Episode Summary: "Why Thyroid Meds Don’t Work for Most Women | Thyroid & Weight Loss Expert"

Podcast: The Dr. Josh Axe Show
Host: Dr. Josh Axe
Guest: McCall McPherson, PA, Thyroid & Weight Loss Expert
Release Date: July 3, 2025

Introduction

In this enlightening episode of The Dr. Josh Axe Show, Dr. Josh Axe welcomes McCall McPherson, a board-certified Physician Assistant specializing in thyroid health and weight loss. Together, they delve deep into the complexities of hypothyroidism, particularly focusing on why conventional thyroid medications often fail to alleviate symptoms in most women. The conversation emphasizes the importance of personalized medicine, comprehensive hormone panels, and lifestyle interventions in managing thyroid disorders effectively.

The Limitations of Conventional Thyroid Treatments

Dr. Axe opens the discussion by highlighting the inadequacies of mainstream medical approaches to thyroid dysfunction. He shares his own experience from 2007, noting that most women entering his functional medicine practice suffer from hypothyroidism or significant hormone imbalances—a trend McCall confirms.

Notable Quote:
McCall McPherson (04:02): "There are so many pitfalls in that scenario... There's no adopted, standardized normal versus abnormal. Certainly no one's taking into account optimal, which is absolutely what we need to be doing."

Key Points:

• Inadequate Diagnosis: Traditional reliance on TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone) levels is insufficient, as TSH only reflects about 1% of thyroid hormone output, leading to misdiagnosis in up to 35% of cases.
• Individual Variability: Most doctors treat hypothyroid patients uniformly, disregarding the unique hormonal profiles of each individual, which undermines effective treatment.

Interconnected Hormonal Systems

McCall underscores the intricate connections between various hormonal systems in the body, emphasizing that thyroid function cannot be isolated from adrenal health, reproductive hormones, and the gut microbiome.

Notable Quote:
McCall McPherson (05:20): "Your thyroid function needs to be perfect... It has to truly be perfect to get the life back that people deserve."

Key Points:

• Adrenal Influence: Chronic stress and adrenal dysfunction can significantly impact thyroid hormone conversion and overall thyroid health.
• Holistic Approach: Effective thyroid management requires addressing multiple organ systems simultaneously rather than treating the thyroid in isolation.

Nutritional Deficiencies and Thyroid Health

Both Dr. Axe and McCall agree that pervasive nutritional deficiencies play a critical role in thyroid dysfunction and its symptoms.

Notable Quote:
McCall McPherson (47:31): "Vitamin D is pervasive. I think I've never seen two people that aren't vitamin D deficient... Selenium and zinc are huge."

Key Points:

• Essential Nutrients: Deficiencies in Vitamin D, Zinc, Selenium, and B vitamins are common and detrimental to thyroid function.
• Dietary Diversity: Emphasizing a varied, nutrient-dense diet is crucial for maintaining optimal thyroid health.

The Problem with T4-Based Medications

The conversation delves into the limitations of T4-only medications like Levothyroxine (Synthroid), explaining why they often fail to resolve hypothyroid symptoms.

Notable Quote:
McCall McPherson (13:26): "99% of people who are put on medication are put on T4 or crude oil medication... they can't convert it into gasoline."

Key Points:

• Ineffective Conversion: Many patients struggle to convert T4 to the active T3 form, rendering T4-only medications ineffective.
• Patient Symptoms Persist: Despite "normal" lab results, patients continue to experience debilitating symptoms, highlighting the need for alternative treatment strategies.

Personalized Treatment Protocols

McCall discusses the importance of individualized treatment plans that go beyond standard protocols, tailoring interventions to each patient's unique hormonal and metabolic profile.

Notable Quote:
McCall McPherson (06:01): "Everybody doesn't have the exact identical hormone issue... It has to truly be perfect to get the life back that people deserve."

