89: Autoimmune Disease Is Rising Faster Than Ever – The Root Causes Conventional Medicine Still Misses with Dr. Amy Myers

What if autoimmune disease isn't something you're destined to live with forever, but a signal that your body needs help addressing deeper root causes?

In this episode of Modern Thyroid and Wellness, McCall McPherson welcomes longtime mentor, friend, and functional medicine pioneer Amy Myers. A two-time New York Times bestselling author and internationally recognized functional medicine physician, Dr. Myers shares her personal journey from being diagnosed with Graves' disease during medical school to becoming one of the leading voices in autoimmune and thyroid health.

Together, they explore why autoimmune diseases continue to rise, why women are disproportionately affected, and why many patients spend years searching for answers before receiving a diagnosis. Dr. Myers explains the role of gut health, environmental toxins, infections, stress, trauma, and nutrition in autoimmune disease while sharing practical strategies for supporting immune health and addressing root causes. She also introduces the newly revised edition of The Autoimmune Solution, featuring updated research and expanded guidance for today's changing health landscape.

Whether you're living with Hashimoto's, Graves' disease, or another autoimmune condition, this conversation offers hope, practical tools, and a reminder that healing begins by understanding the "why" behind your symptoms.

🔑 Key Topics Covered

Dr. Amy Myers' personal journey with Graves' diseaseWhy autoimmune diseases continue to rise worldwideThe connection between environmental toxins and autoimmune diseaseWhy women are disproportionately affected by autoimmune conditionsCommon reasons autoimmune diseases are missed for yearsThe impact of medical gaslighting on thyroid and autoimmune patientsHow long autoimmune disease can develop before diagnosisWhy antibodies should be checked even before symptoms become severeThe autoimmune spectrum and recognizing early warning signsGenetics versus environment: what really drives autoimmune diseaseThe four pillars of autoimmune healingWhy gut health is foundational for immune regulationThe role of leaky gut in autoimmune diseaseCandida, SIBO, parasites, and hidden gut infectionsFood triggers including gluten and processed foodsEnvironmental toxins, plastics, mold, and chemical exposureSupporting the body's natural detoxification pathwaysThe relationship between chronic infections, stress, trauma, and autoimmunityWhy Hashimoto's remission looks different than stopping thyroid hormoneMonitoring thyroid antibodies over timeHope for reversing autoimmune disease through root-cause medicine

🌿 From Graves' Disease to Functional Medicine

Dr. Myers' journey into functional medicine began with her own health crisis.

While attending medical school, she developed severe anxiety, tremors, insomnia, weight loss, and other symptoms that were initially dismissed as stress.

After insisting on additional testing, she was diagnosed with Graves' disease.

Although conventional treatment successfully managed her thyroid, she realized no one had addressed why her immune system attacked her thyroid in the first place.

That experience ultimately led her to discover functional medicine and dedicate her career to helping patients identify and address the root causes of autoimmune disease.

🧬 Why Autoimmune Disease Is Becoming More Common

According to Dr. Myers, autoimmune disease isn't simply being diagnosed more often.

She believes multiple environmental factors are contributing to a true increase in autoimmune conditions.

Among the biggest contributors discussed are:

Environmental toxinsChronic infectionsProcessed foodsPlastic exposureChronic stressGut dysfunctionModern lifestyle changes

She explains that while genetics influence susceptibility, environmental exposures often determine whether those genes become active.

👩 Why Women Are More Commonly Affected

Women account for the majority of autoimmune diagnoses.

Dr. Myers explains that significant hormonal transitions often coincide with the development or worsening of autoimmune disease.

Common life stages include:

PregnancyPostpartumPerimenopauseMenopause

These hormonal shifts can influence immune regulation and may contribute to the onset of autoimmune symptoms in genetically susceptible individuals.

⏳ Autoimmunity Often Begins Years Before Diagnosis

One of the most important messages in this episode is that autoimmune disease develops long before many people receive a diagnosis.

Dr. Myers explains that antibodies may be present for years before symptoms become severe enough to trigger additional testing.

During this time, people often experience symptoms such as:

FatigueBrain fogHair lossJoint painDigestive problemsWeight changes

Unfortunately, these symptoms are frequently attributed to stress, aging, or hormonal changes rather than early autoimmune disease.

🩺 The Four Pillars of Autoimmune Healing

Dr. Myers describes a comprehensive approach that focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying drivers of immune dysfunction.

Her four pillars include:

Heal the Gut

Supporting digestion and restoring the intestinal barrier through nutrition, digestive support, probiotics, and treatment of underlying gut infections.

Improve Nutrition

Removing inflammatory foods while emphasizing nutrient-dense whole foods that support immune balance.

Reduce Toxic Burden

Minimizing exposure to environmental toxins while supporting the body's natural detoxification pathways through hydration, sweating, regular bowel movements, and targeted nutritional support.

Address Hidden Triggers

Identifying chronic infections, reducing stress, and addressing unresolved trauma that may contribute to persistent immune activation.

Together, these pillars form the foundation of her functional medicine approach to autoimmune health.

🦠 Why Gut Health Comes First

Dr. Myers refers to the gut as "the gateway to health."

She explains that many people with autoimmune disease also experience:

Leaky gutCandida overgrowthSIBOParasitesPoor digestion

Before attempting to rebuild the microbiome, she emphasizes identifying and treating these underlying issues while also removing inflammatory foods that may continue to drive immune dysfunction.

🧪 Monitoring Thyroid Antibodies

For thyroid patients, Dr. Myers emphasizes that antibody testing provides valuable information beyond standard thyroid hormone levels.

She recommends:

Establishing baseline antibody levelsMonitoring antibodies more frequently during active treatmentPeriodic long-term monitoring once antibodies remain stable

She also notes that patients who have undergone thyroid ablation or thyroid surgery may still produce thyroid antibodies and should continue monitoring when appropriate.

🌟 Final Takeaway

Autoimmune disease is not simply a matter of bad luck or genetics.

As Dr. Myers explains, our environment, nutrition, gut health, stress, infections, and daily habits all influence how our immune system functions.

While every autoimmune journey is unique, understanding and addressing these root causes can create meaningful opportunities for healing and improved quality of life.

Most importantly, a diagnosis doesn't have to mean giving up hope.

With the right approach, many people can reduce inflammation, improve symptoms, and support long-term immune health.

👤 About the Guest

Amy Myers is a physician, certified functional medicine practitioner, founder of Amy Myers MD®, and a two-time New York Times bestselling author. After overcoming her own battle with Graves' disease, she became a leading voice in autoimmune and thyroid health, helping thousands of people address root causes through functional medicine. She is the author of The Autoimmune Solution, The Thyroid Connection, and The Autoimmune Solution Cookbook.

🔗 Resources & Links

🌐 Official Website:

Amy Myers MD

🌐 Personal Website:

Dr. Amy Myers

📺 YouTube:

Amy Myers MD YouTube

📚 Books:

Dr. Amy Myers Amazon Author Page

🎙️ Podcast: Take Back Your Health

🎁 Free Gift for MTW Listeners:

Amy Myers MD / McCall Resource Page

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