My Thyroid Health: Thyroid, Midlife Hormones + Weight Loss

What if one of the biggest keys to healthy aging after 40 isn’t simply losing weight—but protecting the muscle underneath it?

Creatine has long been associated with athletes and bodybuilders, but new research is putting this familiar supplement in a very different spotlight. In this episode, we explore what creatine may mean for women in midlife, especially during menopause, when hormonal changes can make maintaining muscle, strength, and body composition increasingly challenging.

We’ll look at the emerging research on creatine and muscle, including intriguing findings showing increases in lean tissue even without structured exercise. We’ll also explore why muscle preservation matters so much during menopause—and why the conversation gets even more important for people using GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound for weight loss. Could creatine become a useful piece of the muscle-preservation puzzle alongside adequate protein and resistance training?

And what about safety, dosing, water weight, kidney tests, thyroid health, and the question everyone seems to be asking: Should you take creatine with collagen? We break down what creatine can—and can’t—do, who might want to consider it, and why the goal shouldn’t simply be a lower number on the scale. 

🎤Join us if you’re navigating menopause, midlife weight changes, or GLP-1 weight loss and want to preserve strength and muscle along the way! 

LEARN MORE 

Should You Supplement With Creatine?

http://ww.palomahealth.com/learn/supplement-with-creatine 

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/

Microplastics are everywhere—in our food, water, household dust, clothing, and everyday products. But a new study has uncovered something that may be especially concerning if you have Hashimoto’s: researchers found microplastics inside human thyroid tissue, and people with autoimmune thyroiditis had more than 10 times the amount of plastic by weight and more than three times the number of particles compared with people without autoimmune thyroid disease.

So…does plastic actually cause Hashimoto’s? Not so fast. This was a small, preliminary study, and it found an association—not proof that microplastics cause autoimmune thyroid disease. But the findings raise fascinating questions about how environmental exposures may interact with the immune system, thyroid hormones, gut health, and even weight. In this episode, we’ll break down what researchers actually discovered, why PVC stood out, what we know—and still don't know—about microplastics and autoimmunity, and why this emerging research deserves your attention.

And here's the good news: you don't have to live in a plastic-free bubble! We'll walk through 7 realistic ways to reduce your everyday exposure, from one surprisingly important kitchen habit to rethinking bottled water, food storage, cookware, household dust, and personal-care products. No perfectionism, no panic—just simple swaps that can help you reduce exposure while continuing to focus on the things that are proven to matter for thyroid health.

🎤Join us to learn about the 7 ways to reduce your exposure to microplastics! 

LEARN MORE 

Microplastics Are Everywhere! What Does That Mean for Your Thyroid?

https://www.palomahealth.com/learn/microplastics-and-thyroid   

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 fall asleep exhausted. Then, suddenly, it’s 3:07 a.m.—and you’re wide awake. Your heart may be pounding, your thoughts are racing, and somehow your brain has decided this is the perfect time to replay every worry, problem, and unfinished task!

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. “3 A.M. wake-up syndrome” is a common but often overlooked sleep complaint, particularly during perimenopause and menopause.

In this deep dive episode, we explore why middle-of-the-night waking can become so common during the menopause transition—and why it’s not always about hot flashes or “bad sleep habits.” Shifting estrogen and progesterone, changes in the body’s cortisol rhythm, overnight blood sugar fluctuations, stress, and even thyroid dysfunction can all play a role. We’ll also look at why you can feel completely exhausted and yet strangely “tired but wired” when you wake up.

Most importantly, we’ll talk about what you can actually do about those 3 a.m. wake-ups. From creating a more temperature-stable sleep environment and rethinking your evening meal to managing stress during the day, avoiding alcohol triggers, you’ll lean simple strategies when you’re wide awake in the middle of the night.

🎤Tune in and you’ll come away with practical ways to understand—and potentially improve—your sleep. If 3 a.m. has become your nightly alarm clock, this episode is for you!

