Midlife brings significant hormonal changes, with perimenopause and menopause symptoms often resembling thyroid dysfunction. The similarity between these changes can be confusing.
However, understanding the link between these changes and taking care of your thyroid can help make this often-too-challenging period less stressful.
The Role And Function Of Thyroid
The thyroid gland is a component of the endocrine system, a collection of organs that generate hormones to regulate the body's numerous functions.
Your thyroid gland produces two main hormones, T3 and T4. Together, the T3 and T4 hormones regulate the body's energy utilization, which can affect a person's metabolism, digestive and nervous system function, muscle strength, menstrual cycles, body temperature, heart rate, and more.
Hormones produced by the thyroid impact nearly every organ and tissue in the body, which is why thyroid health is so important for overall well-being.
Types Of Thyroid Problems
There are two main types of thyroid problems:
Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid): This happens when your thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones, which slows down your body’s processes.
Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid): In this case, the thyroid goes into overdrive, producing too many hormones and speeding up body processes.
Symptoms Of Thyroid Dysfunction
There are many different symptoms that you may have thyroid disease. The symptoms of thyroid disorders, however, frequently resemble those of other diseases and life stages. This makes it difficult to distinguish whether your symptoms stem from a thyroid condition or something else.
As previously mentioned, an excess of thyroid hormone causes hyperthyroidism, while a deficiency of thyroid hormone causes hypothyroidism. The symptoms are frequently "opposites" of the two conditions. This is because hyperthyroidism speeds up metabolism and hypothyroidism slows it.
Hypothyroidism symptoms include:
● Slower heart rate
● Fatigue
● Unusual weight gain
● Cold sensitivity
● Dry skin and coarse, dry hair
● Depressed
● Heavy menstrual bleeding
Hyperthyroidism symptoms include:
● Tachycardia—fast heartbeat
● Sleep issues.
● Unexplained weight loss
● Heat sensitivity
● Sweaty or clammy skin
● Feeling nervous, anxious, or irritable
● Period irregularities or absence (amenorrhoea)
The Links Between Estrogen Levels, Perimenopause/Menopause Symptoms, And Thyroid Health
Hormonal changes that occur throughout perimenopause and menopause can significantly impact thyroid function. Here’s how they’re interconnected:
Estrogen’s Impact on the Thyroid: Estrogen levels significantly decline during menopause. Declining estrogen levels can also decrease thyroid efficiency, and an underactive thyroid can exacerbate menopausal symptoms like weight gain and fatigue.
Thyroid Irregularities & Perimenopause/Menopause: It is common for perimenopausal and menopausal women to also have an underactive thyroid. Studies estimate that 20% to even 50% of women in midlife experience thyroid dysfunction. Women with uncontrolled hyperthyroidism often experience particularly strong perimenopausal symptoms.
Two-way connection: Changing estrogen levels affects the thyroid and a thyroid condition can impact your menopause.
Can Thyroid Dysfunction Impact Menopausal Symptoms?
Yes, thyroid dysfunction may increase or worsen menopausal symptoms.
According to a 2007 study, women who had a thyroid condition and were going through severe menopause reported feeling better after receiving treatment for their thyroid condition. This implies that managing thyroid issues may help in the management of menopausal symptoms.
Menopause and hypothyroidism also share similar symptoms. These overlapping symptoms could become more severe and more likely if you have both conditions.
Can Thyroid Issues Increase The Risk Of Menopausal Complications?
You may be more prone to long-term menopausal issues if you have thyroid disorders. Loss of bone density, or osteoporosis, is one of the most prevalent menopausal side effects. A study has also shown that hypothyroidism can decrease bone density. Low-body-fat Caucasian women are at the highest risk of developing osteoporosis.
A higher risk of cardiovascular disorders is another frequent side effect of menopause. Low thyroid hormone levels also increase the risk of heart problems.
Why Is The Thyroid Prone To Dysfunctions More In Midlife?
