why do women experience thyroid problems more than men?
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Thyroid Issues: A Woman’s Health Concern
Thyroid issues affect women more than men. In certain parts of the world, up to 25% of women suffer from Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT)! But why?
While we don’t have a definitive answer, several factors likely contribute to the higher incidence of thyroid problems in women. These include:
Periods of extensive stress (such as pregnancy)
Significant hormonal changes (such as in menopause)
A higher vulnerability to anxiety, trauma-related, and stress-related disorders
A Bit of Background on Your Thyroid
The thyroid is a small but incredibly significant gland located in your neck. Despite its size, it plays a crucial role in regulating many bodily functions essential for overall health. From metabolism and energy production to more specialized processes like fertility and immune response, the thyroid impacts a wide range of systems.
Immunity: The thyroid helps regulate immune function, ensuring your body responds appropriately to infections.
Heart Rate & Cardiovascular Function: Thyroid hormones influence heart rate and blood circulation, contributing to a healthy cardiovascular system.
Body Temperature: It helps maintain a stable body temperature by controlling how quickly the body burns energy.
Reproductive Health: The thyroid supports follicle development in women, sperm production and testosterone levels in men, and fetal brain development during pregnancy.
Growth & Development: It plays a key 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 small but powerful gland in the brain. TSH signals the thyroid 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 produces three main hormones:
T3 (Triiodothyronine): The active form that influences nearly 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: Plays a role in regulating calcium levels in the blood.
Note that 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 (Graves’ Disease).
Hypothyroidism is characterized by an underactive thyroid. Symptoms may include:
Fatigue
Weight gain
Cold sensitivity
Hair loss and dry skin
Depression
Over 90% of hypothyroidism cases involve an autoimmune process. Nutrient deficiencies, such as insufficient iodine, zinc, or selenium, play a role. Interestingly, there’s a connection between gluten and thyroid dysfunction. Going gluten-free may alleviate symptoms, especially for those with autoimmune thyroid issues.
Hyperthyroidism, on the other hand, occurs when the thyroid becomes overactive, producing excess thyroid hormones. Symptoms can 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, don’t self-prescribe nutrients or supplements for your thyroid. Always consult with a qualified practitioner before making any decisions, as self-prescribing can sometimes worsen certain thyroid conditions. Nutrient deficiencies are common causes of thyroid issues, and here are five key nutrients that support thyroid function:
Iodine: Vital for the synthesis of T4. (Food sources include dairy, fish, liver, seafood, iodised salt, eggs, and fortified foods.)
Selenium: Supports the conversion of T4 into the active T3 hormone. (Food sources include Brazil nuts, liver, tuna, spinach, and seafood.)
Zinc: Aids in converting T4 into T3 and supports overall thyroid function. (Food sources 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 for more info!)
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, requiring attention to both physical and emotional well-being. Naturopathic approaches focus on addressing root causes, from nutrient deficiencies to emotional stressors, helping 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 gut health (IBS, IBD, microbiome testing), women's health (preconception, fertility, hormone balance), and mental health (depression, stress, anxiety). I am a degree- qualified naturopath who LOVES helping people transform their health stories!!
