Welcome to the third installment of our Women's Health Blog series! I'm Rachel from The Alchemy of Wellness, and in this article, we'll explore the intricate connections between thyroid health and hormones. Whether you're new to our series or catching up, I'm excited to share insights and practical tips to support your well-being. Let’s dive into how balancing your thyroid and hormones can make a real difference in your health.
Why Should Women Care About Their Thyroid?
Thyroid problems are much more common in women than men, with women being up to eight times more likely to experience thyroid dysfunction, according to the American Thyroid Association.
The thyroid might be a small gland, but it has a big impact on how you feel every day. If your thyroid isn’t functioning properly, it can throw your whole system out of balance, leaving you feeling less like yourself. Consider these common issues:
- Have you struggled with stubborn weight gain? Or, have you struggled keeping weight on despite eating normally?
- Do you feel tired no matter how much sleep you get?
- Are mood swings or anxiety hitting you out of nowhere?
- Do you have cold hands and feet, no matter the temperature?
- Have you noticed thinning hair?
If you nodded your head ‘yes’ to any of these questions, then your thyroid could be part of the puzzle.
For women, in particular, thyroid health is key because it directly influences everything from your energy levels to your metabolism and even your reproductive health.
The Thyroid: The Master Regulator Behind Women's Health
Rarely is a thyroid problem just a thyroid problem. The thyroid is an integral part of the endocrine system—a complex network of glands and hormones that orchestrates everything from your metabolism to mood.
Did You Know?
Your thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of your neck that not only regulates metabolism (how your body uses energy) but also influences your:
Symptoms of an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) might include feeling anxious or irritable, difficulty sleeping, a racing heart, shaking hands, clammy skin, sensitivity to heat, unexplained weight loss (or sometimes weight gain), or irregular periods.
On the other hand, symptoms of an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) may include feeling tired all the time, mood swings, brain fog, dry skin, hair loss, brittle nails, constipation, sensitivity to cold, unexplained weight gain, or heavy periods.
Our thyroid influences and is influenced by other hormones, including cortisol (the stress hormone), insulin (which regulates blood sugar), and estrogen & progesterone (key players in reproductive health). Understanding how these hormones interact can provide deeper insight into common issues like fatigue, weight changes, anxiety, and fertility struggles—often pointing to imbalances in the entire system rather than just the thyroid itself. Today, we’ll focus on the last two, estrogen & progesterone:
🤝 Thyroid-Estrogen Connection: A Delicate Balance
Estrogen, a hormone central to female reproductive health, has a profound impact on thyroid function. This hormone influences how thyroid hormones are processed in the body by increasing levels of thyroid-binding globulin (TBG). TBG binds thyroid hormones, making them less available for the body to use effectively. As a result, elevated estrogen levels can mimic or exacerbate symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as fatigue and weight gain.
Research has shown that high estrogen can affect thyroid function in various ways. For instance, prolonged exposure to certain estrogen metabolites can lead to increased thyroid autoimmunity and damage to thyroid cells. Additionally, women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is often associated with elevated estrogen levels, frequently experience thyroid-related issues. Studies have highlighted a higher prevalence of conditions like subclinical hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's thyroiditis among women with PCOS.
When estrogen levels are too high—like in cases of estrogen dominance—it can lead to symptoms of hypothyroidism, even if your thyroid gland itself is functioning normally. This is why many women experience thyroid issues during periods of hormonal shifts, such as pregnancy, perimenopause, or menopause, when estrogen levels can fluctuate wildly.
Balancing estrogen levels is key to keeping your thyroid in check, as too much estrogen can slow down thyroid hormone conversion, affecting your metabolism, mood, and overall well-being.
🤝 Progesterone-Thyroid Connection: Why Hormonal Balance Matters
Progesterone, an essential hormone in women’s reproductive health, plays a key role in regulating menstrual cycles and supporting pregnancy. But its influence extends beyond reproduction—it’s also crucial for thyroid health. Progesterone helps maintain a delicate balance in thyroid function by supporting the production and conversion of thyroid hormones.
