Thyroid Problems in Menopause: What Every Woman Needs to Know

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As we journey through life, it’s not just our birthdays that keep adding up. Our body is keeping count too, especially when it comes to our health!

For many women, the aging process brings a delightful cocktail of wisdom and experience, but it can also stir up some unexpected challenges.

Suddenly, you might find yourself battling fatigue, mood swings or those stubborn pounds that seem to have taken up permanent residence. What could be the culprit? Could it be thyroid problems?

Oh, there can be many possible factors! But in this article, we’ll dive into the connection between our thyroid health and the changes that come with midlife. Because let’s face it, aging may throw us some curveballs, but with the right information, we can hit them out of the park!

The Butterfly Gland: Thyroid’s Role in Women’s Health

Ladies, let’s talk about our little friend in the neck — the thyroid. This butterfly-shaped gland might be small, but it packs a powerful punch in our health, especially as we navigate the twists and turns of midlife.

If you’ve ever felt like your body is throwing a mini tantrum with unexpected energy dips, weight changes [https://mymenopausejourney.com/weight-problems/] or mood swings [https://mymenopausejourney.com/mood-swings-menopause/], you’re definitely not alone. The thyroid is often the unsung hero (or sometimes the villain) behind this!

Let’s break down what this gland actually does and how it helps us shine in midlife:

• Metabolism Manager: It controls how efficiently your body converts food into energy. A happy thyroid means you can enjoy your meals without unexpected consequences!

• Mood Stabilizer: Keeps your mood swings in check; a well-functioning thyroid helps you feel more balanced and less like you’re on a rollercoaster ride!

• Energy Booster: Aids in weight management and keeps your energy levels high. With the right support, you’ll be able to keep up with daily tasks!

• Temperature Regulator: Helps regulate body temperature, so you’re not constantly battling chills or hot flashes. Oh, hello, comfort!

• Heart Rate Keeper: Influences how fast or slow your heart beats; a balanced thyroid ensures your ticker is in good shape!

As we glide through midlife, our thyroid can sometimes become a little shaky due to hormonal changes. But fear not — there are many things we can do to keep this butterfly flying high!

By incorporating nourishing foods, prioritizing self-care and making informed lifestyle choices, we can nurture our thyroid health naturally. More about that as you read further!

Unmasking the Symptoms of Thyroid Issues in Women

This butterfly-shaped gland may be small, but when the thyroid is underperforming, it can cause a whirlwind of symptoms that are all too relatable! Among those are:

Fatigue/Low Energy: Ever feel like you’re dragging yourself through the day despite a full night’s sleep? That constant tiredness might point to an underactive thyroid.

Weight Fluctuations: If your scale seems to have a mind of its own, showing numbers you never thought you’d see, it could be your thyroid throwing a weight surprise party!

Mood Swings: You’re not alone if your emotions feel like a rollercoaster! Thyroid issues can cause unpredictable mood shifts, making you feel out of sync than usual.

Hair and Skin Changes: Notice your hair thinning or your skin feeling unusually dry? Your thyroid could be a contributing factor, and that’s a bummer when you want to rock that crowning glory!

Changes in Sleep Patterns: Struggling to hit the hay or waking up in the middle of the night? Sleep disturbances could signal that your thyroid is out of tune.

Menstrual Irregularities: If Aunt Flo’s visits have become unpredictable, be it heavier periods, lighter ones or just downright absence, it’s time to think that your thyroid might be a mediating factor.

Cold Intolerance: Are you feeling chillier than your friends, even in warm weather? A sluggish thyroid might be to blame, leaving you reaching for extra layers!

Digestive Issues: Constipation can become more frequent when the thyroid is out of balance. And no one wants to feel bloated [https://mymenopausejourney.com/menopause-bloating/] while trying to enjoy life, right?

Brain Fog: If you find yourself looking for your glasses… only to realize they’re on your head, or struggling to find the right words mid-conversation, it could be your thyroid playing tricks on your mind!

If you recognize these signs, take a moment to check in with your healthcare professional. Your thyroid deserves a spotlight, and with a little awareness and care, you can keep this tiny gland humming along smoothly for your well-being. Always listen to those whispers (or cries) of help from your body!

Why are Midlife Women at Risk of Thyroid Issues?

In midlife, our hormones can feel like they’re embarking on an adventurous road trip without a map. Estrogen and progesterone are the dynamic duo at the heart of this! Your adrenals may also join this wild ride of a journey.

