites actually are, the different types that can infect humans, and what researchers have discovered about specific infections and thyroid health. We’ll look at Schistosomiasis, a parasitic worm infection that has been associated with impaired thyroid hormone uptake, as well as research involving Blastocystis and Hashimoto’s. We’ll also explore fascinating questions about the relationship between gut health, the immune system, and the thyroid.

But before you start worrying that every symptom is a parasite, there’s an important reality check. Not every parasitic infection causes autoimmune disease, and the mechanisms connecting parasites and Hashimoto’s are still being studied. We’ll talk about:

• when testing for parasites might make sense

• what symptoms and risk factors doctors consider

• how parasitic infections are diagnosed and treated, and 

• practical ways to reduce your exposure. 

🎤If you've been searching for answers about the possible root causes of your hypothyroidism, tune in for a fascinating new piece of the puzzle!

LEARN MORE

Are Parasites a Root Cause for Hypothyroidism?

https://www.palomahealth.com/learn/parasites-root-cause-hypothyroidism 

ABOUT PALOMA HEALTH 

⁠⁠Paloma Health ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠is an online medical practice focused on treating hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s, perimenopause, menopause, and hormonal weight gain. From online visits with your provider to easy prescription management and lab orders, we create personalized treatment plans for you. 

Become a member⁠, or try our at-home test kit and experience a whole new level of hypothyroid care. Use code PODCAST to save $30 at checkout.

Disclaimer: The $30 discount is only valid for first-time Paloma Health members and test kit users. Coupon must be entered at the time of checkout. 

Become a Paloma Member

https://www.palomahealth.com/pricing-hypothyroidism  

Paloma Complete Thyroid Blood Test Kit

https://www.palomahealth.com/home-thyroid-blood-test-kit

JustLabs - Direct to Consumer Lab Testing

https://justlabs.health/

For years, we’ve have been given confusing—and sometimes frightening—messages about hormone replacement therapy and dementia. Could HRT actually increase your risk of cognitive decline? Or could it potentially protect your brain?

Now, a major new UK Biobank study involving more than 183,000 postmenopausal women is adding an important new chapter to the conversation. Researchers found that HRT use was associated with about a 10% lower risk of dementia overall and a 16% lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

In this episode, we take a closer look at what this groundbreaking research actually found—and why the answer may be much more personal than simply “HRT is good” or “HRT is bad.” We’ll explore the potential importance of when you start HRT, including the study’s finding that women who began hormone therapy between ages 46 and 56 showed the greatest reduction in dementia risk. 

We’ll also look at why women who experienced surgical menopause, had lower lifetime estrogen exposure, or carried the APOE4 genetic variant appeared to have stronger associations with lower dementia risk.

But there’s an important reality check: this study does not prove that HRT prevents dementia, and it doesn't mean HRT is right for every woman. We’ll unpack why previous research—including the Women's Health Initiative Memory Study—produced very different concerns, what this latest research does and doesn't tell us, and how factors such as your age, menopause history, family history, genetics, thyroid health, sleep, cardiovascular health, and blood sugar all fit into the bigger picture. 

Most importantly, we'll discuss how to use this new research to have a more informed, individualized conversation with your healthcare provider about menopause treatment and long-term brain health.

🎤Tune in to discover more about the connection between hormone replacement therapy, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. 

LEARN MORE

Menopause Treatment and the Risk of Dementia

https://www.palomahealth.com/learn/menopause-treatment-and-risk-of-dementia 

ABOUT PALOMA HEALTH 

⁠⁠Paloma Health ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠is an online medical practice focused on treating hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s, perimenopause, menopause, and hormonal weight gain. From online visits with your provider to easy prescription management and lab orders, we create personalized treatment plans for you. 

Become a member⁠, or try our at-home test kit and experience a whole new level of hypothyroid care. Use code PODCAST to save $30 at checkout.

Disclaimer: The $30 discount is only valid for first-time Paloma Health members and test kit users. Coupon must be entered at the time of checkout. 

Become a Paloma Member

https://www.palomahealth.com/pricing-hypothyroidism  

Paloma Complete Thyroid Blood Test Kit

https://www.palomahealth.com/home-thyroid-blood-test-kit

JustLabs - Direct to Consumer Lab Testing

https://justlabs.health/

Have you ever stood up and suddenly felt your heart racing, your head spinning, or your energy completely disappear? Maybe you've experienced crushing fatigue, brain fog, temperature swings, or unexplained palpitations—and been told it's anxiety, stress, aging, or “just menopause.”

