Topic #12 of 12: Know This Number — Could Your Thyroid Be Draining Your Energy? (Ep. 11)
In Episode 11, Dr. Don Colbert joins Mary and Kyle to unpack the most overlooked thyroid number — free T3. If your hands and feet run cold, your energy is shot, or your weight gain feels “all over,” your thyroid could be under‑firing. Learn how to spot the signs, what labs to request, and the practical steps (from lifestyle to targeted support) that help you get back to warm, clear, and energized.
🔑 What You’ll Learn
- Why free T3 is the key “feel it” thyroid hormone for warmth, energy, and mental clarity.
- How low thyroid often shows up: cold hands/feet, whole‑body weight gain, constipation, dry skin, thinning outer eyebrows, fatigue, anxiety/low mood.
- Big disruptors: autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s), postpartum thyroiditis, iodine excess, certain meds, and endocrine‑disrupting chemicals (PFAS, phthalates, parabens).
- Exactly which labs to request and the optimized ranges Dr. Colbert targets for feeling your best.
- Practical steps to support healthy T3: timing meds correctly, reducing chemical exposures, and nutritional cofactors.
🧪 The Number to Know (Labs & Targets)
- Free T3 (pg/mL) — Often under‑checked yet most correlated with how you feel.
• Typical lab reference ranges: ~2.2–4.1 (men); ~2.0–4.4 (women).
• Dr. Colbert’s optimized ranges: 3.0–4.1 (men) and 3.0–4.4 (women).
- TSH (mIU/L) — Pituitary signal; can miss subclinical issues if used alone. Dr. Colbert’s ideal is often ~0.4–1.5.
- Free T4 — Inactive precursor; some people don’t efficiently convert T4 → T3 (stress, inflammation, high glucose can impair this).
- Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPOAb) — Screens for Hashimoto’s/autoimmunity.
Tip: Ask your provider specifically for free T3, free T4, TSH, and TPO antibodies. Many standard panels omit free T3.
🚩 Common Triggers & Disruptors
- Autoimmune: Hashimoto’s, postpartum thyroiditis; women are affected 5–8× more often.
- Chemicals: PFAS (non‑stick pans, grease‑resistant wrappers, some rainwear), phthalates (fragrances/personal care), parabens (shampoos/lotions). Opt for “PFAS‑free,” “phthalate‑free,” and “paraben‑free.”
- Medications: Lithium; amiodarone; some anti‑seizure/neuropathy meds; high‑dose steroids (T4→T3 conversion); PPIs (absorption).
- Iodine: Excess can aggravate autoimmune thyroiditis—avoid high‑dose self‑experimentation.
✅ Practical Next Steps
- Get the right labs (see above) and know your free T3.
- Discuss options with your clinician:
- Natural desiccated thyroid (e.g., NP/Armour) — contains T4 + T3; dosing is individualized; start low and go slow, especially if 60+.
- Levothyroxine (T4) — works for some, but others may need T3 support if conversion is impaired.
- Nutritional support for conversion (T4→T3): zinc, selenium, iodine (balanced), B12, adaptogens (e.g., ashwagandha, schisandra) — see Thyroid Zone below.
- Reduce exposures: swap non‑stick cookware for stainless/ceramic; minimize greasy wrappers; choose “fragrance‑free” or naturally scented personal care.
- Timing matters: take thyroid meds on an empty stomach with water; wait 30–60 minutes before food/coffee.
🙋 Who Should Watch
- Anyone with persistent fatigue, brain fog, or feeling cold — especially with whole‑body weight gain.
- Women (higher risk for autoimmune thyroiditis), during hormone shifts (postpartum, perimenopause, menopause).
- People on meds known to impact thyroid function or absorption.
✝ Faith & Health
Partner with God by stewarding your health wisely: get the right data, remove what harms, nourish what heals, and walk in renewed strength.
📚 Helpful Links
Medical disclaimer: Educational content only. Not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional before making changes to medications or supplements.
