Take Back Your Health

What if the symptoms you’ve been told are “just aging” are actually signs of a major hormonal transition? Perimenopause can affect sleep, mood, metabolism, brain function, and resilience long before anyone explains what is happening. In this episode, Dr. Amy Myers sits down with Dr. Mariza Snyder, a functional practitioner, women’s hormone expert, author, and host of Energized with Dr. Mariza. They discuss why perimenopause can feel like a second puberty, how hormone shifts affect the brain and metabolism, and practical tools for tracking symptoms, supporting blood sugar, building muscle, and advocating for better care. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why perimenopause includes brain fog, sleep changes, mood shifts, cycle changes, joint pain, body-composition changes, low libido, and reduced recovery—not only hot flashes. How symptoms, thyroid function, blood sugar, inflammation, cortisol, and age fit into the clinical picture. Why perimenopause is a neuroendocrine transition and how it can affect mental energy, word recall, mood, and resilience. How tracking symptoms, sleep, HRV, resting heart rate, and blood-sugar patterns can help you advocate for yourself. Why movement after meals, exercise snacks, and strength training support metabolic and musculoskeletal health. How HRT fits into a broader toolbox of individualized care. About Dr. Mariza Snyder Dr. Mariza Snyder is a functional practitioner, women’s hormone expert, author, and host of Energized with Dr. Mariza. She focuses on perimenopause, hormones, metabolism, and midlife changes and wrote The Perimenopause Revolution. Resources: The Perimenopause Revolution bonuses: https://peri-revolution.com/ Dr. Mariza’s website: https://drmariza.com/ Connect with Dr. Amy Myers: Website: https://www.dramymyers.com/ Inner Circle: https://www.drmyersinnercircle.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dramymyers Connect with Dr. Mariza Snyder: Website: https://drmariza.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmariza/?hl=en YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/drmarizasnyder LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmariza/ 🚨 Special Offer 🚨 Sunlighten is a sponsor of Take Back Your Health®. Visit Sunlighten to learn more about Sunlighten infrared saunas and access Dr. Amy’s $200 savings offer. 🚨 Exclusive Sunlighten Savings 🚨 Dr. Amy Myers has used a Sunlighten sauna for 16 years to support circulation, the body’s natural detox pathways, and relaxation. Discover Sunlighten’s mPulse Intelligent Sauna with PulseIQ™ technology, along with Amplify and the portable Solo System. Visit the Dr. Amy Myers Sunlighten offer page to save up to $2,100 plus free shipping. Use code Dr. Amy Myers. Episode Timestamps 00:01 — Welcome and Dr. Mariza’s introduction 01:23 — Dr. Mariza’s background and her mother’s story 06:48 — Why perimenopause can blindside women 10:38 — Thyroid, mold, autoimmunity, and stress overlap 14:49 — Hormones, rage, boundaries, and changing tolerance 18:40 — Diagnosis and common early symptoms 22:24 — Sleep, joint pain, recovery, body composition, and libido 24:33 — Why sleep is a force multiplier 25:38 — The neuroendocrine transition and second puberty 29:03 — Brain fog, word recall, and executive function 35:25 — Tracking biomarkers and movement after meals 39:11 — HRT as one tool in the care toolbox 44:26 — Earlier perimenopause and strength training 48:03 — Movement, exercise snacks, and book workouts 49:21 — Three ways to take back your health 51:02 — The book, bonuses, and where to find Dr. Mariza 52:20 — Closing

What if everything you've been told about your "normal" thyroid labs is wrong? After years of struggling with unexplained weight gain and fatigue, I wish I had known then what I know now. My guest today, Dr. Amie Hornaman, experienced this firsthand. A former competitive bodybuilder, she suddenly found herself gaining weight and spiraling into a deep depression. Despite strict dieting and exercise, six different doctors told her she was "normal." It wasn't until she found a practitioner who looked beyond standard testing that she discovered the truth: she had Hashimoto's and was suffering from what she now calls "thyropause." In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Amie, a functional medicine practitioner and founder of the Institute for Thyroid and Hormone Optimization. We dive deep into what thyropause actually is, why standard thyroid testing is failing women, and what every woman in midlife needs to know about the connection between sex hormones and thyroid health. The medical establishment is finally catching up to what Dr. Amie and I have been saying for years. We cover everything from the science behind T2, the forgotten thyroid hormone, to why women are routinely dismissed by their doctors. You will learn what you can do right now to actually optimize your hormones, not just accept the symptoms of aging. 