DR. IZABELLA WENTZ: THE THYROID PHARMACIST

Leading a Revolution in Women’s Health

COURTNEY MCGEE

2025

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Dr. Izabella Wentz never expected the thyroid to become her life’s calling. As a newly minted pharmacist in her twenties, she believed she was living a healthy lifestyle—until her body began falling apart. Fatigue, brain fog, panic attacks, carpal tunnel syndrome, and hair loss plagued her daily life. The culprit? Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, a chronic autoimmune condition—and the beginning of a journey that would turn her into one of the world’s most recognized thyroid health experts.

“I thought thyroid was this boring organ,” Wentz admits. “Little did I know how crucial it is—and how many women are suffering in silence because of undiagnosed or mismanaged thyroid conditions.”

Now known as the “Thyroid Pharmacist,” Dr. Wentz is a functional medicine pioneer, best-selling author, and patient advocate who has spent more than a decade empowering others to take control of their health. Dr. Wentz sat down with TereZa Hakobyan-Lolli and Anthony Lolli, Editors-in-Chief of longevity and wellness platform Biohack Yourself, for an interview for the influential upcoming women’s health documentary, “sHEALed,” to share her personal story, cutting-edge insights into thyroid health, and a message of hope for the millions affected by chronic fatigue, weight struggles, and autoimmune disease.

The sHEALed Documentary is the sister documentary to Biohack Yourself, which became a massive success after exploding on the scene in December 2024 and ignited a firestorm of interest in information focused on health and longevity. Biohack Yourself features 114 prominent and respected high-profile politicians, doctors, bestselling authors, Ph.D.s, M.D.s, scientists, chemists, inventors, biotech investors, and world-renowned academics. Stemming from the success of Biohack Yourself, TereZa Hakobyan-Lolli and Anthony Lolli have grown Biohack Yourself Media to become the number one resource for health news, publishing over 500 articles ranging from breaking news to peer reviewed content.

From Suffering to Solution

Wentz’s diagnosis with Hashimoto’s offered temporary relief—finally, a name for her suffering. But conventional treatment left her disappointed.

“I was put on thyroid medication and expected everything to improve,” she recalls. “Instead of sleeping 12 hours a night, I was sleeping 11. I was still cold, still exhausted, still unwell.”

Determined to understand the root cause, Wentz dove into medical literature, functional medicine, and integrative approaches. She became her own experiment—and eventually, her own healer.

“I got myself into remission,” she says. “And I realized I needed to help others do the same.”

The result was her breakthrough book, Hashimoto’s: The Root Cause, a self-published success that became a New York Times bestseller and inspired a global movement.

The Thyroid Epidemic: Why Women Are Most at Risk

Thyroid disorders disproportionately affect women—five to eight times more than men. Wentz explains that hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, postpartum, and perimenopause make women especially vulnerable.

“Our hormonal fluctuations, combined with modern stressors and nutrient deficiencies, create the perfect storm,” she says.

Yet most women go undiagnosed for years. Symptoms like anxiety, fatigue, depression, hair loss, and weight gain are dismissed as “normal” or blamed on motherhood, aging, or stress.

“Common doesn’t mean normal,” Wentz emphasizes. “If you feel off, your body is trying to tell you something.”

Beyond Medication: The Missing Link in Thyroid Treatment

Conventional medicine typically treats hypothyroidism with levothyroxine (T4), a synthetic hormone that’s supposed to convert to T3, the body’s active thyroid hormone. But for many patients, that conversion never happens.

“T4 is a prodrug,” Wentz explains. “It requires optimal liver function, sufficient nutrients, and low stress to convert properly. Most people don’t have those conditions.”

The result? Persistent symptoms, despite being “on medication.” Wentz argues that patients need comprehensive care—including T3 optimization, nutrient repletion, and autoimmune support.

Understanding Hashimoto’s: The Real Root of Hypothyroidism

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. It’s an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the thyroid, gradually impairing its function. Despite its prevalence, it’s often undiagnosed.

“Unless you’ve had your thyroid removed, there’s a 95% chance your hypothyroidism is caused by Hashimoto’s,” Wentz says. “But most doctors never test for it.”

