
Hosted by Cassie Smith · EN

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Amie Hornaman, also known as the Thyroid Fixer, to unpack the real reasons so many people struggle with fatigue, weight gain, brain fog, and hormone imbalances without getting clear answers. We dive into her personal journey of being misdiagnosed multiple times, what finally led her to answers, and why so many patients today are still being overlooked in traditional medicine. Together, we discuss what is actually happening beneath the surface when it comes to thyroid function, including the critical difference between T4 and T3, the role of reverse T3, and why a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment often falls short. I also ask the questions so many of you are wondering like how to advocate for yourself with your doctor, what labs truly matter, and how to know if your current treatment is actually working. Topics We Cover in This Episode: Why “normal labs” might not mean optimal thyroid function The hidden reason some people never feel better on standard thyroid medication What your body may be doing instead of converting thyroid hormone properly The overlooked factors that could be sabotaging your energy and metabolism Why some people thrive on certain thyroid treatments while others don’t How stress, gut health, and nutrients quietly influence your thyroid What most doctors were never taught about thyroid optimization The signs your body is trying to tell you something deeper is off Resources & Links Dr. Amie’s Links Facebook: Amie Hornaman Nutrition and Functional Medicine YouTube: Dr. Amie Hornaman Instagram: @dramiehornaman Thyroid Optimization Guide: https://health.dramie.com/thyropause 7 Day Thyroid Healing Kickstarter: https://fixyourthyroid.com/7daykickstarter Thyroid on Trial: https://health.dramie.com/thyroid-on-trial-optin 📲 Follow Dr. Cassie Smith & Modern Endocrine 💻 Website: https://www.modern-endocrine.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernendocrine_/ 🌟 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ModernEndocrine 📽️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@modernendocrine 🕹️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@modernendocrine?lang=en 📰 Newsletter: https://linktr.ee/modernendocrine ➡️ Disclaimer: https://www.modernendocrineokc.com/disclaimer-6353 Use code LISTEN10 for 10 % off your order on shopmodernendocrine.com

This conversation completely changed the way I think about healing and I know it’s going to shift things for you too. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Vincent Pedre to unpack why so many people are stuck dealing with fatigue, hormone imbalances, inflammation, brain fog, and digestive issues and why the real answer almost always comes back to the gut. We dive into his personal health journey, how years of antibiotics and chronic illness led him to functional medicine, and the moment he realized that healing the gut is the foundation for healing the entire body. We go deep into the connections most people are missing, from how the gut impacts hormones, metabolism, and the immune system, to why healing today is far more complex than it used to be. I also ask the questions you’re probably wondering like why quick fixes aren’t working, what role stress and the nervous system play, and what actually needs to happen to create lasting change. We also talk about the “non sexy” foundations of healing like sleep, sunlight, nutrition, and daily habits, and why skipping those is often the very thing keeping you stuck. Topics We Cover in This Episode: Why gut health might be the missing link behind symptoms you wouldn’t expect The surprising reason healing feels harder now than it did years ago What most people get wrong about inflammation and hormone imbalance The hidden role your nervous system plays in your ability to heal Why doing everything “right” still doesn’t always lead to results The connection between your gut, stress, and long term disease risk A different way to think about weight loss, metabolism, and GLP-1 medications The foundational habits that matter more than any supplement or protocol Start paying attention to what your body has been trying to tell you and take that next step toward real healing. Whether that means diving deeper into your gut health, getting personalized support, or simply committing to the basics you’ve been overlooking, this is your reminder that change is possible when you address the root. Resources & Links Where to Find Dr. Pedre Online: 📸 Instagram: @drpedre 🌐 happygutlife.com – Supplements, Happy Gut Coffee, and the 28-Day Gut Reset Program 📖 TheGutSMARTProtocol.com – Dr. Pedre’s second book 🩺 pedremd.com – Pedre Integrative Health 📲 Follow Dr. Cassie Smith & Modern Endocrine 💻 Website: https://www.modern-endocrine.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernendocrine_/ 🌟 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ModernEndocrine 📽️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@modernendocrine 🕹️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@modernendocrine?lang=en 📰 Newsletter: https://linktr.ee/modernendocrine ➡️ Disclaimer: https://www.modernendocrineokc.com/disclaimer-6353 Use code LISTEN10 for 10 % off your order on shopmodernendocrine.com

