Thyroid health plays a critical role in the overall well-being of women at every stage of life—from preconception and pregnancy to postpartum and menopause. As a Clinical Nutritionist and Naturopath, I often see women struggling with thyroid-related symptoms that are frequently misdiagnosed or dismissed. During my recent masterclass, I discussed how thyroid dysfunction manifests, the different types of thyroid conditions, and how to support optimal thyroid function through nutrition, lifestyle changes, and targeted supplementation. In this post, I’ll take you through everything you need to know to manage thyroid health across all stages of the female journey.

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What is the Thyroid and Why is it Important?
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck. It might be small, but it plays a big role in regulating the body’s metabolic rate, growth, development, and overall hormone balance. The thyroid acts as a powerhouse for producing hormones like T3 and T4, which control functions such as digestion, brain function, bone maintenance, and even heart rate and body temperature.

When the thyroid isn’t functioning properly, it can disrupt many bodily processes, leading to a wide range of symptoms. For women, this can result in menstrual irregularities, weight changes, and energy fluctuations, which can impact day-to-day quality of life.

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Understanding Common Thyroid Conditions
Thyroid disorders are typically classified into three main categories: hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and postpartum thyroiditis.

1. Hypothyroidism:
   This occurs when the thyroid produces insufficient hormones, causing everything in the body to slow down. The most common form of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune condition. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, weight gain, constipation, and feeling cold even in warm weather. It’s as if everything in the body is running at a slower pace.
2. Hyperthyroidism:
   The opposite of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism happens when the thyroid is overactive, leading to excessive hormone production. In hyperthyroidism, everything speeds up. This can result in a rapid heart rate, irritability, weight loss, diarrhoea, and sleep disturbances.
3. Postpartum Thyroiditis:
   Postpartum thyroiditis is a temporary inflammation of the thyroid that occurs after childbirth. It can present as hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, or a combination of both. Many women experience postpartum thyroiditis and don’t realise it because the symptoms—like fatigue and weight changes—are often dismissed as just part of the postpartum period.

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How to Test for Thyroid Health
Many women are familiar with TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) testing, but this is only one piece of the puzzle. TSH measures how your brain communicates with your thyroid. But it doesn’t provide the full picture of your thyroid health. For a more comprehensive understanding, it’s important to test T3 and T4 levels, as well as thyroid antibodies.

Thyroid antibodies are particularly crucial for diagnosing autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s. If you’re experiencing symptoms and your TSH levels are within the ‘normal’ range, it’s worth advocating for further testing to get to the root of the issue.

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Thyroid Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum
Pregnancy and postpartum are two critical times when thyroid health can become unbalanced. During pregnancy, the body’s demand for thyroid hormones increases, and after childbirth, many women experience shifts in thyroid function. Nutrient depletion is common during pregnancy, and certain nutrients, such as iron, vitamin D, and selenium, are essential for supporting thyroid function.

If left untreated, thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy or postpartum can lead to complications such as postpartum thyroiditis. It’s important to monitor your thyroid levels and look out for symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, or feeling unusually cold or hot. If you experience these symptoms, seek out testing and support—don’t just dismiss it as part of the postpartum recovery.

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Managing Thyroid Health During Menopause
Menopause is another period of significant hormonal change that can impact thyroid function. As oestrogen levels decline, it’s not uncommon for thyroid issues to emerge or worsen during perimenopause or menopause. Symptoms such as mood swings, weight gain, and fatigue are often attributed to menopause, but they may also indicate thyroid dysfunction.

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How to Support Thyroid Health Through Nutrition and Lifestyle
Diet and lifestyle play an essential role in managing thyroid health. During the masterclass, I highlighted several key dietary strategies:

• Go Gluten-Free: Gluten can increase inflammation and exacerbate autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s. Going gluten-free for just three months can make a significant difference in reducing thyroid antibodies.
• Incorporate Nutrient-Dense Foods: I always recommend foods rich in selenium (e.g., Brazil nuts), iodine (e.g., seaweed), and vitamin D. These nutrients are critical for supporting thyroid hormone production and overall function.
  Avoid Goitrogens in Raw Form: Goitrogens, found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and kale, can interfere with thyroid hormone production when consumed in large quantities. Cooking these vegetables helps neutralise the goitrogens, making them safe to eat.
  
  

In addition to dietary changes, lifestyle modifications are key. Reducing stress is a big one! High stress can throw your thyroid out of balance, so incorporating relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, and gentle exercise is beneficial.

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Supplementation for Thyroid Health
Supplements can be helpful, but it’s important to approach them with caution. Don’t self-prescribe. Work with a practitioner who understands your unique needs and can recommend the right supplements based on your test results.

Some of the supplements I often recommend include:

• Selenium and Myo-Inositol: These have been shown to lower thyroid antibodies.
• Vitamin D: Essential for immune function and hormone regulation.
• B Vitamins: Important for energy production and managing stress.

Always start with diet and lifestyle changes first, as these are within your control and can have a big impact. Supplements can be introduced to support your journey, but they should be tailored to your specific needs. Which is what Asklé is able to do for you.

‍Thyroid health is a complex and multifaceted issue that affects women at every stage of life. From pregnancy and postpartum to menopause, understanding and supporting your thyroid is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being. If you’re experiencing symptoms that seem “off,” don’t hesitate to seek further testing and support. With the right combination of diet, lifestyle changes, and professional guidance, it’s possible to achieve optimal thyroid health and feel your best.

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Need Help?
Are you concerned about your thyroid health? Book a consultation with one of our experienced practitioners to receive personalised support and guidance for maintaining optimal thyroid function at every stage of your life.