Ep. 173 Hypothyroidism Unmasked: The ENT’s Diagnostic Journey with Dr. Dana Gibbs

BackTable ENT

In this episode of the BackTable ENT Podcast, thyroid expert Dr. Dana Gibbs speaks with host Dr. Ashley Agan about Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and hypothyroidism. Despite the high prevalence of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis (1-2%), the condition is often misunderstood. Otolaryngologists and internists alike will benefit from Dr. Gibbs’ insight into Hashimoto’s presentation, diagnosis, and treatment.

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SYNPOSIS

First, Dr. Gibbs explains how she shifted her clinical focus from comprehensive otolaryngology to thyroid disease. Recounting her decades-long, personal experience with hypothyroidism, she describes how nonspecific symptoms of fatigue, hair loss, and weight gain can lead clinicians astray. Then, she reviews the pathophysiology and diagnosis of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. Using labs and questionnaires, she interrogates the patient’s overall endocrine health, which she addresses using a combination of levothyroxine (T4), liothyronine (T3), and select supplements. She demonstrates how lessons learned treating Hashimoto’s extend to hypothyroidism management more broadly. Finally, the use of integrative medicine strategies to treat thyroid disorders is discussed.

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction

02:33 - Dr. Gibbs’ Personal Experience with Hypothyroidism

11:32 - Understanding Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

18:26 - Hashimoto’s: A Challenging Diagnosis

33:17 - The Role of Stress in Thyroid Disease

35:04 - Thyroid Medications

51:21 - The Role of Surgery in Managing Hypothyroidism

55:01 - An Integrative Medicine Perspective on Hypothyroidism

59:27 - Final Thoughts on Hashimoto’s & Hypothyroidism

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RESOURCES

Dr. Gibbs’ Consultants in Metabolism Profile:

https://www.danagibbsmd.com/

Dr. Gibbs’ Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/danagibbsmd/