Does Your Thyroid Have a Message for You?
If you have been experiencing constant fatigue, problems with weight gain, mood fluctuations, or mental fog, you are not alone. Many women face similar challenges, offering different reasons, such as a busy work life, stress, and the aging process. But occasionally, more is happening beneath what appears!
Stress and a busy lifestyle may contribute to these symptoms, but not always. It may be because of your thyroid, a small butterfly-shaped gland in your neck, which has a significant effect on women’s health. The thyroid is a crucial component of a woman's overall health, regulating various aspects of her well-being, including energy levels, mood, and metabolism. However, millions of women ignore the early symptoms of thyroid problems as simply a reality and continue to live with them undetected.
In this blog, you will uncover the early signs of thyroid imbalance, discover why it is especially prevalent in women, and explore powerful natural ways to support your thyroid. Don't miss out on this essential knowledge for your well-being! Because you feel better about your life when your thyroid is in balance.
How Does This Tiny Gland Help Your Body?
Thyroxin (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), two crucial hormones that assist in controlling metabolism—the way your body utilizes energy—are produced by the thyroid gland. T3 is the more active type that has a greater impact on your body's processes, even if T4 is generated in greater quantities. Additionally, the thyroid produces calcitonin, which aids in regulating blood calcium levels, and reverse T3 (RT3), which minimizes metabolic activities.[1]
Iodine is an essential component needed for the production of the thyroid hormones T3 and T4. It is crucial to consume enough of this trace element in our diet, as our bodies cannot produce it. Our intestines absorb iodine from foods and transfer it into our bloodstream. The thyroid gland utilizes it to produce thyroid hormones once it has been transported there. [2]
Thyroid hormones influence nearly every bodily system, including digestion, cognitive function, skin health, female fertility, and body temperature and pulse. Therefore, maintaining a healthy thyroid is essential for overall well-being. [1]
Why Is It So Important for Women's Health to Manage Thyroid Function?
Thyroid hormones play an essential part in maintaining women's reproductive health and overall well-being. Problems with thyroid hormone levels impact ovulation functions during pregnancy because they create infertility and cause miscarriages, as well as the development of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. The disruption of thyroid function results in weight changes and body temperature variations in addition to effects on skin condition, hair health, and reduced energy, while simultaneously causing emotional disturbances and problems with thinking abilities.[4]
A disorder known as amenorrhea, which is caused by a disturbance in thyroid hormone levels, can also lead to heavy or irregular menstrual cycles or even the absence of periods at all. Menopause may begin early (before age 40 or in the early 40s) due to thyroid issues. It's also possible to confuse certain hyperthyroidism symptoms with early menopause.[3]
Moreover, thyroid illness affects one in eight women, according to the American Thyroid Association, and is five to eight times more common in women than in men[5]. It is thought to be related to autoimmunity, while its specific cause is unknown. Women of all ages can have thyroid issues, although those 60 and older are more vulnerable. [3]
Therefore, proper support of thyroid function is necessary for preserving hormonal equilibrium and long-term health stability in women.
Common Disorders and Symptoms
Typically, two conditions can arise due to thyroid imbalance, and each has distinct signs and symptoms. Let’s have a look at it: [5]
1. Hyperthyroidism
When the thyroid gland becomes overactive and begins producing excessive amounts of thyroid hormones, it leads to hyperthyroidism. The symptoms include:
• Fluctuations in menstrual cycles
• Decrease in body weight
• Agitation, uneasiness, and anxiety
• Reduced hair growth
• Excessive sweating
• Rise or fall in energy levels
• Discomfort around the eyes
• Heated sensation
• Fine tremors of the hands
• Eye enlargement
• Heaviness in the neck
2. Hypothyroidism
When the thyroid gland becomes underactive and produces insufficient thyroid hormones, it leads to hypothyroidism. The symptoms include:[6]
• Increase in weight
• A raspy voice
• Weakening of the muscles
• Feeling bloated
• Issues with cognition.
• Muscle pain and stiffness
• Hair thinner
• Chubby face
• Dryness of the skin
• Susceptibility to cold
• Fatigue
Early Warning Signs of Thyroid Imbalance:[7]
- Altered sense of temperature
- Weight fluctuations
- Issues related to the eyes and vision
- Tiredness
- Troubled sleep
- Digestive disorders
Thyroid-friendly nutrition with its sources
1. Iodine
Adults: 150 micrograms/day
During pregnancy: 220 micrograms/day
Sources: Table salts, seaweed, dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese)[8]
2. Magnesium
Women: 310 mg/day
Men: 400 mg/day
Sources: Legumes, dark green leafy vegetables, whole grains, as well as nuts and seeds, while fortified cereals also contain this mineral. Also, it can be found in bananas, brown rice, pumpkin seeds, beans, and raisins.[9]
3. Vitamin D3
600 IU/day
Sources: Sun exposure, egg yolks, cheese, fortified cereals[10]
4. Zinc
Men: 11 mg/day
Women: 8 mg/day
Sources: Legumes, Nuts, seeds, Whole grains, Fortified breakfast cereals, Meats, poultry, and seafood [11]
5. Vitamin A
Men: 900 mcg RAE
Women: 700 mcg RAE
Sources: spinach, tomatoes, carrots, broccoli, sweet potatoes, pumpkin[12]
https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/vitamin-a/
6. Selenium
Men and women: 55 mcg/day
Sources: Whole-wheat bread, Beans, lentils, Brazil nuts[13]
Even though your thyroid is small, it has a huge effect on your health, particularly for women. An important part of overall well-being, thyroid equilibrium affects everything from your energy and mood to reproductive health. You may take control of your thyroid health by being aware of the warning symptoms, knowing the risk factors, and adopting healthy eating and lifestyle habits.
Enhancing your nutrition, practicing mindfulness, or getting regular checkups are all proactive ways to support your thyroid and have a healthy, active life. Keep yourself educated, pay attention to your health, and don't be afraid to get medical help if symptoms worsen. You deserve to flourish, not simply get by.
