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Beyond the Thyroid – Episode 30: When Autoimmune Diseases Overlap: Thyroid & Rheumatology with Dr. Celine Lee

In this episode of Beyond the Thyroid, Dr. Dana Gibbs welcomes Dr. Celine Lee, a board-certified rheumatologist and founder of Lotus Rheumatology and Wellness Clinic, to explore the powerful intersection of thyroid disease and rheumatologic autoimmune conditions.

Dr. Lee shares her compelling journey from practicing dermatology in South Korea to becoming a rheumatologist in the U.S., and how her unique perspective helps her approach complex, overlapping conditions such as Hashimoto’s, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Together, Dr. Lee and Dr. Gibbs discuss:

• How autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto’s and lupus are connected
• Why hormonal imbalances often accompany rheumatologic conditions
• The role of inflammation, diet, stress, and sleep in disease management
• How to interpret ANA testing and what it reveals about autoimmunity
• The importance of treating the whole person, not just the labs

You’ll also learn practical strategies for reducing inflammation, managing fatigue and joint pain, and improving your quality of life with chronic illness.

🩺 Learn more about Dr. Celine Lee:

• Website: lotusrheumatology.com
• Instagram: @drcelineleemd
• Facebook: Lotus Rheumatology
• Youtube: Lotus Rheumatology

📑 Join the The Thyroid Clarity Checkup Priority List!

🩺 Interested in a Discovery Call with Dr. Dana? Click here!

📺 Watch on YouTube

Episode Highlights:

00:00 – Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:20 – Dr. Lee’s Unique Background
01:25 – Diving into Autoimmune Diseases
03:28 – Understanding Rheumatology
05:45 – Dr. Lee’s Journey to Rheumatology
08:25 – Challenges in Traditional Medicine
09:51 – Overlap in Autoimmune Diseases
10:42 – Hashimoto’s Disease and Rheumatology
15:36 – The Importance of ANA Testing
22:33 – Managing Inflammation Through Lifestyle
27:19 – Avoiding Inflammatory Foods
28:15 – The Importance of Sleep
30:32 – Exercise and Joint Health
32:59 – Differentiating Joint Pain Causes
36:31 – Rheumatologic Symptoms and Diagnosis
47:10 – Impact of COVID on Autoimmune Disorders
49:39 – Conclusion and Contact Information

Let's connect! 🔔
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Instagram - @danagibbsms
LinkedIn - Dana Gibbs MD
Tiktok - @dana.gibbs.md

✉️ Email Dr. Gibbs at drgibbs@DanaGibbsMD.com or visit https://www.danagibbsmd.com/ for more information.


Thank you so much for listening! Tune in on the next episode.


The medical information provided in this episode is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical questions or concerns.