In this episode, we explore a frequently overlooked possibility: dysautonomia, including postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), and how it can overlap with hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s.

We'll break down what POTS and dysautonomia actually are, the telltale symptoms to watch for, and how conditions involving the autonomic nervous system can look remarkably similar to thyroid dysfunction. We'll also explore why thyroid hormone can influence heart rate and autonomic balance—and why people with Hashimoto’s may be particularly vulnerable to this complicated overlap.

Most importantly, we'll discuss the tests that can help uncover what's really happening, including the active stand test, tilt table testing, and comprehensive thyroid testing.

And then there's menopause. As estrogen levels fluctuate and decline during perimenopause and menopause, the nervous system and cardiovascular system can undergo significant changes, potentially adding another layer of palpitations, dizziness, sleep disruption, hot flashes, and anxiety-like symptoms. So how do you know what's causing what—and what happens when you have more than one of these conditions at the same time? 

🎤Tune in for a fascinating look at the thyroid-hormone-nervous system connection and practical strategies for getting the right evaluation and more comprehensive care.

LEARN MORE

POTS, Autonomic Dysfunction, Your Thyroid, and Menopause

https://www.palomahealth.com/learn/pots-autonomic-dysfunction-thyroid-menopause-dysautonomia 

ABOUT PALOMA HEALTH 

⁠⁠Paloma Health ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠is an online medical practice focused on treating hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s, perimenopause, menopause, and hormonal weight gain. From online visits with your provider to easy prescription management and lab orders, we create personalized treatment plans for you. 

Become a member⁠, or try our at-home test kit and experience a whole new level of hypothyroid care. Use code PODCAST to save $30 at checkout.

Disclaimer: The $30 discount is only valid for first-time Paloma Health members and test kit users. Coupon must be entered at the time of checkout. 

Become a Paloma Member

https://www.palomahealth.com/pricing-hypothyroidism  

Paloma Complete Thyroid Blood Test Kit

https://www.palomahealth.com/home-thyroid-blood-test-kit

JustLabs - Direct to Consumer Lab Testing

https://justlabs.health/

Why do you suddenly feel like your brain isn't working the way it used to? Why are you forgetting words, struggling to focus, feeling more anxious or moody, or gaining weight despite doing everything “right”?

In this 20-minute episode, we explore neurowellness—the powerful connection between your brain and your hormones—and why brain fog may be much more than a normal part of getting older. Thyroid hormone, estrogen, insulin, and leptin all send critical signals to the brain, and when those signals change, your memory, mood, energy, appetite, and ability to concentrate can change too.

We’ll take a closer look at Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism, perimenopause and menopause, and hormonal weight gain, and how these conditions can overlap in ways that make symptoms incredibly confusing. You’ll learn why thyroid-related brain fog is a real and measurable symptom, why declining and fluctuating estrogen can affect memory and mood during the menopause transition, and how leptin resistance may make hunger and weight loss more difficult.

Most importantly, we’ll talk about why women shouldn’t simply accept persistent brain fog, fatigue, mood changes, or memory lapses as something they have to live with.

The good news? There are practical ways to support your brain and hormonal health. From getting the right thyroid treatment and addressing hormonal changes to eating for stable blood sugar, moving your body, prioritizing sleep, and managing chronic stress, small but meaningful changes can support neurowellness. 

🎤Tune in to discover why your brain may be giving you clues about your hormones—and why looking at the whole picture could be the key to finally feeling like yourself again.

LEARN MORE

Neurowellness and Your Hormones

https://www.palomahealth.com/learn/neurowellness-and-hormones   

ABOUT PALOMA HEALTH 

⁠⁠Paloma Health ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠is an online medical practice focused on treating hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s, perimenopause, menopause, and hormonal weight gain. From online visits with your provider to easy prescription management and lab orders, we create personalized treatment plans for you. 

Become a member⁠, or try our at-home test kit and experience a whole new level of hypothyroid care. Use code PODCAST to save $30 at checkout.

Disclaimer: The $30 discount is only valid for first-time Paloma Health members and test kit users. Coupon must be entered at the time of checkout. 

Become a Paloma Member

https://www.palomahealth.com/pricing-hypothyroidism  

Paloma Complete Thyroid Blood Test Kit

https://www.palomahealth.com/home-thyroid-blood-test-kit

JustLabs - Direct to Consumer Lab Testing

https://justlabs.health/

Could smoking actually affect your thyroid—and what does cigarette smoking have to do with Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism? The answer is far more complicated than you might think!