🔥 What you'll learn in this episode: 📍What thyropause is and how the hormonal fluctuations of midlife trigger thyroid dysfunction 📍Why standard TSH testing is inadequate and what labs you actually need to request 📍How T2 works at the cellular level to boost metabolism without shutting down your own thyroid production 📍The truth about hormone replacement therapy and why hormones are protective, not cancer-causing 📍 Why extreme dieting and stress are massive triggers for autoimmune conditions 📍How to advocate for yourself when your doctor tells you your symptoms are "just aging" 📍Three simple, free ways to start taking back your health today About Dr. Amie Hornaman: Dr. Amie Hornaman is a functional medicine practitioner, clinical nutritionist, and the founder of the Institute for Thyroid and Hormone Optimization. She coined the term "thyropause" and is the host of The Thyroid Fixer podcast. After her own battle with severe hypothyroidism and a cancer diagnosis, she dedicated her career to helping women reclaim their health through comprehensive hormone optimization and the use of T2 therapy. Resources and People Mentioned: Dr. Myers YouTube video on exposure to estrogen’s metabolites: https://youtu.be/pKYmdo7T_Kw?si=u8w-SHtdJ_wdTyqQ The Thyroid Fix by Dr. Amie Hornaman: https://thyroidfixbook.com/  Dr. Amie's Supplement Line: https://dramiehornaman.com/collections/supplements Access hormone testing through Dr. Myers’ Inner Circle: https://www.drmyersinnercircle.com/ Connect with Dr. Myers: Website: https://www.dramymyers.com/  Dr. Myers’ Inner Circle: https://www.drmyersinnercircle.com/  Newsletter: https://www.amymyersmd.com/pages/newsletter  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dramymyers  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dramymyers Connect with Dr. Amie Hornaman: Website: https://dramie.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dramiehornaman/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/dramiehornaman The Thyroid Fixer Podcast: https://dramiehornaman.com/pages/podcasts 🚨 Special offer🚨  Click the link below to learn how you can save 20% off on AMMD™️ products! https://www.amymyersmd.com/ Timestamps:  00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Thyropause  03:05 Dr. Amie's Personal Journey and Misdiagnosis  07:05 Finding the Right Diagnosis and Treatment  12:44 Transitioning to Functional Medicine  15:01 The Impact of Extreme Dieting and Stress  17:28 Why Autoimmunity is Appearing Younger  20:46 Why Women Are Dismissed by Doctors  24:38 Addressing Declining Hormones in Midlife  28:31 Dr. Amie's Cancer Diagnosis and Hormone Use  35:24 Estrogen Metabolites and Cancer Risk  38:30 The Forgotten Thyroid Hormone: T2  46:52 Metabolic Impact of T2  49:05 FDA Crackdown on Glandulars  51:14 Three Ways to Take Back Your Health  56:15 Where to Find Dr. Amie Hornaman

What if the GLP-1 conversation is bigger than weight loss? In this episode, I sit down with McCall McPherson, PA-C, thyroid expert and founder of Modern Thyroid Clinic. We have a candid, nuanced discussion about GLP-1 receptor agonists, the clinical questions that extend beyond the scale, and why safety, nutrition, medication sourcing, and individualized follow-up must stay at the center of the conversation. McCall shares the clinical observations that led her team to explore low-dose approaches with some thyroid patients, including questions around inflammation and autoimmune symptoms. We also discuss what is established, what remains under study, and why an episode conversation should never replace a personal discussion with a licensed clinician. Important clinical note: The episode includes discussion of microdosing and possible anti-inflammatory applications. These ideas may be outside FDA-approved uses and are not a plan for self-treatment. Do not start, stop, split, or change a prescription medicine without guidance from a qualified prescriber. 