Are you waking up tired after 8 hours of sleep? Struggling with brain fog, weight gain, or afternoon crashes but your doctor says your labs are "normal"?

In this episode of Stronger Than Autoimmune: From Boardroom to Breakroom Edition, I explain why "normal" lab results don't always mean you're functioning optimally especially if you have (or suspect) an autoimmune condition like Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Using the "iPhone analogy," I break down the critical difference between reference ranges (what labs use) and optimal ranges (what functional medicine practitioners track)and why this gap leaves millions feeling dismissed and stuck.

🎯 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

✅ The difference between reference range vs. optimal range (3:30)

✅ Why TSH alone doesn't tell the whole thyroid story (5:15)

✅ Complete thyroid panel: What to request from your doctor (6:45)

✅ How to advocate for comprehensive testing—even with an existing diagnosis (7:30)

✅ The workplace impact: Why "medicated but not optimized" affects performance (9:00)

✅ Actionable steps for individuals AND HR leaders (11:00)

📊 KEY STATS MENTIONED:

- 78% of full-time workers with autoimmune disease report job performance decline

- Employees with chronic conditions account for 85% of employer healthcare costs

- Presenteeism (showing up sick) costs 2-3X more than absenteeism

- Early optimization reduces long-term disability claims by 25% (CDC)

🔬 COMPLETE THYROID PANEL INCLUDES:

1. TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)

2. Free T4 (storage form)

3. Free T3 (active form)

4. Reverse T3 (blocks T3 function)

5. TPO Antibodies (Hashimoto's indicator)

6. TG Antibodies (autoimmune marker)

💡 OPTIMAL VS. REFERENCE RANGES:

- TSH Reference Range: 0.5-5.0 mIU/L

- TSH Optimal Range: 0.5-2.0 mIU/L

(This 3-point difference can mean exhaustion vs. energy!)

👩‍💼 FOR HR LEADERS & EXECUTIVES:

Discover why supporting employees to reach "optimal range" (not just "medicated and managed") reduces turnover, improves productivity, and protects your bottom line.

🎙️ ABOUT THIS PODCAST:

Stronger Than Autoimmune bridges personal healing and workplace wellbeing—guiding career-driven women with autoimmune disease AND forward-thinking companies to create energy-efficient, inclusive environments where everyone thrives.

Host: Desiree Werland, NBC-HWC, ADAPT-Certified Functional Health Coach, Autoimmune Paleo Coach, and Corporate Autoimmune Health Consultant

📍 Based in San Antonio, Texas

🌐 Website: DesireeWerland.com

📧 Contact: hello@desireewerland.com

📱 Instagram/LinkedIn: @DesireeWerland

🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:

- CDC Workplace Health Research

- American Thyroid Association Guidelines

- National Institute of Health Autoimmune Disease Stats

💬 WHAT TO ASK YOUR DOCTOR (Script Provided at 7:30):

For diagnosis-seekers: "I'd like to request a complete thyroid panel, including Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, TPO antibodies, and TG antibodies..."

For those already diagnosed: "I appreciate that my TSH is in range, but I'm still experiencing [symptoms]. I'd like to see if there's room for optimization..."

🎧 SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE:

New episodes every [frequency] exploring autoimmune health, workplace wellness, and thriving with chronic conditions.

📢 SHARE THIS EPISODE if you know someone who's been told they're "fine" but doesn't feel fine or an HR leader committed to supporting invisible illness in the workplace.

#AutoimmuneHealth #ThyroidHealth #Hashimotos #OptimalHealth #FunctionalMedicine #ChronicIllness #WorkplaceWellness #HRLeadership #EmployeeHealth #InvisibleIllness #HealthAdvocacy #WomensHealth #EnergyOptimization #BrainFog #ChronicFatigue

Are you exhausted despite sleeping 8-9 hours? Falling asleep at stoplights? Being told your labs are "normal" while feeling anything but fine? You're not lazy—you're burnt out from being the strong one.

In this episode, we explore:

• 00:00 - Why successful women ignore their bodies until they can't

• 02:00 - The symptoms Diana has been normalizing (and you might be too)

• 05:00 - The science of autoimmune burnout and workplace stress

• 10:00 - The four-pillar framework for recovery

• 15:30 - The hidden cost to employers (and the ROI of support)

• 17:30 - Your reflection question for the week

KEY STATISTICS:

• 23.5 million Americans live with autoimmune disease (80%+ are women)

• 78% of full-time workers report job performance suffering due to autoimmune disease

• Average cost to employers: $27,000+ per employee annually in lost productivity

This episode is for you if:

✓ You wake up tired despite "enough" sleep

✓ You're falling asleep while driving

✓ Your doctor says your labs are "normal" but you feel terrible

✓ You tried a reset and felt better but not GREAT

✓ You're the reliable one who's quietly falling apart

✓ You work in HR/leadership and see this pattern in your team

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA.org)

• NIH Autoimmune Research

•Workplace health cost research

ABOUT DESIREE:

Desiree Werland is a National Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach, host of Stronger Than Autoimmune podcast, and Corporate Autoimmune Health Consultant.Diagnosed with five autoimmune conditions, she transformed her journey into a mission: helping individuals reclaim their health and guiding companies to recognize the hidden costs of invisible illness in the workplace.