The thyroid is a sensitive organ that gets impacted by continuous exposure to endocrine disruptors like artificial additives to food, toxins, pesticide residue, plastics, pollutants, etc.
Over time, these endocrine disruptors accumulate and weaken our body's ability to metabolize them, leading to the symptoms we experience in our 40s and beyond. Gut health also plays a significant role and tends to deteriorate around the same age. So it’s no wonder your thyroid starts to feel the pressure.
Diagnosis and Treatment Of Thyroid Issues
If you’ve never had your thyroid checked but suspect something might be off, it’s time to talk to your healthcare provider. Symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, or mood shifts can overlap with other midlife changes, but they could also point to a thyroid issue. A proper diagnosis is the first step to feeling better, and this is something only a medical professional can provide.
And if you’re like me and were diagnosed years ago, now’s a good time to prioritize regular check-ups. At this stage of life, hormonal changes can affect your thyroid function, so it’s important to stay on top of it.
Here’s how doctors typically assess thyroid health:
Medical History Review: Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and review your family history. If you’ve had thyroid issues after pregnancy, previous treatment for hyperthyroidism, or autoimmune conditions like type 1 diabetes, you may be at a higher risk.
Physical Exam: During a routine check-up, your doctor may gently feel your neck to check for any swelling, enlargement, or lumps in your thyroid gland.
Hormone Level Testing: Blood tests, such as T3, T4, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), measure thyroid hormone levels and help identify underactive or overactive thyroid function.
Ultrasound Exams: If needed, your doctor may recommend a thyroid ultrasound to examine the gland for structural abnormalities, nodules, or goiters.
If your thyroid is out of balance, medication is often the first line of treatment and can help restore normal hormone levels.
But don’t stop there! Whether you’re newly diagnosed or managing a long-standing condition, combining medical treatment with supportive dietary and lifestyle changes can make all the difference in how you feel.
Diet And Lifestyle To Support The Thyroid Function
Beyond medication, diet and lifestyle changes can make a significant difference in thyroid function.
Clean, Whole Foods Are Key
Try to include a variety of whole and “clean” foods (ideally organic, free from pesticides and additives, high in fiber, and minimally ultra-processed foods). They are beneficial both to gut health and the thyroid.
Reconsider Casein and Gluten
Some women find these proteins pro-inflammatory. So it is worth verifying. Consult your healthcare provider about testing or a temporary elimination diet.
Raw Cruciferous Veggies: Eat With Caution
Love kale salads? If your thyroid is underactive, eating too many raw cruciferous veggies (like broccoli and cabbage) might block iodine, a mineral your thyroid depends on. Lightly cook them to play it safe.
Moderate Soy Consumption
Soybean and soy products are good for your health but they can interfere with thyroid medication absorption, so consume them cautiously.
Ensure Adequate Iodine Intake
Iodine is essential for thyroid hormone production. Iodine can be found in seafood, iodized salt, and supplements if recommended.
Stress Management
Chronic stress disrupts hormonal balance. Incorporate practices like mindfulness, yoga, walking, or breathing exercises.
Limit EDC Exposure
Limit exposure to EDC (endocrine-disrupting chemicals) through your home environment and cosmetics (parabens). Switching to natural alternatives can ease the toxic load on your thyroid.
Incorporate Anti-Inflammatory Foods and Spices
Add anti-inflammatory foods and spices like turmeric, ginger, and omega-3-rich foods to support both gut and thyroid health.
Wrapping It Up
Midlife is a season of hormonal changes, but it doesn’t have to be a struggle. With the right diagnosis, treatment, and lifestyle adjustments, you can regain balance, feel energized, and thrive in the years ahead.
Your body, after all, deserves the love and care that it has shown you over the years, right?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure about where to start, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Sometimes, just talking it through can help bring clarity and direction. That’s why I offer personalized consultations to dive into your unique challenges, goals, and needs.
Let’s make this journey feel manageable—and even empowering. Book a call today, and let’s explore how we can create a plan that works for you.
Together, we’ll take it step by step toward a healthier, happier life.
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