why do women experience thyroid problems more than men?
Thyroid issues affect women more than men. In certain parts of the world, up to 25% of women suffer from Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT)!! Why?
We are not completely sure, but there are a number of factors which are likely contributing to disproportionately higher levels of thyroid problems in females. These factors include:
Periods of extensive stress for women (such as pregnancy)
Significant hormonal changes (such as in menopause)
And that women tend to be more vulnerable to anxiety, trauma-related and stress-related disorders
A bit of background on your thyroid:
Your thyroid is a small but incredibly significant gland located in your neck. It plays a vital role in regulating various bodily functions essential for overall health. From metabolism and energy production to more specialized processes like fertility and immune response, the thyroid has far-reaching impacts.
Immunity: The thyroid helps regulate immune function, making sure the body responds appropriately to infections.
Heart Rate & Cardiovascular Function: Thyroid hormones influence heart rate and blood circulation, keeping the cardiovascular system healthy.
Body Temperature: It helps maintain a stable body temperature by controlling how quickly the body burns energy.
Reproductive Health: It supports follicle development in women, sperm development and testosterone production in men, and fetal brain development during pregnancy.
Growth & Development: The thyroid plays a significant role in overall physical growth and brain development, especially in children.
spotlight on your thyroid hormones:
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) is a messenger produced by the pituitary gland, a tiny but powerful gland located in the brain. TSH communicates with your thyroid, directing it to produce the necessary thyroid hormones.
If your body has too much T4 and T3, TSH levels will decrease to stop further hormone production. Conversely, if T4 and T3 levels are too low, TSH increases to stimulate more thyroid hormone production.
Your thyroid primarily produces three hormones:
T3 (Triiodothyronine): The active form that influences almost every physiological process in the body.
T4 (Thyroxine): The inactive form of the thyroid hormone, which is converted into T3 in various tissues like the liver, heart, muscles, and gut.
Calcitonin: Which plays a key role in the regulation of Calcium levels in the blood.
Only about 60% of T4 is converted into T3, and certain factors such as deficiencies in Zinc and Selenium can impair this conversion process.
Thyroid dysfunction
Hypothyroidism, or Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis (HT) is far more common than hyperthyroidism, or Graves Disease (GD).
Hypothyroidism is characterized by an underactive thyroid. Symptoms include:
Fatigue
Weight gain
Cold sensitivity
Hair loss and dry skin
Depression
More than 90% of hypothyroidism cases have underlying autoimmune processes occurring. Nutrient deficiencies, such as insufficient iodine, zinc, or selenium, play a role, and appears to be a connection between gluten and thyroid dysfunction. Going gluten-free (GF) may alleviate symptoms, especially in people with autoimmune thyroid issues.
Hyperthyroidism
This condition occurs when the thyroid becomes **overactive**, producing excess thyroid hormones. Symptoms include:
Rapid heart rate
Weight loss
Anxiety and tremors
Sensitivity to heat
Common causes include emotional trauma, high stress, and Graves' disease (an autoimmune condition). Nutritional imbalances, such as a lack of or toxic amounts of iodine, zinc, and selenium, may also contribute.
Lifestyle and Dietary considerations for Thyroid Health
Anti-inflammatory Strategies
Reduce processed sugar and alcohol.
Switch to non-toxic materials like glass for food storage and cast iron or ceramic cookware to reduce toxin exposure.
Increase Omega-3 fatty acid intake (smaller fish varieties such as sardines and herring)
Key Nutrients for Thyroid Health
Please do not self-prescribe nutrients or supplements for your thyroid. See a qualified practitioner for guidance on supporting your thyroid!! Self-prescribing the following nutrients can actually make a thyroid condition worse in certain presentations.
Nutrient deficiencies are a common cause of thyroid issues. Here are five key nutrients essential for thyroid function:
Iodine: Vital for the synthesis of T4. (Common food sources of iodine include dairy, fish, liver, seafood, iodised salt, eggs, and fortified foods.)
Selenium: Supports the conversion of T4 into the active T3 hormone. (Common food sources of selenium include brazil nuts, liver, tuna, spinach, and seafood.)
Zinc: Aids in converting T4 into T3, and supports overall thyroid function. (Common food sources of zinc include legumes, nuts, seeds, oysters, and seafood.)
Vitamin D: Regulates thyroid hormone production. See my blog on vitamin D for ways to naturally increase your vitamin D levels!
Iron: Essential for thyroid hormone synthesis and transport. Check out my blog post on iron.
Stress and Thyroid Health
Emotional and physical stress often trigger thyroid problems. Traumatic events, chronic stress, and even unspoken feelings can contribute to thyroid imbalances. Interestingly, activities like singing and talking may stimulate the thyroid, while holistic practices often address emotional repression as a potential contributor.
Final Thoughts
Thyroid health is complex, and maintaining it requires attention to both physical and emotional well-being. Naturopathic approaches focus on addressing root causes, from nutrient deficiencies to emotional stressors, helping to restore balance in a natural and holistic way. Whether dealing with hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, integrating proper nutrition, lifestyle changes, and stress management can significantly improve thyroid function and overall health.
AUTHOR: TALITHA
I specialise in mental health (depression, stress, and anxiety), gut health (IBS), and women's health (preconception, fertility). I am a degree- qualified naturopath who LOVES helping people transform their health stories!!
