Did you know that 40% of menopausal women also struggle with an undiagnosed thyroid condition, which amplifies those already perplexing symptoms of menopause?

The connection between thyroid health and menopause is multifaceted and rather complex, so do not feel bad if you are confused! During the many hormonal fluctuations and phases of menopause which span a decade of most women’s lives, hormonal fluctuations can impact thyroid function, and thyroid disorders can influence menopausal symptoms. Here is a closer look at some of the interactions that occur in peri-menopause, and post-menopause:

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Peri- menopause – this phase of hormonal change occurs when the ovaries start to produce less hormones resulting in changes to your menstrual cycle. The hormones typically out of balance are:

• Elevated oestrogen – this impacts all the hormones, but particularly thyroid hormones. When there is high oestrogen in the blood stream, your thyroid hormones are impacted in a number of ways.
  • Thyroid Hormone Binding: Oestrogen can increase the level of thyroid hormone-binding proteins in the blood. Thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) are typically carried through the bloodstream by these proteins. When oestrogen levels are elevated, there might be an increase in the concentration of these binding proteins, which can lead to more thyroid hormones being bound and less being available for use by the body’s cells. This can result in decreased thyroid hormone activity and symptoms of hypothyroidism – even though your blood tests come back as “normal.”
  • Thyroid Hormone Production:  High oestrogen levels can affect the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Oestrogen can stimulate the production of thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG), a protein that binds to thyroid hormones. Increased TBG levels can indirectly influence the body’s thyroid hormone balance.
  • Thyroid Function Regulation: Oestrogen can impact the way the brain regulates thyroid function. It can influence the release of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) from the hypothalamus and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) from the pituitary gland. Both TRH and TSH play essential roles in the regulation of thyroid hormone production and release.
  • Oestrogen Dominance and Thyroid Dysfunction: Some women experience a condition called “oestrogen dominance,” where there is an imbalance between oestrogen and progesterone levels. Oestrogen dominance can potentially contribute to thyroid dysfunction, as it can interfere with the normal functioning of the thyroid gland and its hormones.
  • Impact on Thyroid Disorders: In individuals with preexisting thyroid conditions, such as hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, high oestrogen levels might exacerbate symptoms or impact the effectiveness of medication.
  • Hypothalamus-Pituitary Communication: Cortisol can impact the communication between the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland, which are critical components of the HPT axis. This disrupted communication can affect the overall regulation of thyroid hormones.
  • Thyroid Autoimmunity: High cortisol levels and chronic stress have been linked to immune system dysregulation. This could potentially worsen autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. Stress-induced inflammation may contribute to the progression of autoimmune reactions in susceptible individuals.
  • Metabolic Effects: High cortisol levels can influence metabolism, including how the body utilizes and processes energy. This can indirectly impact thyroid function and hormone production.

Post-menopause is the time of life that begins 1 year after the total cessation of a menstrual cycle. In this phase, our hormones dramatically shift. Furthermore, we also have the added factor of the aging process, resulting in many of our glands and organs not functioning as robustly as they did in younger years. Despite this, you can improve your health and vitality, and looking after your thyroid correctly is key to healthy aging.

• Low oestrogen: During post-menopause, oestrogen levels decline, which can influence the way the body processes and uses thyroid hormones. This can potentially lead to changes in thyroid hormone levels, affecting metabolism, energy levels, and other bodily functions.
• Thyroid Disorders and Post-Menopause: The hormonal changes associated with menopause can sometimes worsen preexisting thyroid conditions. For example, women with autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis might experience increased symptoms as hormonal fluctuations can trigger or exacerbate these conditions.
• Symptoms Overlap: Post-menopausal symptoms and symptoms of thyroid dysfunction can overlap, making it challenging to distinguish between the two. Both conditions can cause fatigue, mood changes, weight fluctuations, and changes in body temperature regulation.
• Thyroid Function Tests: Regular monitoring of thyroid function through blood tests, which measure levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (T4), and triiodothyronine (T3), is important during and after menopause. For people on Thyroxine, testing reverse T3 at least annually can help a functional doctor or naturopath ensure your medication is converting optimally for best health.
• Healthy Lifestyle: Adopting a healthy lifestyle becomes even more crucial during and after menopause. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, stress management, and adequate sleep can positively influence both menopausal symptoms and thyroid function.
• Bone Health: Thyroid hormones are important for maintaining bone health. Postmenopausal women are already at a higher risk for bone loss due to decreased oestrogen levels. Thyroid dysfunction, if present, can further impact bone health.

This is one delicate aspect to hormonal health in menopause, but I am sure you can agree that our thyroid plays a huge role in our wellbeing!

When running testing The Lucy Rose Clinic use slightly different tests than a GP or endocrinologists to identify the root causes and triggers driving the signs and symptoms of disease in the body. This is particularly useful if you have had testing done but nothing came back to conclusively identify the problem. This deeper level of testing that we run is called Functional Testing, and will identify the causes, allowing our trained naturopaths to guide you on a path to healing and better health – no matter which hormonal phase of life you are currently in.

The first step is to book a complimentary 15-minute appointment and speak with us about your options and answer your questions. Book Here – https://thelucyroseclinic.com.au/book-a-free-consultation/

I am a patient of The Lucy Rose Clinic and they have helped me with several symptoms that were not resolving with straight HRT, which is why I am so grateful to have them collaborate with me on this important topic, and to raise awareness about the Meno change. You can see the professionals I have engaged with on my journey at the Meno reference page here.