If you're ready to stop normalizing symptoms and start addressing root causes, I work with a small number of women each season through my Stronger Than Autoimmune coaching program. It's a four-month personalized journey through allfour pillars—medical advocacy, functional protocols, lifestyle optimization, and mindset work.

Visit desireewerland.com/coaching to learn more and see if we're a fit.

WORKWITH DESIREE:

• 1:1 Coaching (Stronger Than Autoimmune Program): [link]

• Corporate Consulting & Speaking: [link]

• Free Resource - Symptom Tracker: [link]

CONNECT:

📧 Email: hello@desireewerland.com

📱 Instagram: @strongerthanautoimmune

💼 LinkedIn: Desiree Werland

🌐 Website: desireewerland.com

#AutoimmuneHealth #ChronicIllness #FunctionalMedicine #WorkplaceBurnout #CareerWomen #strongerthanautoimmune #InvisibleIllness #HealthCoaching #CorporateWellness #FemaleLeadership #EnergyManagement

Are you tired of being told “your labs look normal” while your body says otherwise?

In this first episode of Stronger Than Autoimmune, host Desiree Werland talks with Dr. Cory Rice, Chief Clinical Advisor for Biote, about what’s really driving the rise in autoimmune disease—and what you can do to take control of your health.

Dr. Rice shares how a functional, evidence-based approach to hormone balance, nutrition, and lifestyle can help you heal from the inside out.

💬 You’ll discover:

• Why autoimmune conditions are misunderstood and misdiagnosed

• The connection between hormones, stress, and inflammation

• Practical ways to support your immune system naturally

✨ You deserve more than symptom management—you deserve transformation.

🔗 Work with Desiree: https://desireewerland.com/
🎙️ Listen now to reclaim your health and live stronger than autoimmune.

Learn more about Dr Cory Rice: ⁠https://mymodernmedicine.com/meet-our-team/dr-cory-rice/⁠

autoimmune, functional medicine, hormone therapy, women’s health, Biote, Dr. Cory Rice, chronic illness, autoimmune podcast, Desiree Werland, autoimmune recovery, root cause medicine, autoimmune fatigue

#StrongerThanAutoimmune #AutoimmunePodcast #FunctionalMedicine #HormoneHealth #AutoimmuneAwareness #DesireeWerland #DrCoryRice #Biote #RootCauseHealing #AutoimmuneRecovery

Avoiding the candy bowl might look simple — but with an autoimmune disease, food decisions come with real health consequences.

This week, Desiree shares how to protect your body and your boundaries during the holiday season with:

✨ Scripts to decline food politely
✨ Potluck + office party survival strategies
✨ Mindset shifts that support your immune health
✨ A weekly confidence-building challenge

Protecting your health isn’t rude — it’s responsible. 🧡
New episodes every Monday — follow so you never miss one!

#AutoimmuneSupport #WorkplaceResilience #ChronicIllnessTips
#StrongerThanAutoimmunePodcast #HolidayBoundaries

Join licensed naturopathic doctor and medicinal mushroom expert Anna Sitkoff, ND, on the Stronger Than Autoimmune podcast. She share with me, Desiree Werland, over a decade of experience blending clinical practice with research-based natural therapies. As Co-founder and Chief Science Officer of Lucidum Medicinals, Anna formulates evidence-backed mushroom supplements that support immune, lung, and nervous system health.

In this episode, Anna dives into:

• The therapeutic power of medicinal mushrooms

• Functional medicine strategies for chronic illness and autoimmune support

• Women’s health and postpartum wellness

• Practical, science-backed natural solutions for everyday vitality

This episode also features the Stronger Through ART Autoimmune Circle, a supportive space for autoimmune warriors to connect, create, and find community.

Join here: https://desireewerland-wellness-coach.as.me/schedule/77e60e1e/appointment/83959303/calendar/4614596?appointmentTypeIds[]=83959303

💛 Keep the love flowing:

• Drop a rating on Spotify

• Share a review on Apple

• Pass this episode to a warrior buddy who could use a boost of hope

Community & Support Resources:

• WAAA: Advocating for students & workers with autoimmune conditions – doubleutriplea.org

• Leapcure: Access to cutting-edge clinical trials – leapcure.com

• Adapt Naturals: Science-backed supplements, 20% off with code DEZ – adaptnaturals.com

#StrongerThanAutoimmune #AutoimmunePodcast #MedicinalMushrooms #FunctionalMedicine #WomensHealth #PostpartumSupport #AutoimmuneCommunity #ChronicIllnessPodcast

Managing an autoimmune condition while working or leading can feel isolating—but you don’t have to do it alone. 💬

In this 11-minute episode, Desiree Werland explores how building genuine community can ease inflammation, reduce burnout, and restore energy. Learn how to find supportive people, set healthy boundaries, and build workplace allies who get it.

