Thyroid Mystery Solved: Hashimoto's and Hypothyroidism Revealed | 154 A Novel Approach to Supporting Hormones in Perimenopause and Menopause with Emily Sadri (Part 2)

In the last episode, we met Justine. As a reminder, here are a few details about her case. The Case: Justine is 44 and dealing with sudden abdominal weight gain. She is also experiencing brain fog which is causing her stress. Her PMS is getting worse and she just doesn’t feel like herself. She saw her gynecologist who suggested birth control and antidepressants. The Investigation If you didn’t hear the first part of this story, please go back and give episode 153 a listen. In that episode, I spoke about Justine’s case with Emily Sadri, an expert in Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and achieving hormonal harmony. Emily is a good friend to the show having previously shared her insights in episodes 141 on Semaglutide (like Ozempic) and Weight Loss and 107 on Birth Control Use with Thyroid Issues. In the last episode, we talked about the many misconceptions around hormones during perimenopause and menopause. Now, let’s pick up where we left off in the last episode by looking at the timing for hormone support and the physiological restoration protocol (PR protocol). When to Start Hormonal Support A question many women ponder is when to start supporting their hormones, especially as they transition into menopause. Emily noted that the dosage and timing of hormone support depend on whether a woman is still having a menstrual cycle regularly or if is their cycle has become irregular, for example, every 3-6 months. For instance, women who are still cycling (i.e., ovulating) might only need a minimal dosage of estrogen (1-2 milligrams) transdermally daily, while others might require more substantial support. The key is to start with a little bump up and track and monitor for changes. The Importance of Monitoring Hormones One alarming revelation was the number of physicians who prescribe hormone replacement therapy without regular testing. Traditional doctors are often focused on resolving a singular symptom. So, if the dosage reduces, say hot flashes, then the doctor considers the problem solved. But, solving one symptom is not equal to being in optimal health. Emily and I both believe in the value of consistent monitoring. After all, our bodies are ever-changing, and what worked two years ago might not be effective today. Estrogen and Progesterone: Misunderstood Roles A common misconception is that only progesterone affects sleep. However, Emily pointed out that estrogen plays a vital role in our circadian rhythms and sleep cycles. In fact, estrogen is a precursor to serotonin, which in turn is essential for producing melatonin, our sleep hormone. It's crucial to maintain a balance between estrogen and progesterone for optimal health. All the more reason to be monitoring hormone levels once treating them, because the individual may misinterpret or miss the symptoms of a hormone imbalance. And, off-balance hormones can work against each other. Physiological Restoration: Embracing the Natural Rhythm Physiological restoration is all about mimicking the body's natural hormonal rhythms. This method called the Physiological Restoration Protocol (PR protocol), can be especially beneficial for women in perimenopause or those transitioning into menopause. This method requires the woman to adjust their daily dosage according to where they are in their cycle but it is not as complicated as it sounds since there are generally just two topical treatments to manage. There is an app that helps make it quite easy. The key is understanding that our bodies are all changing and treatment needs to flow with those changes. It’s a spectrum - we’re not robots, explains Emily. It's all about understanding and supporting the body's innate processes. Utilizing tools like the Dutch test can offer profound insights into hormonal health. For those navigating perimenopause, the cycle mapping feature can be especially enlightening, painting a picture of your hormone fluctuations throughout the month. However, Emily says that the simple Dutch can be misleading, so you want to also look at the organic acids section to get the full picture. Starting Hormonal Support Later in Life If you're approaching your 50s or have already transitioned into menopause, hormonal support may still be a consideration for you, says Emily. While earlier intervention can often provide smoother results, starting hormonal therapy within a decade of your last period can still be advantageous. Estrogen Metabolism: It's Not Just About Detox There’s been a lot of talk among functional medicine practitioners about having patients detox when starting an estrogen protocol. This might include supplements like DIM or Calcium D-Glucarate. However, it's crucial to first understand an individual's estrogen metabolism before diving into detoxification. Emily likes to make sure that patients have proper methyl donation and magnesium levels. She may also look at glutathione but more for those in perimenopause (and takes caution with anyone in full menopause, being sure to monitor symptoms). Supplemental support can be important, but every woman is unique, and what works for one might not be effective for another. Supplements that Emily considers for perimenopausal and menopause on HRT include: Fish Oil B Vitamins (based on methylation) Zinc Sulforaphane In addition to the previously mentioned supplements for peri and menopause: D-Glucarate Magnesium Glutathione DIM Calcium D-Glucarate Mystery Solved - Getting Answers from Hidden Hormone Imbalances Taking in everything that Emily shared, it was time to solve Justine’s hormone health mystery. She was thrilled to hear that there was an explanation for everything that she was experiencing. For so long, she thought she was crazy! She didn’t