LEARN MORE

Why Preserving Muscle is Essential On a GLP-1 or GIP

https://www.palomahealth.com/learn/preserving-muscle-essential-glp-1-gip-weight-loss   

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’re stepping on the scale. The numbers are dropping. Your clothes are getting looser. Success, right? Maybe—but there’s something your bathroom scale isn’t telling you.

New research is shining a spotlight on muscle loss during GLP-1 and GIP treatment, including medications like Wegovy, Ozempic, Zepbound, and Mounjaro. In some studies, a significant percentage of the weight people lose is lean mass rather than fat. And that matters because muscle isn't just about looking toned—it supports metabolism, strength, balance, bones, and long-term independence.

In this episode, we'll unpack what the latest research actually tells us about muscle loss on GLP-1 and GIP medications. How much muscle might you lose? Why might some people be more vulnerable than others? What does tirzepatide versus semaglutide mean for lean mass? And what happens when hypothyroidism or menopause is already working against your muscle health?

We'll also look at the surprising signs that you may be losing muscle—including fatigue, weakness, difficulty climbing stairs or getting out of a chair, and changes in grip strength.

Most importantly, this isn't an argument against GLP-1 medications. It's an argument for using them strategically. We'll talk about the two biggest tools for protecting muscle—adequate protein and resistance training—and why they should be part of your plan from the beginning, not something you think about after muscle loss has already occurred. We'll also cover why thyroid optimization matters, how much protein the research suggests, and what kinds of muscle monitoring you can discuss with your provider. 

🎤Tune in to find out why preserving muscle may be just as important as watching the number on the scale.

LEARN MORE

Why Preserving Muscle is Essential On a GLP-1 or GIP

https://www.palomahealth.com/learn/preserving-muscle-essential-glp-1-gip-weight-loss   

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/

Are you taking a GLP-1 or GIP medication like semaglutide or tirzepatide while managing hypothyroidism?

In this episode, we unpack new 2026 research showing how these popular weight-loss/diabetes medications can quietly shift your thyroid hormone replacement requirements within just three months of starting treatment! 

Whether you have been on a stable dose of thyroid medication for years or recently started weight loss therapy, discover why taking GLP-1s requires active attention to your thyroid care rather than staying on autopilot.

You will learn how to spot early warning signs that your dose is falling out of alignment, including overtreatment symptoms like heart palpitations, anxiety, and tremors, as well as undertreatment signs like returning fatigue and brain fog. 

Finally, we share actionable steps to protect your treatment, and how Paloma Health simplifies this process by managing both thyroid replacement and GLP-1 therapy under one coordinated care plan with convenient at-home thyroid testing. 

🎤Tune in to ensure your weight loss and thyroid treatments work together seamlessly! 

LEARN MORE

Starting a GLP-1 Can Change Your Hypothyroid Treatment Dose

https://www.palomahealth.com/learn/starting-glp-1-gip-can-change-hypothyroid-treatment-dose 

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/

Testosterone has become one of the hottest—and most controversial—topics in menopause. Women are being told it could restore their libido, energy, motivation, muscle, mood, and even their mental clarity. Prescriptions are skyrocketing. Social media is buzzing.

But before you decide that testosterone is the missing hormone you've been searching for, there's one important question: What does the science actually say?

In this episode, we take a deep dive into what testosterone really does in the female body—and separate the evidence from the hype. You'll learn why testosterone therapy has one well-supported use in postmenopausal women, while many of its most popular promises—from fighting fatigue and brain fog to improving mood and muscle—are still surrounded by unanswered questions.

But here's where the conversation gets even more interesting: your testosterone levels may not tell the whole story. Your thyroid could be involved. Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's can affect testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), libido, mood, fatigue, and brain fog—creating symptoms that can easily be mistaken for “low testosterone.”

And surprisingly, research in postmenopausal women with Hashimoto's found something that challenges what many people assume about testosterone and an underactive thyroid.

So, should you consider testosterone during menopause? And if you're struggling with low libido, exhaustion, diminished motivation, or brain fog, what should you investigate first? 

🎤Join us for a fascinating look at the interconnected world of testosterone, menopause, Hashimoto's, and thyroid health—and discover why getting the full hormonal picture may be far more important than chasing a single number on a lab report. 