As your thyroid regulates metabolism, energy, and mood, it relies on a delicate balance of hormones to keep things running smoothly. When progesterone levels drop, especially during perimenopause and menopause, thyroid function can slow down. This can lead to low energy, weight gain, and that sluggish feeling many women experience.
Moreover, progesterone helps balance out excess estrogen (which can inhibit thyroid function), aids in converting the inactive thyroid hormone T4 into its active form T3, and even helps reduce inflammation that can contribute to autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Stabilizing blood sugar is another important benefit of progesterone, which in turn helps your thyroid thrive.
Progesterone has a major effect on thyroid function by modifying levels of thyroid-binding globulin, enzymes necessary for thyroid hormone production and regulation, which influences how much thyroid hormone is available in the body. This relationship becomes especially crucial during times of hormonal change, such as pregnancy or menopause. Research also indicates that progesterone therapy can lower TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) levels and boost Free T4 (thyroxine) levels. This understanding is crucial for diagnosing and managing thyroid issues, especially in women dealing with hormonal fluctuations from their menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or hormone treatments.
Progesterone levels naturally vary throughout the menstrual cycle, during pregnancy, and through menopause, and these fluctuations can significantly affect thyroid health. For instance, during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, elevated progesterone levels are linked to increased thyroid hormone levels, suggesting that progesterone might enhance thyroid function.
So, whether you’re in perimenopause or menopause, or just feeling "off," addressing progesterone levels may help support better thyroid function and overall well-being.
The only way to know is to test!
BUT MY DR. SAID MY LABS LOOK “NORMAL”
That’s why in holsitic medicine, we take a comprehensive approach to thyroid health by:
✅ Assessing more than just TSH levels with functional labs
✅ Enhancing nutrition to support thyroid hormone production
✅ Supporting conversion of T4 to the more active T3
✅ Reducing inflammation and oxidative stress
✅ Identifying and addressing underlying causes such as metals, toxins, nutrient deficiencies, infections, & stress
So, What Can You Do About This?
Supporting your thyroid health involves a multifaceted approach. Here are six effective strategies based on the latest research:
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Optimize Vitamin D Levels
Research shows that Vitamin D supports thyroid function and may help lower anti-thyroid antibodies in autoimmune conditions. Adequate Vitamin D levels are linked to improved thyroid hormone production and might even offer protective effects against thyroid cancer progression. For optimal levels, aim for sensible sun exposure, ideally around solar noon. -
Include High-Quality Protein in Your Diet
Protein plays a crucial role in maintaining the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis, which is essential for thyroid function. Studies indicate that a high-protein diet can boost T3 levels and support overall thyroid health. Incorporate sources such as grass-fed beef, bone broth, and collagen-rich meats to provide essential amino acids for thyroid hormone synthesis. -
Ensure Adequate Selenium Intake
Selenium is concentrated in the thyroid gland and is vital for thyroid hormone synthesis and metabolism. Deficiency in selenium is linked to thyroid dysfunction and increased risk of autoimmune conditions. Include selenium-rich foods like organ meats, eggs, and grass-fed meat in your diet, but be cautious with making high-PUFA nuts like Brazil nuts your primary selenium source. -
Incorporate Chasteberry
Chasteberry, or Vitex, is known for its ability to balance female hormones, which can indirectly support thyroid function. It can be particularly helpful in addressing symptoms related to hormonal imbalances. -
Consider Dr. Garber's bioformulas
Dr. Garber’s Thyro Support and Fem Cycle are specifically formulated to support thyroid health (whether you’re hyper, hypo, or somewhere in between!) and hormonal balance. These products can be valuable additions to your wellness routine. -
Address Underlying Health Issues
A holistic approach involves identifying and addressing root causes such as nutrient deficiencies, toxins, infections, and stress. Functional medicine aims to provide comprehensive support beyond conventional methods.
Need More Help?
Dr. Garber has been practicing holistic medicine since 1981 and offers personalized care via online consultations worldwide. For an appointment, contact him at office@drgarbers.com.
