Hypothyroidism (low thyroid function) in women

Learn about low thyroid function issues and approaches to hypothyroidism treatment

by Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN NP

The thyroid gland is a little winged gland in our necks that controls the rate of function for every cell and gland in the body, including growth, repair and metabolism. It’s fair to say that you can’t maintain optimal health unless your thyroid is working pretty well.

While the thyroid is vital to both genders, women have a greater tendency than men to suffer thyroid problems, especially hypo- (low) thyroid function. No one clearly knows why. It probably has to do with the interplay between our reproductive hormones — particularly, estrogen and progesterone — and our thyroid hormones. Many women experience underactive or hypothyroid issues during perimenopause, just as some do during adolescence or pregnancy, the two other stages in our lives of tremendous hormonal flux.

Since these are times of hormonal change, it makes sense that an imbalance in female hormones would strongly impact thyroid function. In fact, we often see hypothyroidism in our patients as part of a larger pattern of long-term hormonal imbalance.

Unfortunately, conventional medicine typically views the thyroid in isolation from the other systems of the body. And quite frankly, the success rate of conventional medical treatment for hypothyroidism is far from encouraging. In so many cases women with thyroid problems spiral steadily downward, feeling worse as the years go by and finding themselves on an ever-expanding list of medications.

I would encourage you instead to see the thyroid as an integral part of your overall health picture. In this section of our website we explore the main aspects of low thyroid function, hypothyroidism, and hyperthyroidism from a holistic perspective. What we find is that with this approach to thyroid health, we can often restore and then maintain healthy thyroid function in our patients.

Our articles on thyroid health are aimed at pointing you toward that happy outcome:

Our most popular resources on thyroid health

To access an article, just choose from the list of excerpts below. To find more articles, use the search function below. Don’t see a topic that’s important to you? Let us know.

• Hypothyroidism and hormonal imbalance
  Over 20% of women in menopause are diagnosed with thyroid dysfunction, principally hypothyroidism, and millions more suffer subclinical problems due to low thyroid function. In this article we explore direct causes and some of the contributing factors to the high rate of hypothyroidism in women — especially why it’s so common in perimenopause and menopause.
• Hypothyroidism and weight gain
  Low thyroid function is related to many problems, from lack of energy to osteoporosis. But the problem we hear most about is weight gain. Explore the connection between hypothyroidism and weight gain, and learn what you can do about it.
• Hypothyroidism in menopause — a whole-body perspective
  Learn about the connection between hypothyroid disease and menopause.
• Alternative thyroid treatments
  The advantage to alternative methods is that they get at the root causes of thyroid dysfunction. Many of these natural measures are simple to follow and easily incorporated into your overall health plan.
• Eating to support your thyroid — simple ways to naturally preserve thyroid function
  Natural thyroid health begins with a diet that supports thyroid function. Learn more about food for thyroid health from Women to Women.
• Hypothyroid symptoms
  Because many of the symptoms of hypothyroidism are the same as those of perimenopause and menopause, it can be very difficult to diagnose. Try checking this list against your own symptoms, especially if you’re in perimenopause or menopause. You may be surprised by how many you have, but early detection is key to correcting the imbalance.
• Thyroid testing
  One of the problems with a conventional approach to hypothyroidism or low thyroid is that the range of test results considered normal is far too broad. That’s why your doctor may tell you that your thyroid is “normal” even when you know for a fact that you feel terrible. The best time to intervene is early in the process, before permanent damage occurs. Here is an explanation of how thyroid tests work and how to interpret the results, so you can get back on track as soon as possible.
• Natural thyroid hormones — availability and alternative solutions
  If you’re having trouble finding the natural thyroid hormone preparations you depend on, you’re not alone. Here are Women to Women’s suggestions for what to do when you can’t get natural thyroid hormone.
• Hyperthyroidism
  Though much rarer than hypothyroidism, is eight times more common in women than in men, and the problems associated with an overactive thyroid gland are just as critical to a woman’s health as those of an underactive one. This article serves as a primer for symptoms, causes, effects, and alternative treatments for hyperthyroidism.
• Iodine and the thyroid — worth a second glance
  Women with hypothyroidism may find that part of the problem is low iodine levels. Women to Women explains why iodine is an essential nutrient for thyroid health.
• Goitrogens and thyroid health — the good news!
  Some nutritious foods contain compounds that block thyroid hormones, but Women to Women explains ways that you can enjoy them safely even if you have thyroid problems.
• Answers to your thyroid questions
  Over years of caring for thousands of women with thyroid issues, these are the questions we hear most often. If we haven’t told you what you need to know in the pages listed above, please look here.

I would also encourage you to read our sections on perimenopause and menopause and emotional health, as these subjects are so intertwined with thyroid health.

Our Personal Program is a great place to start

The Personal Program promotes natural hormonal balance with nutritional supplements, our exclusive endocrine support formula, dietary and lifestyle guidance, and optional phone consultations with our Nurse–Educators. It is a convenient, at-home version of what we recommend to all our patients at the clinic.

• To learn more about the Program, go to How the Personal Program works.
• To select the Program that’s right for your symptoms, go to Choose the plan that works for you.
• To assess your symptoms, take our on-line Hormonal Health Profile.
• If you have questions, don’t hesitate to call us toll-free at 1-800-798-7902. We’re here to listen and help.

 

Original Publication Date: 02/10/2006
Last Modified: 11/02/2009
Principal Author: Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN NP