realize that even small changes in her estrogen can cause such significant symptoms. If you’re going through something similar, please know that you are not alone and you’re not crazy either. Justine's symptoms led us to explore her hormone levels in detail. We decided to conduct a Dutch test, but not just any run-of-the-mill one-day snapshot. Instead, we opted for a cycle mapping test through Dutch. This involved collecting urine samples daily throughout her menstrual cycle, creating a comprehensive picture of her hormone fluctuations. It was like doing a pregnancy test each day, but with a special card that captured vital data. What's unique about cycle mapping is that it doesn't just show us hormone levels on one specific day; it reveals the entire hormonal pattern throughout the cycle. We tracked estrogen and progesterone, observing when they surged, dipped, and in between. Additionally, we cross-referenced this data with serum tests, which analyzed her blood for total estrogen and estrogen on specific days (day 12 and day 21) and progesterone on day 21. The results were illuminating. Justine's estrogen levels were relatively good on day 12, right before ovulation, indicating that her initial hormonal signals were functioning correctly. However, the concern arose when we saw that her estrogen levels didn't rise as expected around day 21. They did increase slightly but lacked the robust curve we typically observe. Interestingly, her progesterone levels were within an acceptable range, albeit a bit on the lower side. This data highlighted a deficiency in estrogen as the primary issue. To address this, we collaborated with Justine's healthcare provider to prescribe a microdose of estrogen, administered throughout her entire menstrual cycle. This approach aimed not only to boost estrogen levels but also to stimulate estrogen receptors, ultimately supporting the production of progesterone. Typically, when women experience hormonal changes, especially in perimenopause, they're often offered progesterone without comprehensive testing. However, as Justine's case demonstrated, simply supplementing with progesterone isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. Testing is crucial to understand precisely what each woman's body needs. Factoring in Thyroid Function to Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Understanding that hormones and thyroid function are intricately linked, we decided to delve deeper. We conducted a full thyroid panel, which revealed that Justine had suboptimal T3 levels. She wasn't efficiently converting T4 to T3, placing her in the category of a "low T3 thyroid type." Her T3 levels weren't low enough to warrant T3 medication, but we recognized the importance of enhancing her conversion process. To achieve this, we focused on optimizing her gut and liver health and ensuring she had the necessary minerals, particularly zinc, which is pivotal in hormone conversion. In parallel, we made dietary changes by introducing anti-inflammatory foods. We also examined her personal care and cleaning products for harmful chemicals, shifting toward natural alternatives. Finally, we addressed her hormone metabolism by supporting methylation using Methylated B Complex and Calcium D-Glucarate. One standout addition to our approach was BrocoProtect, a sulforaphane supplement. Unlike some alternatives that lower estrogen levels, BrocoProtect helps direct estrogen toward the favorable two-hydroxy pathway while minimizing the less desirable four-hydroxy pathway, which can lead to free radical damage and DNA issues. Happy Ending - Hormone Balance Restored, Symptoms Mitigated The results were promising and swift. By Justine's next menstrual cycle, she noticed positive changes. Her energy levels improved, stress diminished, and she even observed a reduction in abdominal fat. This initial transformation gave her motivation and a clear plan for the road ahead. Hormone support can indeed yield rapid results, and our journey with Justine serves as a testament to the power of personalized care. We continue to monitor her levels, making necessary adjustments to maintain optimal hormone balance. Eliminating Health Mysteries For Justine, we were able to find that missing piece of the health puzzle and help her regain her health. Could this be the missing clue for you or someone in your life? If this episode resonated with you, please share it. Links: Resources mentioned Thanks again to my guest Emily Sadri. You can connect with her on Instagram or check out her website. Suggested Products D-Glucarate Magnesium Glutathione DIM Calcium D-Glucarate Fish Oil B Vitamins (based on methylation) Zinc Supreme Sulforaphane Related Podcast Episodes: 153 A Novel Approach to Supporting Hormones in Perimenopause and Menopause 111 What Is Your Thyroid Type? (and How to Manage It) 141 The Honest Truth about Semaglutide for Weight Loss and Thyroid Health 107 Demystifying Prolonged Use of Birth Control Pills + Thyroid Connection 129 How to Lose that ‘Menopot’ and Sail Through Menopause Thanks for Listening If you like what you heard, please rate and review this podcast. Every piece of feedback not only helps me create better shows, it helps more people find this important information. Never miss an episode - Subscribe NOW to Health Mysteries Solved with host, Inna Topiler on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or Google Podcasts and remember to rate and review the show! Find out more at http://healthmysteriessolved.com PLEASE NOTE All information, content, and material on this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider. Some of the links provided are affiliate links. This means we may make a very small amount of money should you choose to buy after clicking on them. This will in no way affect the price of the product but it helps us a tiny bit in covering our expenses.

