Ep. 241: What Happens When Your Thyroid is Removed?

Ever wondered what it really means to undergo a thyroidectomy -- surgery to remove your thyroid? Why is it done? What are the risks and rewards? How does life look when you’re living without a thyroid?

In this episode, we’re diving deep into a journey some of you with thyroid disorders face: removal, recovery, and rebuilding.

What you’ll learn:

• The why: From persistent symptoms in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis to nodules, goiter, or cancer — when thyroid removal becomes the next step. We unpack when surgery is recommended and what you should ask before saying “yes”.

• The how & what: What does a thyroidectomy entail? What types exist (partial vs total)? What does recovery look like—short-term, long-term?

• The pros & cons: On one hand, removal can relieve stubborn symptoms or eliminate recurring issues. On the other hand: surgical risks (voice changes, parathyroid damage, hypocalcemia), lifelong hormone replacement, and unexpected challenges.

• We also answer the big question: “Can you live without a thyroid gland?”

You'll also get an action plan: If you’re facing or have had a thyroidectomy: how to optimize your hormone replacement, protect your voice and calcium levels, monitor your antibody/autoimmune activity (yes, even without a thyroid your body’s immune system still matters).

Why you’ll want to listen? Because removing your thyroid isn’t just a “cut and heal” procedure—it rewires your hormone landscape, your metabolism, your self-care routine. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, considering surgery, or navigating life post-thyroidectomy, this episode arms you with the knowledge, nuance, and confidence to ask the right questions and take ownership of your health.

🎧Tune in and empower yourself: understand the full map from decision-making to recovery to thriving after thyroid removal.

LEARN MORE

You can learn more about the topic at the Paloma blog:

Pros and Cons of Removing Your Thyroid

https://www.palomahealth.com/learn/pros-cons-removing-thyroid

Thyroidectomy: Reasons, Procedure, and Recovery

https://www.palomahealth.com/learn/thyroidectomy

Can You Live Without A Thyroid Gland?

https://www.palomahealth.com/learn/living-without-thyroid

ABOUT PALOMA HEALTH

⁠⁠Paloma Health ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠is an online medical practice focused on treating hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s, perimenopause, menopause, and hormonal weight gain. From online visits with your provider to easy prescription management and lab orders, we create personalized treatment plans for you.

Become a member⁠, or try our at-home test kit and experience a whole new level of hypothyroid care. Use code PODCAST to save $30 at checkout.

Disclaimer: The $30 discount is only valid for first-time Paloma Health members and test kit users. Coupon must be entered at the time of checkout.

Become a Paloma Member

https://www.palomahealth.com/pricing-hypothyroidism

Paloma Complete Thyroid Blood Test Kit

https://www.palomahealth.com/home-thyroid-blood-test-kit