Let’s get to know how these hormones affect your thyroid health in midlife, shall we?

Estrogen:

Picture estrogen as that enthusiastic friend who sometimes just can’t help but take over the party. When estrogen levels surge, it can increase levels of thyroid-binding globulin — leaving fewer thyroid hormones available for your body’s use! This can lead to symptoms of hypothyroidism, making you feel sluggish and baffled.

Progesterone:

Meanwhile, progesterone is like the calm voice trying to maintain balance in the middle of all the chaos. However, low progesterone levels during perimenopause can mess with your thyroid’s functioning — leading to feelings of fatigue and weight issues

Adrenal Hormones:

The adrenal glands are responsible for producing our stress-regulating hormones — including cortisol, adrenaline (epinephrine), DHEA and more. But as we hit midlife, where things can be a dizzying mix of responsibilities, we tend to become more vulnerable to chronic stress. Yup, that constant, long-term kind of stress!

The problem is that chronic stress can eventually take a toll on your adrenals. Instead of pumping out the usual stress hormones, the adrenals struggle to keep up! Cortisol remains low, which can leave you feeling drained — and interfere with your thyroid’s performance.

Overactive Thyroid: What Causes Hyperthyroidism?

Now, onto hyperthyroidism… This condition happens when the thyroid gland gets so pumped up that it starts producing excess hormones — causing a whirlwind of activity in your body. Here are the usual suspects behind this hyper act:

Stress: Ah, stress — that uninvited guest we all know too well. Whether it’s work pressures or personal challenges, it can trigger hyperthyroidism, flipping the adrenaline switch and sending thyroid function into a spin!

Thyroid Nodules: While most nodules are harmless, some decide they want to join the hormone-production game, pushing your thyroid into overdrive.

Graves’ Disease: Graves’ disease can make your thyroid rev its engines, leading to symptoms like unexpected weight loss and a racing heart.

Underactive Thyroid: What Causes Hypothyroidism?

On the other end of the spectrum lies hypothyroidism, where our little butterfly flops its wings and struggles to get off the ground. Here are some common culprits:

Iodine Deficiency: While this is less common in developed places (thanks to iodized salt), a sudden dip in iodine can leave our thyroid fumbling. Just think of it as your thyroid’s tech toolkit missing a crucial gadget!

Autoimmune Disorders: Enter Hashimoto’s thyroiditis — the sneaky ninja of the thyroid world. This autoimmune condition quietly attacks the gland, leading to a decrease in hormone production. With this condition, many women find themselves wondering why they’re suddenly feeling less like themselves.

Medications: Some medications have a knack for playing hard to get when it comes to hormone production. Certain heart medications and lithium can meddle with thyroid function, leaving you feeling out of sorts!

7 Solutions to a Thriving Thyroid Health

Picture this: Each day, you start with a set amount of energy, almost like money in your bank account. As a midlife woman dealing with various symptoms, managing this energy budget is crucial for your thyroid!

By doing so, you can keep your body’s account in the black, ensuring you feel your best each day. So, if you feel like your energy account’s empty, try to focus on what has been draining it and take some of these steps for your butterfly gland!

Manage Stress, Keep It Low!

There’s daily stress from our usual stressors, like responsibilities, relationships, work and so on. And then there’s hidden stress that you may not think about as often: Not eating enough, not eating right, not getting enough sleep, sedentary lifestyle, too much exercise, alcohol and whatnot.

Every activity you do withdraws from your energy account! If you overspend, your balance dips into the red, leaving you feeling drained and out of balance. So, just like a financial budget, it’s important to plan and prioritize where you spend your energy!

Recovery is Key!

Being in nature, mindfulness, breathing techniques are my must-haves in midlife. Does any of these sound like zen to you?

Remember, recharging or replenishing your energy account is essential! That could also be getting enough sleep, eating nourishing foods or simply taking time for your kind of relaxation. I mean, our “recharge plans” are unique, some of us find solace in yoga, while others recharge in other ways. Whatever best suits your style, do more of it!

Maintain Gut Balance!

Our gut health plays a vital role in hormone regulation and overall well-being. A balanced gut can reduce inflammation, support better thyroid function and help you absorb those essential nutrients!

Focus on consuming probiotics found in yogurt, kefir and fermented foods, as well as prebiotic foods like garlic, onions and bananas to nourish the good bacteria in your gut!

