116: McCall McPherson: Hashimoto’s, Weight, and What Your Labs Aren’t Telling You
Why You're Exhausted Even When Your Labs Look "Normal" (And What to Do About It)
Feeling tired, foggy, and frustrated despite "normal" thyroid labs? Thyroid expert McCall McPherson reveals what your doctor might be missing about Hashimoto's, hormones, and your metabolism.
You're doing everything right.
You're lifting consistently. Eating clean. Prioritizing sleep. Drinking your water. Checking all the boxes.
But you're still exhausted. Your brain feels foggy. Your body won't cooperate. And when you finally drag yourself to the doctor, they run some labs and tell you everything is "fine."
Sound familiar?
In this week's episode of BROADS, Tara sits down with McCall McPherson, thyroid and hormone expert and founder of Modern Thyroid Clinic and Modern Weight Loss, to dig into why so many women feel completely "off" even when their bloodwork comes back normal. Spoiler alert: "normal" doesn't mean optimal, and your labs might be hiding the real story.
The Problem with "Normal" Thyroid Labs
Here's the thing most doctors won't tell you: the reference ranges for thyroid function are wide. Like, really wide. So wide that you can be struggling with symptoms of hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's and still fall within "normal" range.
McCall breaks down why this happens and what you should actually be looking for when you get your thyroid tested. Most standard panels only check TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone), but that's just scratching the surface. To get the full picture, you need:
Free T3 and Free T4 - The actual thyroid hormones your body uses
Reverse T3 - Can block active thyroid hormone
Thyroid antibodies (TPO and TG) - To identify Hashimoto's
Complete hormone panel - Because everything is connected
The difference between hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's? Hypothyroidism means your thyroid isn't producing enough hormone. Hashimoto's is an autoimmune condition where your immune system attacks your thyroid gland. You can have Hashimoto's for years before it shows up as abnormal TSH, which is why testing antibodies is crucial.
Food, Inflammation, and Why Your Body Feels Like It's Working Against You
One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation? Food and inflammation are secretly driving your fatigue and weight gain, and most women have no idea.
McCall emphasizes that Hashimoto's and thyroid dysfunction don't exist in a vacuum. Chronic inflammation from food sensitivities, gut issues, and constant stress creates a vicious cycle that tanks your energy, messes with your metabolism, and makes weight loss feel impossible.
Some women find relief by identifying trigger foods (gluten and dairy are common culprits for Hashimoto's patients), healing their gut, and reducing systemic inflammation. It's not about being perfect or following a restrictive diet forever, it's about understanding what your body needs to function optimally.
HIIT, Overtraining, and the Adrenal Connection
If you're a fitness enthusiast who loves crushing high-intensity workouts, this section might sting a little, but it's important.
McCall explains how HIIT and overtraining can wreck your adrenals and make thyroid issues worse. When you're already dealing with hormone imbalances, pushing your body harder isn't always the answer. In fact, it might be the exact opposite of what you need.
Chronic high-intensity training combined with stress and inadequate recovery puts your body in constant fight-or-flight mode. Your cortisol stays elevated, your thyroid function takes a hit, and your metabolism slows down as a protective mechanism.
The fix? Sometimes the smartest move is to lift less and listen more. That might mean:
Swapping some HIIT sessions for strength training or walking
Prioritizing recovery days without guilt
Actually taking rest weeks when your body is screaming for them
Working with your cycle instead of against it
This doesn't mean you have to stop training hard, it means training smart and giving your body what it actually needs to perform and recover.
GLP-1s Beyond Weight Loss: A New Perspective
The conversation also touches on microdosing GLP-1 medications (like Ozempic and Wegovy) and their potential benefits beyond just weight loss. While these drugs have gotten tons of attention for helping people shed pounds, McCall discusses how they can also improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and help regulate hormones when used appropriately.
This isn't about taking shortcuts or looking for a magic pill, it's about understanding all the tools available and using them strategically when they make sense for your individual situation.
Simple Ways to Support Your Thyroid Health Starting Today
The good news? There are practical, actionable steps you can take right now to support your thyroid and feel better:
Movement: Focus on strength training and walking instead of constant HIIT. Give your body time to recover between intense sessions.
Fasting: Strategic intermittent fasting can support hormone balance, but timing matters. McCall recommends working with your menstrual cycle and avoiding extended fasts during the luteal phase.
Stress Control: This is non-negotiable. Chronic stress is thyroid kryptonite. Find what works for you, whether that's meditation, breathwork, therapy, or just saying "no" more often.
Testing: Get comprehensive labs done and work with someone who understands functional ranges, not just "normal" ranges. Knowledge is power.
Food: Pay attention to how different foods make you feel. If you suspect Hashimoto's, consider testing for antibodies and exploring an elimination protocol with professional guidance.
The Bottom Line
If you've been feeling like something is "off" but your doctor keeps dismissing your symptoms because your labs are "fine," trust your gut. You know your body better than anyone else.
The gap between "normal" and "optimal" is where so many women are stuck, exhausted, frustrated, and unsure where to turn. But with the right testing, the right support, and a willingness to investigate deeper, you can get answers and start feeling like yourself again.
Want to dive deeper? Check out McCall McPherson's work at Modern Thyroid Clinic and follow her on Instagram @mccallmcphersonpa for more thyroid and hormone insights.
And if you're ready to work with coaches who actually understand the female body and won't just tell you to "eat less and move more," check out BroadsCOACH. Through December 1st, join during the Black Friday promo and get coaching completely free through the holidays, your contract doesn't start until January 1st.
