Whoa....Is My Thyroid to Blame?!

Been told everything is "normal" but feel far from it?

Then this blog is for you! In this blog I cover signs and symptoms of thyroid dysfunction, underactive and overactive thyroid, medical treatment, testing and nutritional and practitioner support.

The Thyroid: What is it, Where is it, and What Does it Do?

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in your neck, but its influence on your health is anything but small. It acts like the body’s metabolic conductor, helping to regulate energy, mood, weight, digestion, temperature, hormones and even how well you sleep.

When the thyroid is working well, most people don’t give it a second thought. But when it’s under strain, the effects can ripple through the entire body, leaving you feeling exhausted, foggy, anxious, cold, bloated, or simply “not yourself,” often without clear answers.

Because its symptoms can be subtle, wide-ranging, and easily dismissed, thyroid imbalance is frequently overlooked or misunderstood, despite having a profound impact on day-to-day wellbeing and long-term health. Couple that with the fact that “within range” typically tested thyroid markers via the GP can often overlook the full picture, especially with auto-immune thyroid conditions.

Supporting thyroid health is a multi body system approach involving not only nutrition but the gut, the liver and managing stress. This blog will give you a taster for why this is and what this support looks like.

There are several hormones created from the thyroid gland, but in simple terms it produces hormones (T4 and T3) that regulate metabolism, energy production, body temperature, heart rate, digestion, mood, menstrual cycles, and skin and hair health.

When the Thyroid Goes Wrong :(

Thyroid dysfunction is commonly presented as hypothyroidism (underactive) or hyperthyroidism (overactive). Thyroid dysfunction is most common in women, especially from mid-life onwards.

Constipation can be a common sign of suboptimal thyroid function.

Hypothyroidism

(Underactive Thyroid)

Common symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, constipation, low mood, brain fog, dry skin, hair thinning, and heavy or irregular periods.

Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)

Symptoms may include anxiety, palpitations, heat intolerance, weight loss, loose stools, tremors, and disrupted sleep.

Autoimmune Thyroid Conditions

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease are autoimmune conditions where the immune system attacks the thyroid. Hashimoto’s is 5–10 times more common than Graves’, and especially common in women.

Testing

Here is the kicker…..a basic thyroid function test via the GP will include TSH and sometimes free T4. GPs test TSH/T4 because they’re screening for disease, not dysfunction. But by testing all thyroid markers we can get many more clues about what is really happening.

I recommend private testing to my clients where I suspect thyroid dysfunction, and this will give a fuller range of markers including antibodies (which show autoimmune activity, not hormone output). And private testing is not as expensive as you might think with several options available for testing in the comfort of your own home via finger pick blood draw. These range in price by supplier but are from around £65. Phlebotomy blood draw options are also available privately.

Medical Treatment

Hypothyroidism is commonly treated with levothyroxine. Hyperthyroidism may be managed with anti-thyroid medication, beta blockers, or other interventions depending on severity.

So....Do I Just Eat Differently to Support my Thyroid?

 

No... the best approach involves multiple systems in the body. Nutrition is an important part, but not the only part.

The gut plays an important role in thyroid health by supporting hormone conversion, immune balance, and nutrient absorption. Disruption to the gut microbiome or digestion can impair thyroid hormone activation and increase inflammation, which may contribute to thyroid dysfunction or autoimmunity. A healthy gut is therefore a key foundation for optimal thyroid function.

The liver is essential for converting inactive thyroid hormone (T4) into its active form (T3). When liver function is under strain, due to stress, inflammation, alcohol, or metabolic imbalance this conversion can be less efficient, leading to thyroid-type symptoms even when blood tests appear normal. Supporting liver health is vital for effective thyroid signalling.

Chronic stress affects thyroid function via the nervous system and stress hormones such as cortisol. Ongoing ‘fight or flight’ activation can suppress thyroid hormone conversion and reduce cellular sensitivity to thyroid hormones. Supporting nervous system regulation is therefore a crucial part of maintaining healthy thyroid function.

Nutritional Support

Hypothyroidism

Key nutrients include iodine, selenium, zinc and iron. Blood sugar balance, gut health and stress management are also important.

Hyperthyroidism

Focus is placed on anti-inflammatory nutrition, adequate calories and protein, magnesium, B vitamins and limiting stimulants.

Autoimmune thyroid conditions

For autoimmune thyroid conditions support focuses on reducing inflammation, supporting gut health, managing stress and optimising key nutrients.

Final Thoughts

As you can see from this blog, there is a lot to say about thyroid health!

Through careful case taking during our initial consultation meeting I look for clues and drivers for symptoms.

If this blog resonates with you and you'd like to discuss further, or if you feel off when GP tests are "normal" then reach out for a free no obligation chat and see how I can help. I work alongside your Dr, not against to help you feel your best.

Book a Free Chat with me Here

The content provided is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. All material on laurabealesnutrition.co.uk is provided for information and educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your doctor and/ or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, supplement, exercise or other health-related programs.