Rethinking Hypothyroidism Treatment with Dr. Antonio Bianco
Have you been experiencing symptoms of hypothyroidism even on medication but have been dismissed by your doctor? If so, you're not alone. It's estimated that 10 - 20% of patients on supplemental T4 thyroid hormone medication continue to experience hypothyroid symptoms, sometimes to a debilitating degree. For decades, these patients (myself included) have been sent home with advice like, "You're just getting older," or "This has nothing to do with your thyroid because your TSH is normal."
My special guest on this episode of Thyroid-healthy Bites is Dr. Antonio Bianco, MD, Ph.D., a professor of medicine at the University of Chicago and former president of the American Thyroid Association. Dr. Bianco used to be one of those doctors... until a pair of his patients had their lives turned upside down by this standard of care, and he realized things needed to change.
Dr. Bianco's recent book, "Rethinking Hypothyroidism," provides an easy-to-understand overview of hypothyroidism treatment and the role of big pharma in shaping it. He takes us "behind the curtain" of the medical establishment where these decisions are made, shedding light on how we got here and how to move forward.
Ultimately, he argues that the current approach is not effective for many patients. He gives both patients and physicians a clear understanding of why and how hypothyroidism treatment can be improved for those who continue to experience symptoms on T4-only medication, and the impact it can make.
I read his book cover-to-cover and found it captivating, eye-opening, sometimes alarming, and ultimately validating as one of many thyroid patients who this issue has personally touched. Learn the truth behind this from Dr. Bianco, an award-winning thyroid researcher, physician, advocate, author, and professor, in this Season 2 Finale of Thyroid-Healthy Bites!
We Discuss:
- The patients who inspired Dr. Bianco to reevaluate his hypothyroidism treatment approach
- How we got here, and what needs to change about hypothyroidism treatment
- A comparison of synthetic T4-only vs. T4 + T3 combination therapy vs. natural desiccated thyroid extract (NDT) medications
- The evidence that NDT and combination (T4 + T3) therapies are not only effective but safe
- The staggering cost of valid scientific studies as a limiting factor
- Signs of hope that care is changing and improving for thyroid patients
- Dr. Bianco's advice for symptomatic patients who are being dismissed by their doctors
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Disclaimer: This information is for educational and inspirational purposes only. Always consult with your doctor or other qualified healthcare providers before making changes to your diet, health care, or exercise regimen.
Show Notes:
- Dr. Bianco's book: Rethinking Hypothyroidism
- Learn more about Dr. Bianco
- Complete At-home Thyroid Test Kit from Paloma Health [$30 OFF CODE: HYPOCHEF]
- Thrivers Club Membership
- Subscribe to my newsletter and receive my FREE Thyroid-healthy Grocery Guide.
Podcast Links:
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About Dr. Antonio C. Bianco
Antonio C. Bianco, MD, Ph.D., is a professor of medicine and a member of the Committee on Molecular Metabolism and Nutrition at the University of Chicago, where he runs a laboratory funded by the National Institutes of Health to study thyroid hormones. Dr. Bianco is also a former president of the American Thyroid Association, and co-chaired an American Thyroid Association task force that updated the guidelines for treating hypothyroidism. His recent book, “Rethinking Hypothyroidism,” offers an accessible overview of the treatment of hypothyroidism and the role of big pharma in shaping it, making the case that the current approach is failing many patients.
What to do if you are not getting the medical care you need and deserve:
As Dr. Bianco and I discussed in this episode, getting the thyroid treatment we need and deserve continues to be a challenge for many Thyroid Thrivers. It's essential to find a physician who listens to your concerns and understands that effective treatment may require more than T4-only and TSH testing alone. That's why I get my thyroid care from the doctors at Paloma Health.
Paloma specializes in thyroid treatment. It's what they do. So, if you’re searching for a new thyroid care doctor (and live in the U.S.) I encourage you to explore becoming a member at Paloma Health. They provide thyroid-specific testing, nutrition, health coaching, tracking, and telemedicine. Paloma's MDs take a more comprehensive approach to thyroid treatment and offer a higher standard of care. Problem solved!
If it's time to get your thyroid numbers checked, Paloma's Complete At-home Thyroid Test Kit, is affordable, accurate, and includes TSH, Free T3, Free T4, and TPO Antibodies (optional add-ons: Reverse T3, Vit D3). I’ve partnered with Paloma to get you $30 OFF your test kit with the code: HYPOCHEF. That works out to just $69 for a complete thyroid panel!! You don't even have to leave the comfort of your home to do it. Paloma's test kit is a great way to learn more about their services and, if needed, get paired with a doctor who can help optimize your thyroid treatment.
Wishing you happy thriving, and the best of health. Enjoy the episode!
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