If you still think weightlifting is just about aesthetics, this conversation will completely change the way you see your body and your future. In this episode, I sit down with a highly experienced physician assistant and longtime strength training expert to unpack what women have been getting wrong about fitness for decades, especially in perimenopause and beyond. We dive into the real role of muscle when it comes to metabolism, hormones, and longevity, and tackle the questions so many women are quietly asking. Is cardio enough? Will lifting weights make me bulky? Is it too late to start? We break through the noise and get honest about what actually matters if you want to feel strong, energized, and in control of your health as you age. We also get incredibly practical, walking through what effective weight training actually looks like for real women with busy lives. From how often you really need to lift, to why more workouts are not always better, to the growing concerns around GLP-1 medications and muscle loss, this episode connects the dots between modern trends and long-term consequences. If you have ever felt overwhelmed, confused, or stuck in an endless cycle of doing more but seeing less progress, this conversation will give you clarity, direction, and a whole new perspective on what your body truly needs. Topics We Cover in This Episode: Why muscle might be the missing piece in your long-term health plan The surprising truth about cardio and why it may be holding you back What most women misunderstand about “toning” and body composition How little you actually need to do to start seeing real results The hidden risks behind popular weight loss medications What your future mobility, independence, and strength really depend on The mindset shift that changes everything when it comes to consistency Why doing more workouts could actually be working against you If this episode got you thinking differently about your health and your future, share it with a friend, subscribe so you never miss an episode, and take the next step toward building a stronger, more resilient body. Your future self will thank you. Resources & Links 📲 Connect with Danielle on Socials @danielle.kepics @unconventional.collaborative 📲 Follow Dr. Cassie Smith & Modern Endocrine 💻 Website: https://www.modern-endocrine.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernendocrine_/ 🌟 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ModernEndocrine 📽️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@modernendocrine 🕹️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@modernendocrine?lang=en 📰 Newsletter: https://linktr.ee/modernendocrine ➡️ Disclaimer: https://www.modernendocrineokc.com/disclaimer-6353 Use code LISTEN10 for 10 % off your order on shopmodernendocrine.com

In this conversation, I sit down with Dr. Eric Balcavage to unpack what’s really happening beneath the surface when your body feels stuck, overwhelmed, and unable to heal. We dive into the concept of the cell danger response and why so many people today are living in a chronic state of stress at a cellular level without even realizing it. We also explore the gap between traditional and functional medicine, and why both approaches matter more than we think when used in the right context. Throughout this episode, we challenge the idea that more is always better when it comes to your health. From overloading on supplements to over-optimizing every part of your routine, we talk about how these well-intentioned habits can actually keep you stuck. I walk through real-life examples and ask the hard questions that help you determine whether your body is in a place to heal or simply trying to survive. If you’ve ever felt frustrated, burnt out, or like nothing is working despite your efforts, this episode will give you a completely new lens to look through. Topics We Cover in This Episode: Why doing “all the right things” can still keep you stuck The hidden signs your body may be overwhelmed at a cellular level How stress impacts your body in ways most people miss Why some people get worse before they ever get better The surprising reason your routine might be working against you How to tell if your body can actually receive the help you’re giving it The real difference between healing and just managing symptoms A simple way to start identifying what your body actually needs If this episode resonates with you, take it as a sign to pause and reassess what your body has been trying to tell you. You don’t need more complexity. You need clarity. Don’t forget to make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss future episodes. Resources & Links Connect with Dr. Eric Balcavage 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drericbalcavage/ 🌟 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drericbalcavage 📽️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@askdreric 🕹️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.eric.balcavage 📰 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-eric-balcavage-b85ab111/ 📲 Follow Dr. Cassie Smith & Modern Endocrine 💻 Website: https://www.modern-endocrine.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernendocrine_/ 🌟 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ModernEndocrine 📽️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@modernendocrine 🕹️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@modernendocrine?lang=en 📰 Newsletter: https://linktr.ee/modernendocrine ➡️ Disclaimer: https://www.modernendocrineokc.com/disclaimer-6353 Use code LISTEN10 for 10 % off your order on shopmodernendocrine.com