Key Points:

• Comprehensive Testing: Utilizing full thyroid panels, including TSH, Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, and antibody levels to accurately diagnose and treat thyroid conditions.
• Customized Supplementation: Addressing specific nutrient deficiencies and hormonal imbalances with targeted supplements and lifestyle modifications.

Role of Adrenal Health and Stress Management

Both hosts emphasize that adrenal dysfunction and chronic stress are significant contributors to thyroid imbalances, necessitating focused interventions in these areas.

Notable Quote:
McCall McPherson (24:48): "Adrenal dysfunction is present in 99.9% of thyroid patients. If you don't fix it, you're not going to feel better with your thyroid."

Key Points:

• Stress Reduction: Implementing strategies such as meditation, nature therapy, and stress-relief exercises to support adrenal health.
• Energy Restoration: Utilizing supplements like Orthomolecular's Adrenal formula to replenish adrenal function and boost patient energy levels.

Innovative Therapies: GLP-1 and Peptide Therapy

The episode explores advanced therapies like GLP-1 agonists and peptide treatments, discussing their benefits and potential pitfalls when used correctly.

Notable Quotes:
Dr. Axe (33:26): "GLP1 is something your own body manufactures... we are applying the doses that historically we have used to treat diabetics to people who do not have diabetes to simply lose weight."

McCall McPherson (34:35): "Why not use standardized, tailored dosing to avoid muscle loss and other side effects associated with high doses."

Key Points:

• Microdosing GLP-1: Advocating for smaller, personalized doses to prevent adverse effects like muscle loss while effectively managing weight.
• Future of Medicine: Predicting a surge in peptide therapy as a pivotal treatment modality for thyroid and metabolic disorders.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Strategies

The discussion turns to HRT, highlighting thoughtful and monitored use as opposed to the conventional approach of long-term, high-dose hormone supplementation.

Notable Quote:
McCall McPherson (52:08): "I have a different approach... supplementing progesterone and testosterone to restore balance, then removing supplementation as their own production improves."

Key Points:

• Balanced Supplementation: Focusing on restoring hormonal balance with lower, targeted doses of progesterone and testosterone.
• Monitoring and Adjustment: Regularly testing hormone levels to adjust supplementation, preventing overuse and long-term dependency.

Gender-Specific Thyroid Health Insights

McCall provides insights into why hypothyroidism disproportionately affects women, linking it to the higher prevalence of autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Notable Quote:
McCall McPherson (59:09): "Women are at much greater risk for autoimmune disease... Hashimoto's drives 80% of hypothyroidism."

Key Points:

• Autoimmune Predisposition: Women’s higher susceptibility to autoimmune disorders significantly increases their risk of developing thyroid issues.
• Life Stage Factors: Hormonal fluctuations during postpartum, perimenopause, and menopause further elevate the risk of thyroid dysfunction.

Practical Strategies for Patients

The hosts share actionable advice for patients struggling with thyroid issues, including stress management techniques, nutritional guidance, and the importance of comprehensive medical evaluations.

Notable Quote:
Dr. Axe (43:02): "Let's go through and figure out how to deal... schedule out several hours a week where you're doing these things you love."

Key Points:

• Stress Identification and Reduction: Encouraging patients to identify stressors and actively engage in activities that promote joy and relaxation.
• Holistic Healing Practices: Incorporating nature, herbal supplements, and modern technology like neuro-calming apps to support mental and emotional well-being.

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with a strong advocacy for personalized, functional medicine approaches in treating hypothyroidism and related hormonal imbalances. Dr. Axe and McCall McPherson emphasize the necessity of comprehensive testing, individualized treatment plans, and holistic lifestyle modifications to truly restore health and vitality in women struggling with thyroid issues.

Final Quote:
McCall McPherson (61:28): "Keep doing what you're doing... transforming the health of this nation."

Additional Resources:
Listeners are encouraged to follow McCall McPherson on Instagram and her podcast McCall McPhers for further insights into thyroid health and functional medicine.

Subscribe to The Dr. Josh Axe Show to stay updated with expert discussions on natural health, nutrition, and personal growth.