Help My Thyroid Is Broken

Posted on May 11, 2024 | 0 comments

If you’re struggling with thyroid issues, it’s important to know that you’re not alone—thyroid disorders are quite common and can significantly impact overall health, especially in women over 40.

I know, because mine broke.

Root cause: Trauma (for me), my cells were not functioning properly anymore.

Symptoms: extreme weight gain (or loss in some people. I experienced weight gain) of over 20 pounds almost overnight; brain fog, so much confusion; wake up at 1am or 2am like clockwork every night soaked in sweat; sudden and extreme sensitivity to hot/cold; hot flashes; joint pain; depression; menstrual irregularity; and exhaustion.

Result: 19 months of hell while I figured it all out. Keep reading to find some solutions that really helped me.

What Is Your Thyroid?

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that regulates metabolism, energy levels, body temperature levels, heart health and growth and development of bodily functions through hormone production.

When the thyroid doesn’t function properly, it can lead to conditions like hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) or a goiter (enlargement of the thyroid). It is regulated by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland in the brain.

Here is what happens –

Hypothalamus: Produces Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone (TRH), which signals the pituitary gland to produce Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH).
Pituitary Gland: Releases TSH, which stimulates the thyroid gland to produce and release T3 and T4.
Negative Feedback Loop: Once T3 and T4 levels reach a certain level in the bloodstream, they signal the hypothalamus and pituitary gland to reduce TRH and TSH production, respectively, maintaining hormonal balance.

In a healthy body, these thyroid hormones look like:

Thyroxine (T4): The most abundant thyroid hormone, which is converted into the more active form, T3, in various tissues throughout the body.
Triiodothyronine (T3): The more active form of thyroid hormone that affects nearly every cell in the body, influencing metabolism, energy levels, and overall growth and development.
Calcitonin: A hormone involved in regulating calcium levels in the blood and bone health.

But if your body is not healthy, your levels are a mess and your symptoms can be all over the place. One thing that I did find was that the medication was not enough to help. That the western doctors do not focus on the root cause, and for me, it was in the fact that my cells were not able to absorb what they need so my labs all looked like it was the Thyroid that was broken, when in fact it was my cells that were not working properly.

My cells needed repairing, my body needed nurturing, and you simply cannot get that from a pill. Until I focused on my cellular health, it doesn’t matter how much medicine I put in, I did not begin whole body healing until the root cause was addressed. For many patients like me, the root cause is in our cells not absorbing properly. It is very much affected by our lifestyle and food choices. So I started researching and changing my habits.

Here’s 5 tips to help manage a broken or dysfunctional thyroid:

Seek Professional Medical Advice: The first step in addressing thyroid issues is to consult a healthcare professional, do your best to find a holistic or integrative doctor. Do your research and ask questions, it is important to find the right doctor who won’t just read your labs and dismiss you. It is good to find someone who is an expert in Hormone replacement therapy. You will have to go through several months of blood tests as you work to identify your levels and what works for you.
Adopt a Thyroid-Friendly Diet: Nutrition plays a critical role in thyroid health. Incorporating foods rich in iodine, selenium, and zinc can support thyroid function. Iodine is essential for hormone production, while selenium and zinc help in hormone conversion and immune support. Foods like seaweed, nuts, seeds, and whole grains can be beneficial. However, if you have an autoimmune thyroid condition like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, you may need to avoid foods that could exacerbate inflammation, such as gluten or soy.
Manage Stress: Chronic stress can adversely affect thyroid function by disrupting hormone levels and immune system balance. Engaging in stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, or deep-breathing exercises can help maintain thyroid health. Adequate sleep and a balanced lifestyle are also crucial in managing stress and supporting overall well-being. This was one thing I really needed to work on.
Exercise Regularly: Physical activity is beneficial for managing thyroid disorders. Regular exercise can help regulate metabolism, improve energy levels, and support weight management, which is often a concern in thyroid conditions. Even moderate exercise, such as walking or swimming, can have a positive impact on thyroid health and overall vitality.
Get enough Sleep: Maximize your sleep as much as you can, and believe me I know it’s hard. We are only starting to realize how vital sleep is to our overall health. Read more about sleep habits here.

Taking a comprehensive approach to managing thyroid health, which includes medical intervention, dietary adjustments, stress management, exercise, and regular monitoring, can significantly improve quality of life and help you feel your best.

I’ll be sharing more on my healing journey soon. It has been a struggle. Leave a comment below if you are going through it too. There is power in numbers!!

Cheers,

Malibu Mama Loves Xx