🔥What you will learn in this episode: 📍 What GLP-1 receptor agonists are designed to do and why product-specific labels matter 📍How McCall defines microdosing in her clinical practice and why this approach requires clinician oversight 📍Why inflammation, thyroid symptoms, nutrition, muscle health, and side effects need to be considered together 📍How to approach the thyroid cancer boxed warning with a thoughtful risk-benefit conversation 📍What the FDA-approved cardiovascular indication for Wegovy does and does not tell us about other health claims 📍Why the episode treats cancer, autoimmune disease, and brain-health topics as active areas of discussion and research rather than promises of treatment 📍Why unverified online sources and do-it-yourself dosing can create avoidable safety risks The FDA has approved Wegovy, a semaglutide product, for chronic weight management in certain patients and for reducing the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack, and stroke in adults with established cardiovascular disease and overweight or obesity, when used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.  The FDA also warns that unapproved versions of GLP-1 medicines do not undergo its premarket review for safety, effectiveness, and quality. Discuss your options with a licensed clinician and use a state-licensed pharmacy.  About McCall McPherson: McCall McPherson, PA-C, is a thyroid expert, functional medicine practitioner, and founder of Modern Thyroid Clinic. As a former thyroid patient herself, she brings both clinical expertise and personal experience to thyroid, hormone, and metabolic-health conversations. She is a TEDx speaker, host of the Modern Thyroid & Wellness podcast, and author of Take Back Your Thyroid.  Resources and Mentioned: Modern Thyroid Clinic: https://www.modernthyroidclinic.com/ McCall McPherson: https://mccallmcpherson.com/ Pre Order Your Copy of Take Back Your Thyroid: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/815338/take-back-your-thyroid-by-mccall-mcpherson-pa-c-foreword-by-dr-izabella-wentz/ Modern Thyroid & Wellness Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Fg4D4MorZ4o9XETRLXaiJ Organic Reds: https://www.amymyersmd.com/products/organic-reds-superfood-powder Organic Greens: https://www.amymyersmd.com/products/organic-greens Connect with Dr. Myers: Website: https://www.dramymyers.com/ Dr. Myers' Inner Circle: https://www.drmyersinnercircle.com/ Newsletter: https://dramymyers.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dramymyers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dramymyers Connect with McCall McPherson: Website: https://mccallmcpherson.com/ TikTok: @mccallmcpherson Instagram: @mccallmcphersonpa Instagram: @modernthyroid Youtube: @McCallMcPherson 🚨 Special offer🚨  Click the link below to learn how you can save 20% off on AMMD products. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJA6zhB3TZs Timestamps: 00:00 Show intro and episode preview 01:44 Welcome and guest introduction 02:48 McCall's personal thyroid story 03:51 What GLP-1 receptor agonists do 05:21 The discussion of microdosing and inflammation 07:33 Inflammatory markers and clinical observations 10:47 Thyroid antibodies and patient monitoring 18:43 Side effects, nutrition, and dose escalation 21:13 Thyroid cancer warning and risk conversations 25:06 Dr. Myers' Inner Circle 27:54 Cardiovascular outcomes and longevity discussion 37:38 Research questions in neurodegeneration 38:43 Autoimmunity and individualized care 40:32 Dosing supervision and safety 42:01 Online sourcing, compounding, and quality concerns 50:41 Graves' disease and block-and-replace therapy discussion 55:14 Three ways to take back your health 56:26 Where to find McCall McPherson 57:38 Episode wrap-up

I am excited to say that I have wrapped up season 1 of my Take Back Your Health™ podcast. For the last episode of the season, I have finally recorded my first solo cast. This is not just any solo cast. This is so personal and vulnerable for me—I literally bared it all in this episode. I definitely saved the best for last this season. I share what ups and downs I have been through over the last three years and, most importantly, a big health scare. I hold back tears (for the most part) as I describe almost being diagnosed with cancer and all of the very outside-the-box treatments I tried to finally get the all clear. You will not want to miss this episode! As the season comes to a close I want to thank you all for listening and let you know how very much I appreciate all of your support. I love what I do, and if I’m being honest, so much has transpired in my personal life. I’m finding it challenging to envision a season 2. It can be tough to publish a podcast episode every week. Lately, I’ve been reflecting on the effort it takes to work on my podcast, and weighing whether to keep going. So, I want to hear from you! If my podcast has helped you in any way and you would like to hear a season 2, please let me know. I’d love to hear from you! Regardless of what the future holds, I cannot thank you enough for joining me on this journey to Take Back Your Health™. Episodes , books, and resources mentioned in this episode: The Devastating Effects of Toxic Mold Exposure with Ann Shippy, MD: https://amymd.io/5 The Power of EMDR therapy: Overcoming Trauma and Anxiety with Ginger Poag: https://amymd.io/6 The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer (with Jenn Simmons, MD): https://amymd.io/7 From Prevention to Treatment: Inside Dr. Connealy’s Integrative Cancer Solutions: https://amymd.io/c Autoimmune Diseases, Trauma, and Psychedelic Therapies with Dr. Sara Gottfried: https://amymd.io/8 The Terrain Approach to Cancer: Dr. Nasha Winters on Revolutionizing Integrative Oncology: https://amymd.io/9 The Cancer Revolution: A Groundbreaking Program to Reverse and Prevent Cancer by Dr. Leigh Erin Connealy: https://amymd.io/a The Metabolic Approach to Cancer: Integrating Deep Nutrition, the Ketogenic Diet, and Nontoxic Bio-Individualized Therapies by Dr. Nasha Winters: https://amymd.io/b Prenuvo (Preventive full-body MRI) Connect with Dr. Myers: Website: https://www.dramymyers.com/ Dr. Myers’ Inner Circle: https://www.drmyersinnercircle.com Newsletter: https://dramymyers.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dramymyers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dramymyers 02:54 Challenges and Personal Struggles 03:15 Mold Issues and PTSD 07:09 Legal Battles and Separation 09:00 Health Scares and Family Support 12:57 Exploring Alternative Medicine 18:07 Spiritual Journeys and Healing 28:57 Reflections and Future Plans 36:06 Practical Health Advice 42:00 Cancer Recommendations

When it comes to experiencing a traumatic event, overcoming its rippling effects can feel overwhelming—like there's no end in sight. EMDR is here to change that. This week, I'm joined by Ginger Poag, a clinical psychotherapist and trauma counselor specializing in EMDR therapy. We sat down to discuss how EMDR works, the effects this modality has on the brain, and why those with anxiety, trauma, and PTSD may benefit the most from it. In this episode, you'll discover: What Is EMDR: An acronym for eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, EMDR therapy "allows us to get into the limbic system of the brain where traumas are stored,” shares Poag. "So we're able to access it there, desensitize it, and then move it to a different part of the brain where the brain can now realize, okay, that happened in the past. It's no longer an active threat." How EMDR Works: EMDR helps you reprocess traumatic events through bilateral movements using eye movements, hand tappers, or sound. This is important because "on a subconscious level, what we do today is being affected by the trauma still stored and unprocessed," says Poag. Introducing a positive belief ("I can overcome anything") can also be done during your session. EMDR vs Talk Therapy: While talk therapy is always an option, Poag says it can feel limiting to someone with a history of trauma. "I feel like there's a form of narrative therapy where you keep telling your story over and over again, and it can be more traumatizing to the client," she shares, adding, "What I like about EMDR so much is that I don’t need to know every little detail. All of the work is happening in your brain." Ketamine Can Help Access Emotions: Reserved for people who are having a hard time accessing certain memories or those hitting a plateau, using a small dose of ketamine—administered by a clinician—can prove helpful during EMDR sessions. "It's been so effective, and we're able to process through so much at an even quicker rate with the ketamine," says Poag. 02:17 Understanding Trauma and EMDR 04:08 Types of Trauma and Their Impact 09:50 Mechanisms Behind EMDR 11:35 EMDR in Practice: Methods and Effectiveness 13:02 Personal Testimony: Overcoming PTSD 20:00 Comparing EMDR with Traditional Talk Therapy 25:06 EMDR for Couples and Recent Traumatic Events 26:21 Exploring Ketamine in EMDR Therapy 28:43 EMDR Session Timelines and Effectiveness 34:26 EMDR for Children and Young Patients 42:08 Intensive EMDR Sessions and Retreats Connect with Dr. Myers: Website: https://www.amymyersmd.com/ Newsletter: https://www.amymyersmd.com/ec/guide-to-leaky-gut Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmyMyersMD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amymyersmd/ Episode mentioned with Dr. Ann Shippy (The Devastating Effects of Toxic Mold Exposure) Connect with Ginger Poag: Website: https://www.columbiaemdr.com/ To find an EMDR practitioner - Emdria website: https://www.emdria.org/find-an-emdr-therapist/ EMDR Therapy Intensives: https://www.columbiaemdr.com/emdr-therapy-intensives EMDR Intensive Retreat Costa Rica: https://www.columbiaemdr.com/costarica