Thyroid hormones regulate many functions in the body that help us cope with stress, digestion, cellular metabolism, energy, weight gain and libido. These are often seen as ‘symptoms’ of menopause and there has been a sharp rise in the number of women are taking thyroid medication to help deal with these problems.

The Three Key Areas Affected by Thyroid

1. Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune condition, and a swollen thyroid or goiter becomes evident.

2. Hypothyroidism, where there is not enough hormone production or utilisation.

3. Hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid that causes too much hormone production.

Hypothyroidism, low thyroid, is the most common of these and many women are aware of it when they have symptoms of low energy, fatigue, low libido, difficulty shifting weight and sensitivity to cold.

Hyperthyroidism has directly opposite symptoms such as nervousness, restlessness, manic behaviour, and difficulty concentrating. Goiter and weight loss can also show up as symptoms.

Hypothyroidism help

It is important if you believe you are suffering from a thyroid condition that you first visit your doctor to have this confirmed and to ensure you do not have Hashimoto’s Disease. Before you visit your doctor you can check by taking your temperature on waking, and before you get out of bed. A low temperature indicates probable thyroid hormone deficiency and you can then investigate further.

Dr John Lee, who was the pioneer of bioidentical natural progesterone usage for women at menopause, wrote that he was very surprised in his own medical practice with the much greater numbers of women than men taking thyroid supplements. He also noticed that these women were suffering from oestrogen dominance, where their oestrogen levels are not in balance with their progesterone as happens after menopause, or a hysterectomy

He used bioidentical natural progesterone to correct this situation and rebalance their hormones and found that it was then common to see their need for thyroid medications reduced.

On a dietary level it is important to ensure you have sufficient iodine as a supplement or from your diet if you are a fan of seaweed.

Inflammation is another cause of thyroid problems and this can be helped by avoiding two of the main culprits.  Processed foods and pharmaceutical drugs both impose greater strain on the body’s resources so where possible eat organic, drink plenty of water and take no drugs unless unavoidable.

Inflammation is also greatly increased by stress so where possible reduce this by taking pleasurable exercise, relaxing and try something like meditation, yoga or tai chi which all have been shown to reduce stress levels