Symptoms of Underactive Thyroid

Just like the many important bodily functions that the thyroid gland plays a part in, women over 40 should be aware of the factors that can affect its health , proper functioning and cause symptoms of underactive thyroid. These factors can include fluctuating hormone levels, stress and sickness, lack of sleep, changes in diet, and gut health issues.

If you have an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), it simply means that your thyroid gland is not producing enough thyroid hormone to maintain proper gland function. Symptoms of an underactive thyroid can be similar to those of other health conditions and may develop slowly over time.

While prevention or reversal of this condition may require a more involved protocol, you can still effectively manage an underperforming thyroid by making some adjustments to your lifestyle.

Here are 4 quick lifestyle factors that you can focus on to better manage symptoms of underactive thyroid with more detail below:

1. Prioritize sleep and manage stress levels
2. Monitor your diet, especially when it comes to goitrogenic foods and minerals
3. Address gut health issues
4. Incorporate anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting foods into your diet

To help you get started, I have provided a delicious, warming golden spiced milk recipe that is not only thyroid-friendly but also supports overall health at the end of this article. With a few adjustments to your daily routine, you can improve your thyroid function and feel your best.

Thyroid Hormones

The small butterfly-shaped thyroid gland located in the neck just in front of the windpipe has a crucial role in regulating the body's metabolism through the production of specific hormones. However, the thyroid gland also plays a vital part in other essential bodily functions such as breathing, heart rate, body temperature, and muscle strength.

The hormones produced by the thyroid gland are known as triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). When the thyroid gland fails to produce enough of these hormones, many bodily functions may slow down. It's important to keep the thyroid gland healthy and functioning properly to ensure optimal health and well-being.

What Factors Affect Thyroid Health?

The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in many bodily functions, and there are various factors that can affect its health and proper functioning. These factors include:

• Fluctuating hormone levels during pregnancy and throughout the menstrual cycle
• Stress and illness
• Inadequate or poor quality sleep
• Changes in diet, including excessive consumption of goitrogenic foods such as cruciferous vegetables (e.g., Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, and kale), peanuts, cassava, and sweet potato
• Insufficient levels of essential minerals, particularly iodine and selenium
• Gut parasites and leaky gut syndrome
• Certain medications that may interfere with thyroid hormone levels or their action, potentially causing alterations in TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) as the body attempts to compensate for too low (or too high) thyroid hormone activity.

It's essential to be aware of these factors and take steps to maintain thyroid health and function to ensure overall well-being.

What Is An Underactive Thyroid?

This is quite simply when your thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone to maintain proper gland function. It is also referred to as hypothyroidism .Common symptoms of underactive thyroid include

-        Tiredness (sometimes extreme)

-        Weight gain or weight loss resistance

-        Depression and mood swings

-        Cold sensitivity

-        Dry skin and hair

-        Muscle and joint aches

-         Constipation and digestive issues

-         Low mood or depression

-         Low appetite but still gaining weight

Who develops an underactive thyroid?

Both men and women can have an underactive thyroid, although it is more common in women. Children can also develop this condition and some babies are even born with it.

Most cases are caused either by the immune system attacking the thyroid gland and damaging it, or when damage occurs during treatment for an overactive thyroid or thyroid cancer.

What are other thyroid disorders?

-        Hyperactive thyroid and Grave’s Disease

-        Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis (autoimmune hypothyroid disease)

-        Goiter

-        Thyroid nodules

-        Thyroid cancer

4 Lifestyle Tips to Help Manage Symptoms of Underactive Thyroid

Symptoms of an underactive thyroid can often be similar to those of other health conditions, and they may develop slowly over time, making them difficult to notice for years.

While preventing or reversing this condition typically requires a more involved protocol, it is possible to effectively manage it by making lifestyle adjustments.

Here are four lifestyle factors that can help manage an underactive thyroid:

1. Engage in regular exercise and maintain a healthy weight.
2. Manage stress levels, and consider yoga as a positive influence on hypothyroidism. (source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21742277)
3. Incorporate foods that support thyroid health and be mindful of mineral intake, especially iodine. Be cautious with supplementation.
4. Reduce alcohol intake, which is a general health recommendation but can be particularly important for managing an underactive thyroid.

It's important to understand that medication may still be necessary even if you're addressing all of the above factors. A qualified healthcare practitioner is essential for managing this condition effectively, and you should request a test for an underactive thyroid if you're experiencing common symptoms.

Treatment for an underactive thyroid typically involves daily hormone replacement, but it's important to consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before taking any medication or supplements that claim to support thyroid health.

As many cases of an underactive thyroid are caused by autoimmune issues, reducing inflammation and supporting the immune system through diet is crucial. Turmeric, a spice rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, can be an excellent addition to your diet. Our recipe for Golden Spiced Chai Milk is a warm and delicious way to boost your health and support your thyroid.

Golden Spiced Chai Milk Recipe 

Makes 2 servings

Ingredients

2 cups unsweetened coconut, cashew, almond, or hemp milk

1 Tbsp raw honey or pure maple syrup

1 tsp ground turmeric

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp freshly grated ginger root (equivalent to ¼ - ½ tsp. ground dried ginger)

Dash of black pepper

2 organic chai tea bags (green tea variety suggested)

Directions

In a small saucepan - pour all ingredients, except the tea bags

While continuously whisking, bring to a gentle boil until spices are well mixed

Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, but do not allow milk to scald

Give it another quick whisk, then add the chai tea bags

Steep for 3 minutes before serving

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