425: Thyroid, Perimenopause & Weight Loss: What Women Need to Know with Dr. Rachel Vong

In this empowering episode, I sit down with Dr. Rachel Vong, a naturopathic doctor who specializes in women’s thyroid health, especially hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s.We dive into the connection between thyroid function, perimenopause, and weight loss—exploring why so many women struggle with fatigue, weight gain, and hormonal shifts even when they’re “doing everything right.”Dr. Vong breaks down the importance of optimal lab testing, the dangers of chronic dieting, the role of inflammation, and how sustainable lifestyle changes can restore health and resilience. You’ll leave with practical takeaways, a fresh perspective on weight gain, and the encouragement to advocate for yourself on your health journey.Dr. Rachel Vong is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor in Toronto, Canada with a passion and clinical focus on thyroid disorders, specifically hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. She runs a successful 4 month comprehensive thyroid program called the Thyroid Reset System that has helped hundreds of women with hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s reclaim their energy, lose weight effortlessly and get back to feeling like themselves again.Having struggled with debilitating anxiety, burnout, and a myriad of gut issues herself for several years, it has become her mission in life to help guide and empower other women to take charge of their own health so that they can live a life that they love.If you want to connect with her, you can find her at the links below! [email protected]://www.drvongnd.com/thyroidresetsystemhttps://www.instagram.com/drvongndhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/244653034411113 00:22 Meet Dr. Rachel Vong 01:03 Thyroid 101: Role in Health & Energy 01:44 Signs of Hypothyroidism 02:28 Perimenopause vs. Thyroid Symptoms 05:17 Why Testing & Family History Matter 07:54 Beyond Thyroid: Other Key Markers 09:30 Normal vs. Optimal Lab Ranges 12:01 Thyroid, Metabolism & Weight Gain 17:39 Reframing Weight Gain as Protection 20:23 Case Study: Reducing Inflammation 24:23 Nutrition, Inflammation & Resiliency 27:14 The Risks of Chronic Restriction 29:36 Stress, Hormones & Perimenopause 31:52 Small, Sustainable Lifestyle Shifts 35:32 Blood Sugar, Insulin & Thyroid 40:54 Testing for Insulin Resistance 42:54 Stress, Exercise & Blood Sugar Spikes 45:23 Hashimoto’s: The Autoimmune Layer 49:10 Taking Control of Your HealthGain access to my new secret podcast, Unbreakable: The Runner's Guide To Injury-Proofing Your Body After 40. Click here: https://www.realliferunners.com/secretJoin the Team! -->  https://www.realliferunners.com/team Thanks for Listening!!Be sure to hit FOLLOW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player Leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your ratings and reviews really help and we read each one!Come find us on Instagram and say hi! Don't forget: The information on this website is not intended to treat or diagnose any medical condition or to provide medical advice. It is intended for general education in the areas of health and wellness. All information contained in this site is intended to be educational in nature. Nothing should be considered medical advice for your specific situation.