Show Notes

Hashimoto’s and your Thyroid Type

FREE TRAINING AND SUPPORT CALL
Thursday May 16th 8:30pm Eastern Time
Register Now: https://innatopiler.com/zoomcall/

In the last episode, we met Justine. As a reminder, here are a few details about her case. The Case:

Justine is 44 and dealing with sudden abdominal weight gain.
She is also experiencing brain fog which is causing her stress. Her PMS is getting worse and she just doesn’t feel like herself.
She saw her gynecologist who suggested birth control and antidepressants.

The Investigation

If you didn’t hear the first part of this story, please go back and give episode 153 a listen. In that episode, I spoke about Justine’s case with Emily Sadri, an expert in Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and achieving hormonal harmony. Emily is a good friend to the show having previously shared her insights in episodes 141 on Semaglutide (like Ozempic) and Weight Loss and 107 on Birth Control Use with Thyroid Issues.

In the last episode, we talked about the many misconceptions around hormones during perimenopause and menopause. Now, let’s pick up where we left off in the last episode by looking at the timing for hormone support and the physiological restoration protocol (PR protocol). When to Start Hormonal Support

A question many women ponder is when to start supporting their hormones, especially as they transition into menopause. Emily noted that the dosage and timing of hormone support depend on whether a woman is still having a menstrual cycle regularly or if is their cycle has become irregular, for example, every 3-6 months. For instance, women who are still cycling (i.e., ovulating) might only need a minimal dosage of estrogen (1-2 milligrams) transdermally daily, while others might require more substantial support. The key is to start with a little bump up and track and monitor for changes. The Importance of Monitoring Hormones

One alarming revelation was the number of physicians who prescribe hormone replacement therapy without regular testing. Traditional doctors are often focused on resolving a singular symptom. So, if the dosage reduces, say hot flashes, then the doctor considers the problem solved. But, solving one symptom is not equal to being in optimal health. Emily and I both believe in the value of consistent monitoring. After all, our bodies are ever-changing, and what worked two years ago might not be effective today. Estrogen and Progesterone: Misunderstood Roles

A common misconception is that only progesterone affects sleep. However, Emily pointed out that estrogen plays a vital role in our circadian rhythms and sleep cycles. In fact, estrogen is a precursor to serotonin, which in turn is essential for producing melatonin, our sleep hormone. It's crucial to maintain a balance between estrogen and progesterone for optimal health. All the more reason to be monitoring hormone levels once treating them, because the individual may misinterpret or miss the symptoms of a hormone imbalance. And, off-balance hormones can work against each other. Physiological Restoration: Embracing the Natural Rhythm

Physiological restoration is all about mimicking the body's natural hormonal rhythms. This method called the Physiological Restoration Protocol (PR protocol), can be especially beneficial for women in perimenopause or those transitioning into menopause. This method requires the woman to adjust their daily dosage according to where they are in their cycle but it is not as complicated as it sounds since there are generally just two topical treatments to manage. There is an app that helps make it quite easy. The key is understanding that our bodies are all changing and treatment needs to flow with those changes. It’s a spectrum - we’re not robots, explains Emily. It's all about understanding and supporting the body's innate processes.

