How The Thyroid Gland Affects Your Hormones

Thyroid And Sex Hormones Are Linked. Here’s How

Many of us have experienced some imbalance of hormones throughout our lives. If you’ve ever dealt with menstrual issues such as PMS, irregular periods or heavy bleeding, you know what I mean! But there is a link that you need to know about between these imbalances and my favourite gland – the thyroid.

The link between thyroid function and sex hormones

When it comes to thyroid and sex hormones, it’s a two-way street. Excess hormones can affect how you produce and convert your thyroid hormones. Unfortunately, the thyroid is very sensitive to hormonal shifts. This is why thyroid issues are most likely to develop around milestones such as puberty, pregnancy and menopause.

But your thyroid can also impact how your body produces sex hormones. If you have a sluggish thyroid, you’re at a high risk of excess oestrogen, causing symptoms such as PMS, painful periods and fat gain around the hips and thighs.

Thyroid function and fertility

It’s no surprise that the thyroid can play a big role in fertility – or lack of it. But pregnancy can also be very taxing for the body, which is why it can often trigger thyroid problems.

When you become pregnant, your body’s hormone levels change. You also have a higher demand for calories and all of the essential nutrients. Your body will want to funnel all of these into the foetus – which means that if you don’t get enough, you miss out.

This is one reason why I suggest a pre-conception plan for anyone with a history of thyroid issues. You want to make sure your nutrient levels are built up prior to pregnancy so that your thyroid doesn’t miss out during the pregnancy.

How to support healthy sex hormone levels

If you want to have optimal levels of your hormones, here are some tips to get you started:

  • Get some sunshine! Vitamin D is a precursor for your sex hormones, so if you don’t have enough, it can cause an imbalance.

  • Eat plenty of good fats. Fats are building blocks for hormones, so a low-fat diet can deplete your hormone levels.

  • Focus your diet on mostly wholefoods that make you feel good. I know I say this in each article, but it really does make a difference to your wellbeing.

  • Look after your stress levels. There’s a strong tie between stress hormones and sex hormones, so make sure you have ways to relax when life gets tough.

  • Love your liver! If your liver can’t detoxify hormones when they’ve done their job, you can get a build-up of hormones – and that can cause problems. Minimise the toxins by using natural cleaning and personal care products, and keep your alcohol and caffeine intake to a minimum.

  • Get your thyroid checked (and cared for!) There’s a two way relationship between the two, so if your hormones are imbalanced, your thyroid might need some care.

Do you think your thyroid might be behind your hormone imbalance? Book in today to get a personalised care plan for your thyroid, so you can balance your body again.

Do you think your thyroid might be behind your hormone imbalance? Book in today to get a personalised care plan for your thyroid, so you can balance your body again.



Tara Nelson