In this episode, we take a closer look at the surprising and sometimes contradictory research connecting cigarette smoking, the immune system, inflammation, and autoimmune thyroid disease.

We’ll explore what happens to your thyroid and immune system when you smoke, why environmental toxins may contribute to inflammation, and what researchers have—and haven’t—proven about smoking and Hashimoto’s. We’ll also discuss why the relationship between tobacco, thyroid autoimmunity, and hormones is anything but simple.

Most importantly, this episode moves beyond the research to focus on what you can do. If you have Hashimoto’s or hypothyroidism and you smoke, quitting is one of the most important steps you can take for your overall health. 

Whether you currently smoke, have recently quit, or are wondering whether smoking may be affecting your thyroid health, this episode will give you the facts you need to make informed decisions about your health.

🎤Listen now! This is a conversation that could help someone recognize a crisis—and potentially save a life.

LEARN MORE

Cigarette Smoking and Risk Of Hashimoto's

https://www.palomahealth.com/learn/cigarette-smoking-hashimotos  

ABOUT PALOMA HEALTH 

⁠⁠Paloma Health ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠is an online medical practice focused on treating hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s, perimenopause, menopause, and hormonal weight gain. From online visits with your provider to easy prescription management and lab orders, we create personalized treatment plans for you. 

Become a member⁠, or try our at-home test kit and experience a whole new level of hypothyroid care. Use code PODCAST to save $30 at checkout.

Disclaimer: The $30 discount is only valid for first-time Paloma Health members and test kit users. Coupon must be entered at the time of checkout. 

Become a Paloma Member

https://www.palomahealth.com/pricing-hypothyroidism  

Paloma Complete Thyroid Blood Test Kit

https://www.palomahealth.com/home-thyroid-blood-test-kit

JustLabs - Direct to Consumer Lab Testing

https://justlabs.health/

Feeling exhausted, foggy, gaining weight, or simply not feeling like yourself after 40? It may not be “just aging.”

As women enter perimenopause and menopause, thyroid function, reproductive hormones, cholesterol, blood sugar, vitamin D, and cortisol can all shift — sometimes in ways that a standard blood test doesn't capture. In this episode, we break down six important blood test panels that every woman over 40 should know about and why looking at the bigger picture can be so important.

We’ll take a closer look at the complete thyroid panel, female hormone panel, lipid panel, blood sugar and insulin resistance testing, vitamin D, and cortisol — and explore how these systems can overlap. Why might your cholesterol rise even if your diet hasn't changed? How can insulin resistance develop while your glucose still looks “normal”? And why can thyroid symptoms look so much like perimenopause? You'll learn what these tests can reveal and why a single “normal” number doesn't necessarily tell the whole story.

Most importantly, this episode is about becoming a better advocate for your own health. We'll discuss the questions you can bring to your healthcare provider and the additional preventive screenings that become increasingly important in midlife — from blood pressure and mammograms to bone density and colorectal cancer screening. 

🎤 If you've ever been told your labs are “normal” but still don't feel normal, tune in and learn more about what questions to ask next.

LEARN MORE

6 Essential Blood Test Panels for Women Over 40

https://www.palomahealth.com/learn/6-essential-blood-test-panels-for-women-over-40 

ABOUT PALOMA HEALTH 

⁠⁠Paloma Health ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠is an online medical practice focused on treating hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s, perimenopause, menopause, and hormonal weight gain. From online visits with your provider to easy prescription management and lab orders, we create personalized treatment plans for you. 

Become a member⁠, or try our at-home test kit and experience a whole new level of hypothyroid care. Use code PODCAST to save $30 at checkout.

Disclaimer: The $30 discount is only valid for first-time Paloma Health members and test kit users. Coupon must be entered at the time of checkout. 

Become a Paloma Member

https://www.palomahealth.com/pricing-hypothyroidism  

Paloma Complete Thyroid Blood Test Kit

https://www.palomahealth.com/home-thyroid-blood-test-kit

JustLabs - Direct to Consumer Lab Testing

https://justlabs.health/

You've cut calories. You've exercised. You've tried to “eat better.” So why is the scale still moving in the wrong direction? If weight loss suddenly feels harder than it used to, your biology may have changed.

In this episode, we uncover five signs that your weight gain could be driven — at least in part — by hormonal changes involving your thyroid, perimenopause, insulin, cortisol, and the hormones that regulate hunger and fullness. The message is simple: struggling with your weight doesn't automatically mean you're lacking willpower.

