In this episode of the Antisocial Doctors Podcast, hosts Dr. Sonia Singh and Dr. Rebecca Berens delve into the intricacies of thyroid testing, discussing the basic and full thyroid panels commonly debated on social media. They explain the physiology of thyroid function, the roles of TSH, T3, T4, and antibodies, and the evidence-backed guidelines for thyroid testing. Through patient stories and expert commentary, they debunk misinformation, highlight the limitations of excess testing, and emphasize the importance of clear communication and follow-up in medical practice. This episode aims to clarify common misconceptions and advocate for a more nuanced and evidence-based approach to thyroid health.

00:00 Welcome to the Antisocial Doctors Podcast

01:13 Introduction to Today's Topic: Thyroid Testing

03:27 Patient Story: A Journey with Thyroid Issues

06:20 Understanding the Full Thyroid Panel

16:54 The Complexity of Thyroid Testing

32:34 The Role of TSH in Thyroid Diagnosis

33:57 Thyroid Screening Basics

35:27 Understanding T3 Testing

36:45 Conversion Issues and Malnutrition

41:34 Reverse T3: A Misunderstood Test

45:03 Anti-TPO Antibodies and Hashimoto's

47:34 Patient Experiences and Misconceptions

01:03:00 The Role of Endocrinologists

01:05:43 Conclusion and Resources

📖 Read the full episode summary, sources, and resources on our Substack:
👉www.theantisocialdoctors.com

A viral narrative suggests birth control pills are used as a band-aid and cause long-term harm. In this episode, we unpack where that belief comes from and what the evidence actually shows about risks, benefits, and informed decision-making.

What we cover:
• Why distrust around birth control is growing
• Evidence-based uses beyond contraception
• Real vs exaggerated risks
• Fertility, mood, weight, and cancer context

📖 Read the full episode summary, sources, and resources on our Substack:
👉www.theantisocialdoctors.com

“Clean eating” is widely promoted as the key to health — but it has no clear definition. In this episode, we explore why this idea resonates, how it moralizes food choices, and what the research shows about its links to restriction, anxiety, and disordered eating.

What we cover:
• Why “clean” vs “dirty” food framing is harmful
• Processed foods and real-world nutrition
• Research on clean eating and restraint
• Why women are especially affected

📖 Read the full episode summary, sources, and resources on our Substack:
👉www.theantisocialdoctors.com

Most people now encounter health advice on social media — and many act on it. In this episode, we examine why people turn to these platforms, how algorithms shape what we see, and who is most vulnerable to anxiety and harm from online health content.

What we cover:
• Why social media is a primary health source
• Engagement vs accuracy in algorithms
• Health anxiety and “cyberchondria”
• Safer ways to engage with health content

📖 Read the full episode summary, sources, and resources on our Substack:
👉www.theantisocialdoctors.com

We’re Sonia Singh, MD (Internal Medicine) and Rebecca Berens, MD (Family Medicine) — direct primary care physicians, moms, and humans navigating health misinformation alongside our patients. In this episode, we share why we created this podcast, what “antisocial” actually means, and how our personal and clinical experiences shape our approach to health conversations online.

What we cover:
• Our backgrounds and clinical perspectives
• Why social media health trends feel so powerful
• What’s missing from most debunking content
• How this podcast is structured

📖 Read the full episode summary, sources, and resources on our Substack:
👉www.theantisocialdoctors.com

Enjoy this sneak peak of what's in store!

The Anti-Social Doctors Podcast is the antidote to the algorithm - a salve for the anxiety, stress, guilt, shame, and confusion that comes from social media’s messaging around health. In each episode, Dr. Berens and Dr. Singh discuss a health-related topic trending on social media with curiosity, nuance, evidence, compassion, and humility.

📖 Read the full episode summary, sources, and resources on our Substack:
👉www.theantisocialdoctors.com