Oh, and if you didn’t know already, the gut also holds a massive amount of your innate immunity. And if that isn’t enough bragging, your gut is a powerhouse too for producing some of your feel-good hormones! Enough reason to look after it, I hope? wink

More Thyroid-Nourishing Foods Please!

Food is fuel. You’ve probably heard that many times somewhere else, but I will repeat it. What you eat has a profound impact on your thyroid and overall health!

Some of the thyroid-nourishing foods you can add into your meals are foods rich in iodine, selenium, and zinc. Go for seaweed, Brazil nuts and pumpkin seeds! Conversely, avoid processed foods and excessive sugar as they can lead to inflammation and hormonal imbalances.

Detox, Clear Out Some Weeds!

Just like a garden needs weeding, our body also needs detox. You can remove toxins from your environment and diet by eating whole, organic foods and staying hydrated! Consider incorporating detoxifying foods like leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables and berries.

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Herbs

Herbs, like Ashwagandha, and adaptogens can be wonderful allies for your thyroid health. They help with stress management, promote hormonal balance and support overall vitality! Incorporating them into your routine can also assist your body in adapting to stressors — enhancing both mental well-being and energy levels.

Supplements

Supplements can make a difference when it comes to thyroid support. Ensure you’re getting enough selenium, zinc, B vitamins, magnesium, vitamin D with K2 and iodine (consider Lugol’s drops, but consult with a health professional for guidance). These nutrients are crucial for maintaining effective thyroid function!

Taking steps to nurture your thyroid health can empower you to manage your energy budget effectively, helping you feel vibrant and supported through midlife and beyond!

Beyond the Basics: Understanding Thyroid Tests

Now, if you deem it wise to go beyond the basics and the natural ways we’ve mentioned, I’m also for regular check-ups and blood tests. They provide insights into your hormone levels — helping catch potential issues early and guiding us toward a healthier lifestyle! After all, who wouldn’t want to dance through life with the wings of a well-functioning thyroid?

When it comes to assessing thyroid health, it’s important to go beyond the standard “thyroid stimulating hormone” or TSH test.

What should we go for instead? Well, a thorough evaluation involves a complete thyroid panel that provides a more comprehensive view of how your thyroid is functioning!

Why the Whole Panel Matters

A full thyroid panel, which includes TSH, T4 (both total and free), as well as antibody tests, can provide a much clearer picture of what’s happening within your thyroid.

By evaluating TSH and T4 together, you’ll know whether your thyroid is functioning optimally or if there are potential and other underlying issues that need addressing.

This helps you and your healthcare provider get to more effective management, whether through lifestyle changes, medication or other interventions!

Here’s a breakdown of the essential thyroid tests and why each is important:

TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone) Test

TSH is produced by the pituitary gland to signal your thyroid to produce thyroid hormones (T3 and T4). If your thyroid isn’t producing enough hormones, your pituitary gland releases more TSH to compensate. So, a high TSH level suggests hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), while a low TSH level suggests hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).

→ Normal range: Generally, the normal range is between 0.4 and 4.0 mIU/L, but some experts suggest aiming for a TSH closer to 1.0 mIU/L for optimal thyroid function.

→ Functional Medicine Optimal Range: 1.0 to 2.0 mIU/L

✅ Why Go for Optimal: A TSH level in this range is generally considered optimal for overall thyroid function, as it reflects a healthy balance between the pituitary gland and the thyroid. Functional medicine doctors suggest that levels higher than 2.0 mIU/L could indicate suboptimal thyroid function, even if they fall within the conventional “normal” range.

Free T4 (Thyroxine) Test

T4 is the main hormone produced by the thyroid. While most of it is bound to proteins, the free T4 (unbound) is the active form that your body can use. Low levels of free T4 can indicate hypothyroidism.

→ Normal range: The typical reference range for free T4 is around 0.8 to 2.0 ng/dL, but this can vary slightly based on the laboratory.

→ Functional Medicine Optimal Range: 1.0 to 1.8 ng/dL

✅ Why Go for Optimal: Functional medicine practitioners focus on ensuring that free T4 is within a more ideal range, as it directly impacts energy levels and metabolism. Low T4 could indicate insufficient thyroid function, even if other markers are in normal ranges.