LEARN MORE
Should You Use Testosterone During Menopause?

https://www.palomahealth.com/learn/should-you-use-testosterone-during-menopause 

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/

Ozempic and Wegovy (semaglutide) changed the weight-loss conversation. Then Mounjaro and Zepbound (tirzepatide) raised the bar even higher! But now, there's a new drug generating enormous excitement—and the results are so dramatic that some researchers are comparing its potential weight loss to bariatric surgery!

It's called retatrutide, and unlike Ozempic or tirzepatide, it works on not one or two—but three different hormone pathways at once. Could this be the next major breakthrough in weight-loss medicine?

In this episode, we're taking a deep dive into the science behind retatrutide—and the numbers that have everyone talking. Clinical trials have produced striking results, including average weight loss approaching 30 percent in some participants. But the story goes far beyond the number on the scale. Retatrutide may also have important effects on blood sugar, liver fat, joint pain, metabolism, and the way the body uses energy. So, how does this triple-hormone drug actually work—and could it outperform the medications millions of people are already taking?

But if you have Hashimoto's or hypothyroidism, there are important questions you need to ask before getting swept up in the excitement. GLP-1–based medications can affect gastric emptying, potentially influencing how oral medications such as levothyroxine are absorbed. And significant weight loss itself can change your body's thyroid hormone needs. We'll explore the thyroid cancer warning, who it actually applies to, why ongoing thyroid testing matters, and why your thyroid medication dose may not stay the same as your body changes.

And for women in perimenopause and menopause, there's another critical piece of the puzzle: muscle. Powerful weight-loss medications don't necessarily cause you to lose only fat—and midlife women are already facing natural declines in estrogen, muscle mass, and bone health. Could the next generation of weight-loss drugs be revolutionary? Possibly. But the smartest approach isn't simply chasing the newest injection. 

🎤Join us as we explore what retatrutide could mean for the future of weight loss—and why protecting your thyroid, metabolism, muscle, and long-term health may matter just as much as losing the weight.

LEARN MORE
Is Retatrutide The Next Ozempic?

https://www.palomahealth.com/learn/retatrutide-weight-glp-ozempic-semaglutide-tirzepatide 

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/

Ever walk into a room and forget why you’re there? Lose your train of thought mid-sentence? Stare at an email for five minutes because your brain simply won’t process the words?

Brain fog is real—and if you have hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s, or you’re going through perimenopause, there may be more going on than being tired or distracted.

Thyroid-related brain fog can involve forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, mental fatigue, slowed thinking, and trouble making decisions. And during the menopause transition, many women experience their own version of cognitive disruption—what some call “peri-brain.”

In this episode, we’ll unpack why your brain can feel so different during thyroid disease and midlife hormonal changes—and why the symptoms can be so frustrating. We’ll explore the connection between thyroid hormones and cognitive function, the ways sleep, stress, nutrition, inflammation, and other health conditions can add to the fog, and why brain fog can be especially disruptive when you're trying to perform at work. We’ll also share practical strategies, from movement breaks and focused work sprints to better sleep and addressing underlying health issues, that may help you feel sharper and more in control of your day.

Most importantly, this episode is about stopping the self-blame. If you're forgetting names, struggling to find the right word, rereading the same paragraph, or wondering where your mental sharpness went, you're not necessarily imagining it—and you don't necessarily have to accept it as “just aging.”

🎤Tune in to find out why brain fog deserves a closer look, how thyroid and menopause symptoms can overlap, and what questions to bring to your healthcare provider. Because sometimes clearing the fog starts with understanding what's actually causing it.

LEARN MORE

5 Ways to Conquer Thyroid Brain Fog

https://www.palomahealth.com/learn/5-ways-to-conquer-brain-fog-for-good 

How to Manage Thyroid Brain Fog at Work

https://www.palomahealth.com/learn/how-to-manage-brain-fog-at-work 

Understanding “Peri-Brain” and What You Can Do About It

https://www.palomahealth.com/learn/understanding-peribrain 

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 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/