What if everything you’ve been told about your metabolism is missing the most important piece? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Colleen Cutcliffe to uncover the powerful and often overlooked connection between your gut microbiome, your hormones, and your metabolism. We dive into why so many women start experiencing stubborn weight changes, cravings, energy crashes, and insulin resistance, especially in perimenopause and menopause, and how the root cause may go far deeper than calories or willpower. I also ask the big questions you’ve probably wondered about but never had answered clearly. Is your gut actually acting like an endocrine organ? Why are most probiotics not created equal? And what is this “Akkermansia” strain everyone is starting to talk about and why does it matter so much for metabolism, GLP-1 signaling, and even longevity? We break down the science in a way that actually makes sense and connect it back to what’s happening in your body right now so you can finally see the full picture. Topics We Cover in This Episode: Why your metabolism may feel completely different lately and what’s really driving it The hidden role your gut plays in hormone signaling and insulin response What most probiotics are missing and why that matters more than you think The surprising reason some people struggle with cravings, fullness, and energy How your microbiome shifts during perimenopause and menopause The connection between gut health, inflammation, and long-term disease risk Why “you are what you eat” is only part of the story What might actually be influencing longevity at the microbial level Share this episode with a friend who’s been struggling with the same symptoms, and make sure you’re subscribed! Resources & Links Connect with Dr. Colleen Cutcliffe📸 Pendulum Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pendulumlifeco/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcolleencutcliffe/ 📲 Follow Dr. Cassie Smith & Modern Endocrine 💻 Website: https://www.modern-endocrine.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernendocrine_/ 🌟 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ModernEndocrine 📽️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@modernendocrine 🕹️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@modernendocrine?lang=en 📰 Newsletter: https://linktr.ee/modernendocrine ➡️ Disclaimer: https://www.modernendocrineokc.com/disclaimer-6353

You’ve been told everything is “normal”… but you know something isn’t right. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Efrat LaMandre to unpack one of the most frustrating and isolating experiences in healthcare today: medical gaslighting. We dive into what it actually is, why it happens more often than we think, and the deeper systemic patterns inside medicine that lead providers to dismiss symptoms when labs don’t tell the full story. This is not about blaming doctors, it is about understanding the gap between patient experience and clinical training so we can start to bridge it. Together, we explore the hidden dynamics at play in the exam room, from the limitations of evidence-based medicine to the influence of pharmaceutical-driven research and the rigid frameworks many providers are trained within. We also get into the powerful mindset shifts that can completely change how you navigate your own health journey, including how to advocate for yourself without burning bridges and why “normal” results don’t always mean optimal health. If you’ve ever felt dismissed, confused, or like you’re falling through the cracks of the system, this conversation will open your eyes and give you a new lens to move forward with clarity and confidence. Topics We Cover in This Episode: Why “normal labs” can still leave you feeling anything but normal The surprising truth behind what medical gaslighting actually is What’s really happening in a provider’s mind during your appointment The hidden limitations of evidence-based medicine no one talks about How patient expectations can unintentionally shape the outcome of a visit The difference between ruling things out and truly getting answers A powerful analogy that will completely reframe your healthcare experience The subtle ways you can advocate for yourself more effectively If you’re ready to start approaching your body and your care with a deeper level of understanding and empowerment, make sure you subscribe so you don’t miss what’s coming next. Your symptoms are real, your experience matters, and this is just the beginning of learning how to navigate it all differently. Resources & Links Connect with Dr. Efrat LaMandre 📲 TikTok: @drefratlamandre 📸 Instagram: drefratlamandre 🌟 Facebook: drefratlamandre 🕹️ YouTube: @DrEfratLaMandre 💻 Website: drefratlamandre.com ➡️ LinkedIn: efratlamandre 📽️ Podcast Show: www.drefratlamandre.com/e-podcasts 📲 Follow Dr. Cassie Smith & Modern Endocrine 💻 Website: https://www.modern-endocrine.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernendocrine_/ 🌟 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ModernEndocrine 📽️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@modernendocrine 🕹️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@modernendocrine?lang=en 📰 Newsletter: https://linktr.ee/modernendocrine ➡️ Disclaimer: https://www.modernendocrineokc.com/disclaimer-6353

This episode is as raw as it gets as I open up about my personal journey with endometriosis and everything it has taken from me and taught me along the way. I share what it really feels like to live with pain that gets dismissed, the long road to diagnosis, and the emotional and physical toll this condition can have on your body, your relationships, and your future. Through my own story, I break down what endometriosis actually is, why it is so often misunderstood, and the critical signs and symptoms so many women are told to ignore. We also dive into the real, often confusing world of treatment options, from surgery to medications and everything in between, and where both conventional and functional medicine can support you or fall short. I walk you through the questions I wish I would have asked sooner, what I learned the hard way about recurrence and fertility, and what my healing process has looked like after surgery. Whether you are currently struggling, searching for answers, or supporting someone who is, this episode is here to validate your experience and give you clarity, direction, and hope. Topics We Cover in This Episode: The signs your body may be giving you that are easy to overlook but deeply important Why so many women are told everything is “normal” when it isn’t The hidden reasons diagnosis can take years and what to do about it The truth about treatment options and what most providers don’t fully explain What recurrence actually looks like and how to think about long term healing The connection between endometriosis, fertility, and miscarriage that isn’t talked about enough The questions that can completely change your care and outcomes What I wish I had known before making major medical decisions You deserve answers, support, and a care plan that actually sees you. Tune in, take what speaks to you, and let this be the beginning of advocating for your health in a whole new way. Resources & Links >>Join our FREE monthly Gut Health Webinar, so you can begin your Healing Journey. https://modernendocrinewellness.com/join-gut-health << 📲 Follow Dr. Cassie Smith & Modern Endocrine 💻 Website: https://www.modern-endocrine.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernendocrine_/ 🌟 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ModernEndocrine 📽️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@modernendocrine 🕹️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@modernendocrine?lang=en 📰 Newsletter: https://linktr.ee/modernendocrine ➡️ Disclaimer: https://www.modernendocrineokc.com/disclaimer-6353

