Thyroid Health and Menopause
Your Small but Mighty Gland
Thyroid health might not be the first thing on your mind when you think about menopause, but it should be. That emotional rollercoaster you’re on, the fatigue, or even that stubborn weight gain you chalk up to “normal” might have more to do with this little gland than you realize. Your thyroid plays a significant role in how you feel during menopause; giving it some attention can make all the difference.
What is Your Thyroid?
This butterfly-shaped gland located in your neck that is responsible for keeping your body in balance. It produces T3 and T4 hormones, which work alongside TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) to regulate key body functions.
What Does it Do?
This powerful gland helps control heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, weight, energy levels, sleep, memory, digestion, skin health, and even your menstrual cycle. When it’s out of sync, it affects almost every organ in your body—and you’ll definitely notice.
How to Check Your Thyroid Health
If you suspect something’s off, ask your doctor for a full panel at your next checkup. Standard tests often miss key details, so be sure the panel includes:
TSH, Free T3 and T4, Reverse T3, Total T3 and T4, T3 Uptake, Free Thyroxine Index
Here’s how to interpret the basics:
- High TSH = Low thyroid function (hypothyroidism)
- Low TSH = High thyroid function (hyperthyroidism)
Hypothyroidism
When your thyroid isn’t producing enough hormones, it’s called hypothyroidism. Symptoms include weight gain, fatigue, sensitivity to cold, brain fog, thinning hair, dry skin, constipation, and irregular or heavy periods. Causes can range from Hashimoto’s thyroiditis to iodine deficiency or medications like lithium. There’s also subclinical hypothyroidism, where TSH is high, but your levels are technically “normal.”
This can still cause symptoms like fatigue and mood swings and is often linked to issues like toxin exposure, gut imbalances, gluten sensitivity, and even EMFs.
Hyperthyroidism
If your thyroid is overactive, it’s called hyperthyroidism. Symptoms can include rapid heartbeat, anxiety, weight loss, increased appetite, brittle hair, and bulging eyes. Common causes include Graves’ disease or a toxic thyroid nodule.
Environmental Toxins: A Big Problem
Your thyroid is highly sensitive to environmental toxins, especially those that interfere with iodine. Unfortunately, these toxins are everywhere. Even small, daily exposures can disrupt your thyroid’s balance. BPA and phthalates in plastics, dioxins in bleach and paper products, flame retardants in furniture and electronics and triclosan in antibacterial soap and lotions.
BPA and phthalates: Found in plastics
Dioxins: Found in chlorine bleach and paper products
Flame retardants: Found in furniture and electronics
Triclosan: Found in antibacterial soaps and lotions
How to Support Your Thyroid During Menopause
Detox Your Environment
Limit exposure to EMFs and radiation.
Eat a clean diet with organic produce, grass-fed meats, and wild-caught fish.
Drink filtered water and switch to glass or stainless-steel containers.
Cut back on alcohol or avoid it altogether.
Add Friendly Foods
Make sure your diet includes nutrients that support your thyroid. Consider a high-quality B-complex supplement, avoid antibiotics whenever possible, and always consult your doctor before starting new supplements.
Iodine: Found in seaweed and iodized salt
Selenium: Found in Brazil nuts and fish
Zinc: Found in meats and shellfish
Support Your Gut
Your gut and thyroid are closely linked, so include prebiotics, probiotics, and fermented foods in your meals. Boost your fiber intake with a mix of soluble and insoluble fiber and cut out gluten and added sugars.
Rethink Birth Control
Birth control pills can deplete nutrients essential for thyroid health. If you’re taking them, talk to your doctor about how they might affect your thyroid function.
Reduce Stress
Stress can damage your thyroid. Create calming routines, like morning meditations or soothing bedtime rituals. Try yoga, deep breathing exercises, or Epsom salt baths, and experiment with essential oils to help you unwind.
Your thyroid is small, but mighty—especially during menopause. It might seem like one more thing on your to-do list. Still, balanced thyroid hormones can mean more energy, better mood, and fewer dreaded menopause symptoms. Give your thyroid the care it deserves. You can feel more balanced and in control with just a few tweaks to your lifestyle.
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*Health and wellness coaches engage in evidence-based, client-centered processes that facilitate and empower clients to develop and achieve self-determined, health and wellness goals. We do not diagnose, interpret medical data, prescribe or de-prescribe, recommend supplements, provide nutrition consultation or create meal plans, provide exercise prescription or instruction, consult and advise, or provide psychological therapeutic interventions or treatment.