We'll explore the five patterns you shouldn't ignore: weight gain accompanied by fatigue and feeling cold, changes in your body shape and menstrual cycle, a diet that suddenly stops working, intense sugar cravings and energy crashes, and weight gain that appears alongside chronic stress or poor sleep.

You'll hear how hypothyroidism can slow metabolism, why declining estrogen can shift fat toward the abdomen, how chronic calorie restriction can increase physical stress, and why insulin resistance can make it harder for the body to burn stored fat.

And there's an important takeaway: the answer isn't necessarily another restrictive diet. Targeted testing — including thyroid, glucose and insulin testing, and reproductive hormone testing when appropriate — can help identify what's actually happening. We'll also talk about the often-overlooked impact of sleep and stress, including research showing that even short-term sleep restriction can alter leptin and ghrelin, increasing hunger and appetite.

🎤 If you've been blaming yourself for a body that seems to be fighting back, tune in for a different perspective: stop fighting your biology and start understanding it.

LEARN MORE

5 Signs Your Weight Gain Is Hormonal, Not a Willpower Problem

https://www.palomahealth.com/learn/5-signs-weight-gain-is-hormonal-not-a-willpower-problem  

ABOUT PALOMA HEALTH 

⁠⁠Paloma Health ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠is an online medical practice focused on treating hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s, perimenopause, menopause, and hormonal weight gain. From online visits with your provider to easy prescription management and lab orders, we create personalized treatment plans for you. 

Become a member⁠, or try our at-home test kit and experience a whole new level of hypothyroid care. Use code PODCAST to save $30 at checkout.

Disclaimer: The $30 discount is only valid for first-time Paloma Health members and test kit users. Coupon must be entered at the time of checkout. 

Become a Paloma Member

https://www.palomahealth.com/pricing-hypothyroidism  

Paloma Complete Thyroid Blood Test Kit

https://www.palomahealth.com/home-thyroid-blood-test-kit

JustLabs - Direct to Consumer Lab Testing

https://justlabs.health/

What happens when the exhaustion, anxiety, insomnia, mood changes, and brain fog of new motherhood signal something far more serious?

The Lindsay Clancy trial has brought this issue to the forefront, and in this important episode, we take a closer look at postpartum psychosis—a rare but potentially life-threatening psychiatric emergency—and the often-overlooked role thyroid health can play in the postpartum period.

We’ll break down the warning signs that distinguish postpartum psychosis from the baby blues and postpartum depression, including hallucinations, delusions, extreme confusion, mania, rapidly shifting moods, and an inability to sleep.

We’ll also explore why thyroid testing belongs in a comprehensive evaluation when a postpartum woman is experiencing dramatic changes in mood, thinking, sleep, or behavior. Postpartum thyroiditis, Hashimoto’s, Graves’ disease, and other thyroid disorders can cause symptoms that overlap with psychiatric conditions—and research has found an association between postpartum psychosis and autoimmune thyroid dysfunction.

We’ll discuss the thyroid tests clinicians may consider, including TSH, Free T4, and thyroid antibodies, while emphasizing a critical point: an abnormal thyroid result does not make a psychiatric emergency a thyroid problem.

Most importantly, this episode is about recognizing danger signs and knowing what to do. If a postpartum person is hallucinating, expressing delusional beliefs, severely confused, unable to sleep for an extended period, or talking about suicide or harming a baby, emergency medical and psychiatric care is needed immediately. We’ll discuss how partners and family members can respond, why sleep and safety planning matter, how psychiatric and thyroid care can work together, and what women with thyroid disease or a history of thyroid autoimmunity can do before and after pregnancy to be better prepared. 

🎤Listen now! This is a conversation that could help someone recognize a crisis—and potentially save a life.

LEARN MORE

Postpartum Psychosis and Thyroid Disease: Symptoms, Testing, and Emergency Care

https://www.palomahealth.com/learn/postpartum-psychosis-thyroid-disease-symptoms-testing-emergency-care 

ABOUT PALOMA HEALTH 

⁠⁠Paloma Health ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠is an online medical practice focused on treating hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s, perimenopause, menopause, and hormonal weight gain. From online visits with your provider to easy prescription management and lab orders, we create personalized treatment plans for you. 

Become a member⁠, or try our at-home test kit and experience a whole new level of hypothyroid care. Use code PODCAST to save $30 at checkout.

Disclaimer: The $30 discount is only valid for first-time Paloma Health members and test kit users. Coupon must be entered at the time of checkout. 