Utilizing tools like the Dutch test can offer profound insights into hormonal health. For those navigating perimenopause, the cycle mapping feature can be especially enlightening, painting a picture of your hormone fluctuations throughout the month. However, Emily says that the simple Dutch can be misleading, so you want to also look at the organic acids section to get the full picture. Starting Hormonal Support Later in Life

If you're approaching your 50s or have already transitioned into menopause, hormonal support may still be a consideration for you, says Emily. While earlier intervention can often provide smoother results, starting hormonal therapy within a decade of your last period can still be advantageous. Estrogen Metabolism: It's Not Just About Detox

There’s been a lot of talk among functional medicine practitioners about having patients detox when starting an estrogen protocol. This might include supplements like DIM or Calcium D-Glucarate. However, it's crucial to first understand an individual's estrogen metabolism before diving into detoxification. Emily likes to make sure that patients have proper methyl donation and magnesium levels. She may also look at glutathione but more for those in perimenopause (and takes caution with anyone in full menopause, being sure to monitor symptoms). Supplemental support can be important, but every woman is unique, and what works for one might not be effective for another.

Supplements that Emily considers for perimenopausal and menopause on HRT include:

Fish Oil
B Vitamins (based on methylation)
Zinc
Sulforaphane

In addition to the previously mentioned supplements for peri and menopause:

Mystery Solved - Getting Answers from Hidden Hormone Imbalances
Taking in everything that Emily shared, it was time to solve Justine’s hormone health mystery. She was thrilled to hear that there was an explanation for everything that she was experiencing. For so long, she thought she was crazy! She didn’t realize that even small changes in her estrogen can cause such significant symptoms. If you’re going through something similar, please know that you are not alone and you’re not crazy either.
Justine's symptoms led us to explore her hormone levels in detail. We decided to conduct a Dutch test, but not just any run-of-the-mill one-day snapshot. Instead, we opted for a cycle mapping test through Dutch. This involved collecting urine samples daily throughout her menstrual cycle, creating a comprehensive picture of her hormone fluctuations. It was like doing a pregnancy test each day, but with a special card that captured vital data.
What's unique about cycle mapping is that it doesn't just show us hormone levels on one specific day; it reveals the entire hormonal pattern throughout the cycle. We tracked estrogen and progesterone, observing when they surged, dipped, and in between. Additionally, we cross-referenced this data with serum tests, which analyzed her blood for total estrogen and estrogen on specific days (day 12 and day 21) and progesterone on day 21.
The results were illuminating. Justine's estrogen levels were relatively good on day 12, right before ovulation, indicating that her initial hormonal signals were functioning correctly. However, the concern arose when we saw that her estrogen levels didn't rise as expected around day 21. They did increase slightly but lacked the robust curve we typically observe. Interestingly, her progesterone levels were within an acceptable range, albeit a bit on the lower side.
This data highlighted a deficiency in estrogen as the primary issue. To address this, we collaborated with Justine's healthcare provider to prescribe a microdose of estrogen, administered throughout her entire menstrual cycle. This approach aimed not only to boost estrogen levels but also to stimulate estrogen receptors, ultimately supporting the production of progesterone.
Typically, when women experience hormonal changes, especially in perimenopause, they're often offered progesterone without comprehensive testing. However, as Justine's case demonstrated, simply supplementing with progesterone isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. Testing is crucial to understand precisely what each woman's body needs.
Factoring in Thyroid Function to Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Understanding that hormones and thyroid function are intricately linked, we decided to delve deeper. We conducted a full thyroid panel, which revealed that Justine had suboptimal T3 levels. She wasn't efficiently converting T4 to T3, placing her in the category of a "low T3 thyroid type."
Her T3 levels weren't low enough to warrant T3 medication, but we recognized the importance of enhancing her conversion process. To achieve this, we focused on optimizing her gut and liver health and ensuring she had the necessary minerals, particularly zinc, which is pivotal in hormone conversion.
In parallel, we made dietary changes by introducing anti-inflammatory foods. We also examined her personal care and cleaning products for harmful chemicals, shifting toward natural alternatives. Finally, we addressed her hormone metabolism by supporting methylation using Methylated B Complex and Calcium D-Glucarate.
One standout addition to our approach was BrocoProtect, a sulforaphane supplement. Unlike some alternatives that lower estrogen levels, BrocoProtect helps direct estrogen toward the favorable two-hydroxy pathway while minimizing the less desirable four-hydroxy pathway, which can lead to free radical damage and DNA issues.
Happy Ending - Hormone Balance Restored, Symptoms Mitigated
The results were promising and swift. By Justine's next menstrual cycle, she noticed positive changes. Her energy levels improved, stress diminished, and she even observed a reduction in abdominal fat. This initial transformation gave her motivation and a clear plan for the road ahead.
Hormone support can indeed yield rapid results, and our journey with Justine serves as a testament to the power of personalized care. We continue to monitor her levels, making necessary adjustments to maintain optimal hormone balance.
Eliminating Health Mysteries
For Justine, we were able to find that missing piece of the health puzzle and help her regain her health. Could this be the missing clue for you or someone in your life? If this episode resonated with you, please share it.
Links:
Resources mentioned
Thanks again to my guest Emily Sadri. You can connect with her on Instagram or check out her website.
Suggested Products