>>Join our FREE monthly Gut Health Webinar, so you can begin your Healing Journey. https://modernendocrinewellness.com/join-gut-health<< What if doing everything “right” still leaves you feeling off because your health is not actually optimal? In this episode of Hormones, Metabolism, and You, Dr. Cassie Smith sits down with Joe Miller, founder of 1st Optimal, to talk about what happens when you are doing all the “right” things but still do not feel like yourself. They unpack why normal labs do not always mean optimal health, why women are often dismissed when symptoms do not fit neatly into a standard workup, and how coaching can help turn information into actual progress. Joe also shares how his wife’s complex hormone journey pushed him deeper into functional medicine and why advanced testing, personalized support, and gut-focused care can be the difference between staying stuck and finally moving forward. Episode Highlights Joe’s path from the fitness and health industry into functional medicine and hormone optimization How his wife’s complicated estrogen symptoms and poor hormone metabolism changed everything Why women’s hormone cases are often more complex than men’s and require a broader lens The connection between gut health and symptoms like brain fog, bloating, fatigue, and weight struggles How GI map testing can identify dysbiosis, permeability issues, and digestive dysfunction Why fiber, hydration, protein, sleep, and walking still matter, even when advanced testing is involved The role of health coaches in helping women stop chasing perfection and start making real progress Why progress should be realistic and personalized instead of built around shame or all-or-nothing thinking The importance of removing inflammatory foods while supporting digestion and rebuilding the gut Joe’s reminder that when people feel dismissed by “normal,” they still deserve deeper answers About Joe Miller Joe Miller is the founder of 1st Optimal, a functional medicine and health optimization company focused on hormones, gut health, energy, and body composition. He has helped more than 10,000 women and men improve hormones, metabolism, digestion, and weight loss through advanced lab testing, MD-led HRT, and personalized coaching. His work is rooted in a practical, supportive approach that helps people uncover why they feel off and build a plan that actually works. Connect with Joe Miller 📧 Email: joe.miller@1stoptimal.com 📞 Phone: (586) 491-3369 📸 Instagram: @joemiller1o | @1stoptimal | @1stoptimalpodcast 🎵 TikTok: @joemiller1o 🐦 Twitter/X: @jmiller4252 ▶️ YouTube: 1st Optimal 🌐 Facebook: Joe Miller 📲 Follow Dr. Cassie Smith & Modern Endocrine 💻 Website: https://www.modern-endocrine.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernendocrine_/ 🌟 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ModernEndocrine 📽️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@modernendocrine 🕹️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@modernendocrine?lang=en 📰 Newsletter: https://linktr.ee/modernendocrine ➡️ Disclaimer: https://www.modernendocrineokc.com/disclaimer-6353