🎨 Want a safe space to connect?
Join the Stronger Through ART Autoimmune Free Circle — a free community that helps you express, reflect, and reconnect through creativity and shared stories. No art experience required—just your heart and curiosity.
Join here: https://desireewerland-wellness-coach.as.me/schedule/77e60e1e/appointment/83959303/calendar/4614596?appointmentTypeIds[]=83959303

💚 Loving the vibes? Keep the love flowing:
⭐ Drop a rating on Spotify
💬 Leave a quick review on Apple
💌 Share this episode with a fellow warrior who needs a little hope today.

🌟 Organizations supporting our autoimmune community:

• Workers with Autoimmune Ailments Alliance (WAAA): doubleutriplea.org

• Leapcure: leapcure.com

• Adapt Naturals by Chris Kresser: Get 20% off with code DEZ → adaptnaturals.com

— From my heart to yours, I’m sending you nothing but love and good vibes. 💫

#StrongerThanAutoimmune #StrongerThroughArt #AutoimmunePodcast #ChronicIllnessPodcast #HealthPodcast #AutoimmuneAdvocacy #AutoimmuneSupport #PodcastForWarriors #AutoimmuneCommunity #ChronicIllnessCommunity #DesireeWerland

What if your fatigue isn’t just from stress—but from your cells running low on energy?
In this empowering episode, we dive deep into mitochondrial health, autoimmune fatigue, and how to rebuild your body’s energy factory—starting with your next meal.

You’ll learn:
⚡ How inflammation affects your mitochondria (and your energy levels)
🍳 The best foods to rebuild cellular energy—with both omnivore and plant-based options
💪 The surprising movement strategy that signals your body to create more mitochondria
🌿 The truth about nutrients like CoQ10, selenium, and B vitamins—and how to get them naturally

Whether you’re leading meetings or managing flare days, this episode gives you science-backed strategies to balance ambition and autoimmune wellness.

🎨 Plus—join our Stronger Through ART Free Circle for Autoimmune, a monthly creative wellness gathering that lowers stress, inflammation, and isolation. No art skills needed.
👉 Sign up here: https://desireewerland-wellness-coach.as.me/schedule/77e60e1e/appointment/83959303/calendar/4614596?appointmentTypeIds[]=83959303

🎧 Subscribe for weekly episodes that blend science, strategy, and self-compassion for women thriving with autoimmune conditions.

#StrongerThanAutoimmune #AutoimmuneFatigue#MitochondrialHealth #EnergyEconomics #AutoimmuneWellness #WomenWithAutoimmune #AutoimmuneNutrition #ChronicIllnessSupport #FunctionalNutrition #AutoimmuneJourney#MitochondriaMatters #EnergyManagement#HealingThroughFood #StrongerThroughArt#ChronicIllnessCommunity

When life crumbles, you bake a new path. 🍪 In this inspiring Stronger Than Autoimmune episode, meet Carolyn, founder of Mightylicious Cookies, who turned her Celiac diagnosis into a thriving gluten-free cookie company.

After years of disappointment with crumbly, tasteless gluten-free treats, Carolyn decided to create her own recipe—gluten-free, healthy, and delicious. What started in her kitchen has grown into seven irresistible cookie flavors, including vegan options, sold online and in stores nationwide.

Order your today: https://mightylicious.com/

💖 Keep the love flowing: If you’re loving the vibes, drop a rating on Spotify, leave a quick review on Apple, or share this episode with a warrior buddy who could use a boost of hope!

🌟 Support our community:

• Workers with Autoimmune Ailments Alliance (WAAA): Fighting for students and workers with autoimmune conditions. Learn more at doubleutriplea.org

• Leapcure: Connecting patients with cutting-edge clinical trials and amplifying patient voices. Explore at leapcure.com

• Adapt Naturals by Chris Kresser: Nutrient-packed, science-based supplements. Snag 20% off your first order with code DEZ at adaptnaturals.com

— From my heart to yours, sending nothing but love and good vibes. 💌

#StrongerThanAutoimmune #AutoimmunePodcast #ChronicIllnessPodcast #HealthPodcast #SupportAutoimmuneWarriors #AutoimmuneAdvocacy #AutoimmuneSupport #PodcastForWarriors #AutoimmuneCommunity #ChronicIllnessCommunity #GlutenFreeCookies #CeliacAwareness #MightyliciousCookies #EntrepreneurStory #GlutenFreeLiving