Related Podcast Episodes:

153 A Novel Approach to Supporting Hormones in Perimenopause and Menopause 111 What Is Your Thyroid Type? (and How to Manage It) 141 The Honest Truth about Semaglutide for Weight Loss and Thyroid Health 107 Demystifying Prolonged Use of Birth Control Pills + Thyroid Connection 129 How to Lose that ‘Menopot’ and Sail Through Menopause

Thanks for Listening

If you like what you heard, please rate and review this podcast. Every piece of feedback not only helps me create better shows, it helps more people find this important information.

Never miss an episode - Subscribe NOW to Health Mysteries Solved with host, Inna Topiler on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or Google Podcasts and remember to rate and review the show!

Find out more at http://healthmysteriessolved.com

PLEASE NOTE

All information, content, and material on this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider.

Some of the links provided are affiliate links. This means we may make a very small amount of money should you choose to buy after clicking on them. This will in no way affect the price of the product but it helps us a tiny bit in covering our expenses.

Hashimoto’s and your Thyroid Type

FREE TRAINING AND SUPPORT CALL
Thursday May 16th 8:30pm Eastern Time
Register Now: https://innatopiler.com/zoomcall/

What is Thyroid Mystery Solved: Hashimoto's and Hypothyroidism Revealed?

If you have Hashimoto’s or Hypothyroidism - YOU ARE IN THE RIGHT PLACE. You have probably seen a doctor (or two) to help you improve energy, lose weight, reduce brain fog, help hair loss and many other symptoms. You may have tried medication and maybe even diet changes and supplements.

However even with that, you may still not feel completely supported or back to your old self. Instead you are likely feeling discouraged, dismissed, and lost. Sound familiar?

When it comes to dealing with your frustrating thyroid, Hashimoto's and autoimmunity symptoms, you have to really understand where the symptoms stem from and look at them from all angles - like a detective.

That’s exactly what host, Inna Topiler does in Thyroid Mystery Solved - Hashimoto's and Hypothyroidism Revealed. As a leading Thyroid and Hashimoto’s expert and Board Certified Clinical Nutritionist with 20 years in clinical practice, she refuses to accept the unexplained and looks at thyroid in a much more detailed way.

In this podcast, she shares real cases where she reveals how she solved the thyroid issue and gives the exact protocols that she used with her patients, clients and students to help them feel like their old selves. She shares her vast knowledge and sheds so much light on thyroid and offers practical step by step guides to help you feel better too.

The answers are out there, you just have to know where to find the clues. Whether you are newly diagnosed with Hashimoto's or Hypothyroidism or have been dealing with thyroid challenges for a while, please know you are NOT alone. This is a place where you will be seen, heard and understood and will gain such valuable insights with Inna's in depth and heartfelt explanations.

It’s time for you to solve your Thyroid Mystery without having to spend hours a day researching or struggling to make sense of contradicting information. The life you deserve is closer than you think and YES you CAN lose weight, improve your energy, fight brain fog and reduce inflammation with Hashimoto's and thyroid issues.

Subscribe to Thyroid Mystery Solved - Hashimoto's and Hypothyroidism Revealed and Inna will show you as many possible answers starting right NOW!