>>Join our FREE monthly Gut Health Webinar, so you can begin your Healing Journey. https://modernendocrinewellness.com/join-gut-health<< What if one of the most overlooked drivers of inflammation, fatigue, brain fog, and hormone imbalance is something most people rarely think about… their mouth? In this episode of Hormones, Metabolism, and You, Dr. Cassie Smith sits down with Dr. Michelle Jorgensen, DDS, a biologic dentist and founder of Living Well with Dr. Michelle, to explore the powerful connection between oral health and whole-body wellness. After experiencing severe mercury toxicity from years of drilling out silver fillings as a traditional dentist, Dr. Jorgensen was forced to rethink everything she had been taught about dentistry and health. That journey led her to study functional medicine, nutrition, and biologic dentistry to understand how dental issues can influence the entire body. Together, Dr. Cassie and Dr. Michelle unpack some of the biggest questions patients have about dental health, including mercury fillings, root canals, fluoride, bad breath, and the surprising ways dental infections may contribute to systemic disease. If you have ever wondered whether hidden dental issues could be affecting your energy, hormones, or metabolism, this episode may help you connect some important dots. Key Takeaways • Your mouth is part of your overall health system, and dental issues can influence inflammation, metabolism, and immune function. • Traditional silver fillings contain about 50% mercury, which can release small amounts of mercury vapor over time. • If mercury fillings are removed, it is important that dentists follow safe removal protocols to avoid increased exposure during the process. • Root canals remove the nerve and blood supply from a tooth, leaving dead tissue behind that may harbor bacteria and create ongoing immune stress. • Some biologic dentists recommend removing infected root canal teeth and replacing them with ceramic implants rather than leaving the tooth in place. • Ceramic (zirconia) dental implants are often preferred in biologic dentistry because they are inert and do not conduct electricity like titanium. • Fluoride strengthens enamel but may interfere with thyroid function because it competes with iodine in the body. • Many cavities are not caused by poor brushing but by mineral deficiencies and poor nutrient absorption, often linked to gut health. • Low stomach acid or chronic use of acid-blocking medications may reduce mineral absorption and increase the risk of tooth decay. • Hydroxyapatite toothpaste can help remineralize teeth by replacing lost minerals without fluoride. • Gum disease and oral microbiome imbalances are common causes of bad breath. • Simple practices like tongue scraping, oil pulling, and supporting mineral intake can improve oral and overall health. Resources & Links 🌐 Dr. Michelle Jorgensen, DDS Website: https://livingwellwithdrmichelle.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingwellwithdrmichelle/ 📲 Follow Dr. Cassie Smith & Modern Endocrine 💻 Website: https://www.modern-endocrine.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernendocrine_/ 🌟 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ModernEndocrine 📽️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@modernendocrine 🕹️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@modernendocrine?lang=en 📰 Newsletter: https://linktr.ee/modernendocrine ➡️ Disclaimer: https://www.modernendocrineokc.com/disclaimer-6353

>>Join our FREE monthly Gut Health Webinar, so you can begin your Healing Journey. https://modernendocrinewellness.com/join-gut-health<< What if the reason you still feel tired after optimizing hormones is not your hormones at all? In this episode of Hormones, Metabolism, and You, Dr. Cassie Smith sits down with Dr. Terri DeNeui in Destin, Florida during an advanced hormone provider refresher to talk about the most common issue clinicians see after “optimizing hormones”: patients still feel tired, foggy, inflamed, or stuck. They break down why “normal” labs are not the same as optimal, why Free T3 matters, and how deficiencies in vitamin D, B12, and ferritin can block thyroid hormone function and keep symptoms alive. You will also hear how gut inflammation, H. pylori, and chronic acid blockers can sabotage hormone metabolism, why many “side effects” blamed on hormones are actually root-cause problems, and how to spot misinformation about estrogen and testosterone, especially for women. About Dr. Terri DeNeui Dr. Terri DeNeui, DNP, APRN, ACNP-BC, is a board-certified nurse practitioner, nationally recognized speaker, author, and the founder of EvexiPEL® and Evexia Medical. She holds advanced training in hormone replacement, preventive wellness, and functional medicine, and is known for her root-cause approach to optimizing hormones and whole-body health. Through her clinical work and provider education, Dr. DeNeui has helped transform the lives of thousands of patients and trained clinicians across the country. She is also the author of Hormone Havoc, a practical guide that clears up myths and misconceptions about hormones in women and men. Key Topics Covered Why patients can still feel “off” even when hormones look optimized The thyroid lab most clinicians miss: Free T3 Why “normal” lab ranges often reflect a sick population, not optimal health Vitamin D, B12, and ferritin: the hidden drivers behind fatigue, brain fog, and poor thyroid response Ferritin and thyroid hormone: why low ferritin can block hormone function at the cellular level Gut root causes behind low iron: heavy bleeding, hormone metabolism issues, H. pylori, and inflammation Why chronic PPI use can worsen nutrient absorption and hormone conversion Misconceptions about estrogen and cancer, and why metabolism and inflammation matter Misconceptions about testosterone in women, plus why dosing and proper oversight change outcomes Why hormone care works best when you treat the body as a system of systems Resources & Links 🌐 Dr. Terri DeNeui LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terri-deneui/📚 Book: Hormone Havoc: Dispelling the Myths and Misconceptions about Hormones in Women and Men – https://a.co/d/02qh7exW 📲 Follow Dr. Cassie Smith & Modern Endocrine 💻 Website: https://www.modern-endocrine.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernendocrine_/ 🌟 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ModernEndocrine 📽️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@modernendocrine 🕹️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@modernendocrine?lang=en 📰 Newsletter: https://linktr.ee/modernendocrine ➡️ Disclaimer: https://www.modernendocrineokc.com/disclaimer-6353