The key tests? In addition to TSH, patients should request Free T3, Free T4, and thyroid antibodies (TPO and TG). Antibodies can be elevated up to a decade before changes in hormone levels appear—making early testing essential for prevention.

The Five Stages of Hashimoto’s

According to Wentz, Hashimoto’s progresses in stages—each offering a window for intervention:

Genetic Predisposition: No symptoms yet, but family history increases risk.
Immune Activation: Antibodies rise, symptoms like anxiety or IBS may appear.
Subclinical Hypothyroidism: TSH begins to rise, but not enough for diagnosis.
Overt Hypothyroidism: Classic symptoms appear—weight gain, fatigue, hair loss.
Autoimmune Progression: Other autoimmune diseases may develop.

“If we catch it in stage two or three, we can often reverse it—or at least stop its progression,” Wentz explains.

Healing from the Inside Out: Wentz’s Six-Pillar Protocol

For those already diagnosed, Wentz offers a holistic, science-based approach to healing:

Nutrition: Eliminate inflammatory foods (like gluten and dairy), and focus on nutrient-dense, whole foods.
Nutrient Support: Address common deficiencies—iron, selenium, B12, zinc, and vitamin D.
Gut Health: Resolve infections like SIBO, support the microbiome, and repair intestinal permeability.
Stress Management: Chronic stress disrupts the immune system and hormone balance.
Detox Pathways: Support liver and cellular detoxification to reduce toxin load.
Hormone Optimization: For advanced cases, optimize thyroid hormone therapy with both T4 and T3 when needed.

“Functional medicine doesn’t just treat symptoms—it asks why the symptoms are there,” she says. “We plug the holes, not just pour more water.”

Pregnancy, Puberty, and Prevention

Thyroid issues often emerge during hormonal transitions. Wentz urges special attention to thyroid health in:

Teenagers: Anxiety and mood swings may signal early thyroid dysfunction.
Pregnancy/Postpartum: Nutrient depletion (especially iron and selenium) can trigger autoimmune flares.
Perimenopause: Fluctuating estrogen can unmask underlying thyroid issues.

“Postpartum is the most common time for a woman to develop thyroid disease,” Wentz says. “But nutrient support during pregnancy can help prevent it.”

Testing and Early Intervention: Don’t Wait for a Diagnosis

Many people live with symptoms for years before receiving a diagnosis. Wentz urges proactive testing—especially for those with family history, mood disorders, or unexplained fatigue.

“Testing costs far less than the long-term effects of untreated thyroid disease,” she says.

Ask your doctor for:

TSH
Free T3
Free T4
TPO and TG antibodies

If your provider won’t run these tests, seek out a functional medicine practitioner. Wentz provides a vetted list on her website.

A Call to Empowerment

Dr. Wentz hopes her work will help women understand that they are not crazy, lazy, or broken. They are simply missing the tools and support they need to thrive.

“You are not your diagnosis,” she says. “You are a powerful being—and your body is trying to communicate with you.”

Her message is clear: thyroid disease is not a life sentence. With the right knowledge, it’s possible to heal, reclaim your energy, and live fully again.

Action Steps from Dr. Wentz

Get a full thyroid panel—don’t rely on TSH alone.
Assess nutrient status—especially iron, selenium, and vitamin D.
Explore food sensitivities—gluten and dairy are common triggers.
Support your gut—consider probiotics, digestive enzymes, and anti-inflammatory diets.
Manage stress—through breathwork, sleep, and boundaries.
Find community—healing is easier when you’re supported.

Check here for information about the upcoming spring 2025 edition Biohack Yourself Magazine, where the team at Biohack Yourself Media dives deeper into their insights on biohacking, longevity and cutting-edge wellness strategies. Biohack Yourself Magazine is the first peer-reviewed longevity publication with international distribution across the U.S. and Canada, bringing science-backed health optimization, functional medicine and performance-driven breakthroughs to a broader audience. Pick up a copy at major retailers, including Barber & Noble, Books-A-Million, Publix, Kroger, Indigo/Chapters, and select fitness gyms and pharmacies.