Become a Paloma Member

https://www.palomahealth.com/pricing-hypothyroidism  

Paloma Complete Thyroid Blood Test Kit

https://www.palomahealth.com/home-thyroid-blood-test-kit

JustLabs - Direct to Consumer Lab Testing

https://justlabs.health/

Coffee. Breakfast. Thyroid medication. You probably have a morning routine you don't think twice about—but could the timing of these things be affecting how well your thyroid medication works?

For people taking levothyroxine and other thyroid hormone medications, what happens in the first hour after taking your pill can matter more than you might realize.

In this Paloma podcast, we'll take a closer look at the connection between thyroid medication and breakfast. You'll learn why thyroid medication is commonly recommended on an empty stomach, how coffee and certain foods and supplements—including calcium, iron, soy, and high-fiber foods—can affect absorption, and why taking your medication consistently can be so important.

But do you really have to give up your morning coffee or wait an hour before eating? Not necessarily. We'll explore a new approach to thyroid medication timing and what you should know before changing your routine. 

🎧If you've ever wondered whether you can simply take your thyroid medication with breakfast, this episode will help you understand your options—and have a more informed conversation with your healthcare provider.

LEARN MORE

Can You Take Thyroid Medication with Breakfast?

https://www.palomahealth.com/learn/can-you-take-thyroid-medication-with-breakfast   

ABOUT PALOMA HEALTH 

⁠⁠Paloma Health ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠is an online medical practice focused on treating hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s, perimenopause, menopause, and hormonal weight gain. From online visits with your provider to easy prescription management and lab orders, we create personalized treatment plans for you. 

Become a member⁠, or try our at-home test kit and experience a whole new level of hypothyroid care. Use code PODCAST to save $30 at checkout.

Disclaimer: The $30 discount is only valid for first-time Paloma Health members and test kit users. Coupon must be entered at the time of checkout. 

Become a Paloma Member

https://www.palomahealth.com/pricing-hypothyroidism  

Paloma Complete Thyroid Blood Test Kit

https://www.palomahealth.com/home-thyroid-blood-test-kit

JustLabs - Direct to Consumer Lab Testing

https://justlabs.health/

What if the reason you’re exhausted, gaining weight, waking up at 3 a.m., and struggling with brain fog isn’t just your thyroid—or just menopause? Cortisol could be adding fuel to the fire!

In this episode of Paloma Health’s podcast, we take a closer look at the surprising connection between stress, cortisol, hypothyroidism, perimenopause, and menopause—and why these three hormonal systems can create a frustrating cycle of symptoms that can be difficult to untangle.

Cortisol has become a four-letter word in the wellness world, blamed for everything from belly fat to insomnia. But the truth is much more interesting. Cortisol is an essential hormone that helps regulate your energy, blood sugar, stress response, and sleep-wake cycle. The problem can arise when chronic stress, poor sleep, illness, or hormonal changes keep your body's stress response switched on.

We’ll explore how cortisol may interact with thyroid hormone production and T4-to-T3 conversion—and why you can sometimes feel profoundly hypothyroid even when your standard thyroid labs look “normal.”

And there’s an important twist: the answer isn’t to “fix your adrenals” with the latest supplement or chase a cortisol number from social media. 

We’ll separate the science from the hype and talk about what actually deserves attention—from optimizing thyroid treatment and addressing menopause symptoms to improving sleep and reducing chronic stress.

🎧If you’re a woman in midlife who feels like your body suddenly stopped responding the way it used to, tune in and find out how to connect some very important dots!

LEARN MORE
Is Cortisol Making Your Hypothyroidism or Menopause Worse?

https://www.palomahealth.com/learn/cortisol-making-hypothyroidism-menopause-worse 

ABOUT PALOMA HEALTH 

⁠⁠Paloma Health ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠is an online medical practice focused on treating hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s, perimenopause, menopause, and hormonal weight gain. From online visits with your provider to easy prescription management and lab orders, we create personalized treatment plans for you. 

Become a member⁠, or try our at-home test kit and experience a whole new level of hypothyroid care. Use code PODCAST to save $30 at checkout.

Disclaimer: The $30 discount is only valid for first-time Paloma Health members and test kit users. Coupon must be entered at the time of checkout. 

Become a Paloma Member

https://www.palomahealth.com/pricing-hypothyroidism  

Paloma Complete Thyroid Blood Test Kit

https://www.palomahealth.com/home-thyroid-blood-test-kit

JustLabs - Direct to Consumer Lab Testing

https://justlabs.health/