Free T3 (Triiodothyronine) Test

T3 is the active thyroid hormone that your cells use. While most T3 is converted from T4 in your body, testing free T3 gives insight into how much of the active form is available. Low T3 levels can indicate thyroid issues, even if TSH and T4 seem normal.

→ Normal range: Free T3 levels generally range from 2.3 to 4.2 pg/mL.

→ Functional Medicine Optimal Range: 3.2 to 4.2 pg/mL

✅ Why Go for Optimal: Having Free T3 it within the optimal range is essential for feeling energized and maintaining healthy metabolism. Functional medicine doctors want to ensure that T3 levels are sufficient for proper cellular function.

Thyroid Antibodies (TPOAb and TgAb) Test

This test checks for the presence of antibodies that can attack your thyroid, a hallmark of autoimmune thyroid diseases like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (which causes hypothyroidism) or Graves’ disease (which causes hyperthyroidism).

→ TPO (Thyroid Peroxidase) Antibodies: Elevated levels can indicate Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or autoimmune thyroid disease.

→ Tg (Thyroglobulin) Antibodies: Elevated levels may also point to autoimmune thyroid conditions.

If your thyroid is under attack by your immune system, it may not function properly. In other words, if you have symptoms of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism and regular thyroid function tests (TSH, T4, T3) are normal, thyroid antibodies can help identify an autoimmune cause.

✅ Functional Medicine Optimal Range: < 35 IU/mL (for both TPO and Tg antibodies)

Reverse T3 (rT3) Test (optional)

Reverse T3 is an inactive form of T3. If you’re under stress or dealing with chronic illness, your body can produce more reverse T3, which can block the effects of active T3. This test can be helpful in cases where your symptoms suggest hypothyroidism, but other tests (like TSH) are normal.

→ Normal range: The typical reference range for reverse T3 is around 9 to 27 ng/dL.

→ Functional Medicine Optimal Range: 10 to 24 ng/dL

Ultrasound or Imaging (if needed)

If blood tests suggest thyroid issues, an ultrasound or other imaging may be used to check for structural problems like nodules or goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland). This is especially useful if there are symptoms like a visible swelling in the neck or difficulty swallowing.

To sum up, if you’re getting thyroid tests done through a functional medicine practitioner, they’ll likely interpret results based on the optimal ranges AND consider how you’re feeling —not just your test numbers.

By aiming for optimal rather than just “normal” ranges, functional medicine doctors work to prevent long-term thyroid dysfunction and support overall wellness! They treat the underlying causes of thyroid issues (such as stress, nutrient deficiencies or autoimmune conditions) rather than simply masking symptoms with medication

Quick Inventory: Why Your Emotional Well-Being Matters

Many of us carry emotional backpacks, especially through the menopause transition. At this phase of life, it becomes vital to take stock of what’s inside our backpack!

Emotional well-being is closely tied to thyroid health, and a sluggish thyroid can often mirror the weight of unresolved feelings and stress.

Consider your relationships: Are they healthy and supportive? Or do they weigh you down?

If you find it hard to drop or release the emotional baggage you’re carrying, it might just be time for a little inventory! Identify the elements of your life that deplete your energy — whether they are toxic relationships, unfulfilling work or negative self-talk. By removing these, you can create space for positivity and empowerment!

After all, as we age, our hormones begin to fluctuate significantly, impacting not only our physical health but also our emotional state and mental well-being. So, just as we allowed ourselves the grace of youth, we must be gentle with ourselves now!

By nurturing our thyroid health and taking charge of our emotional well-being, we empower ourselves to embrace this chapter with clarity and joy. Let’s lighten that backpack and soar into a brighter, more fulfilling life!

References
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23998691/
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5509968/
academic.oup.com/biolreprod/article-abstract/99/5/907/4995900?redirectedFrom=fulltext
health.clevelandclinic.org/you-think-its-menopause-but-could-it-be-a-thyroid-disorder
drnorthrup.com/thyroid-disease/
niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diagnostic-tests/thyroid

Gita is the founder of My Menopause Journey. Since 2014, she has been supporting midlife women by sharing hard-earned learnings from her own experience. To advance her knowledge, Gita puts a lot of her time and effort into understanding the broad spectrum of women’s health. She immerses in extensive research about the physical, mental and emotional aspects of menopause. Gita believes in the life-changing power of healthy, holistic living — this is where she anchors her message to all women. Learn more about her marvelous mission in About us - My Menopause Journey.