Understanding Thyroid Disorders, Your Hormones & What Your Body Needs
Understand what's really going on beneath the surface, especially the links between thyroid disorders, gut health, inflammation, chronic stress, and more.
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When you’re ready to turn that knowledge into action, join The Hormone Sisterhood Membership or explore 1:1 coaching for step-by-step guidance and support.
01
What is the thyroid and why is it important?
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in your neck. It's main function is to produce hormones that regulate your metabolism (our body converting food into energy), but its hormones also regulate body temperature, energy, and overall hormonal balance.
Every cell in the body depends on the hormones the thyroid produces for metabolism regulation.
When the thyroid isn't working properly, it can affect our weight, mood, fertility, menstrual cycle, and more.
Note: 'slow thyroid function' usually means your thyroid is underactive and not producing enough thyroid hormones (T4 and T3). 'Fast' or 'overactive' thyroid function usually means your thyroid is producing too much thyroid hormones.
02
What are the most common thyroid hormones?
The thyroid produces two hormones that regulate our bodies' energy levels (metabolism) and our menstrual cycle: T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine).
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T4 is mostly inactive (it doesn’t have strong direct effects on the body) and must be converted into T3, the active form that actually enters cells and is used by the body to regulate metabolism, energy, and more. (T4 gets converted into T3 mainly in the liver and gut).
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Sometimes, T4 is converted into reverse T3 instead of active T3 (reverse T3 is an inactive form of T3 that blocks active T3 from binding to cell receptors), and so leads to symptoms of a low thyroid function.
The pituitary gland (in the brain) senses when thyroid hormones dip too low. In response, it releases TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) which tells the thyroid to produce and release more thyroid hormones (mainly T4 but also T3).
TBG (thyroid-binding globulin) is a carrier protein that transports T4 and T3 through the blood. If it's too high (often due to high estrogen), it can reduce the amount of free, active thyroid hormone available- especially T3.
03
What are common thyroid disorders in women?
The most common are hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).
Autoimmune versions include:
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Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (when the immune system attacks the thyroid, causing it to become underactive i.e. leading to hypothyroidism); and
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Graves’ disease (when the immune system stimulates the thyroid, causing it to become overactive i.e. leading to hyperthyroidism)
The difference between autoimmune and non-autoimmune types is what causes the thyroid to become underactive or overactive:
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in autoimmune cases, the immune system mistakenly attacks or overstimulates the thyroid...
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...while in non-autoimmune cases, other factors like iodine deficiency or other thyroid problems may be responsible.
(Autoimmune means your immune system mistakenly attacks your own thyroid tissue, affecting thyroid function.)
These conditions affect your body's ability to maintain hormone balance, energy, and metabolism.
04
Are thyroid disorders, conditions, and diseases the same thing?
These terms are often used interchangeably, but they can have slightly different meanings.
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A thyroid disorder or condition usually refers to any dysfunction of the thyroid (like underactive or overactive thyroid).
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A thyroid disease often refers to chronic or autoimmune forms like Hashimoto’s or Graves’ disease.
All three relate to problems with thyroid hormone production and balance.
05
What are symptoms of thyroid imbalance in women?
Symptoms include fatigue, hair thinning, weight gain or loss, irregular periods, mood swings, cold hands/feet, bloating, and brain fog.
These can overlap with conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, and fibroids.
06
What tests can check for thyroid problems?
Ask your doctor for thyroid function tests (TFTs) i.e. a full thyroid panel (a blood test that measures TSH, Free T4, Free T3, and thyroid antibodies like TPOAb and TgAb).
Many standard tests only check TSH, which may miss early or mild thyroid problems.
You can also use a home thyroid test to check the functioning of your thyroid.
07
How does stress affect the thyroid?
Chronic stress dysregulates the nervous system and raises cortisol, which can suppress thyroid hormone production and slow/reduce the conversion of T4 to T3 (the active thyroid hormone).
This worsens fatigue, mood, slow metabolism, and overall hormone balance.
08
How does the nervous system affect the thyroid?
Your nervous system helps control how your thyroid works. Parts of your brain (the hypothalamus and pituitary gland) send signals to your thyroid to tell it when to make hormones.
When you’re stressed, your nervous system can get out of balance, especially if the fight or flight response is always turned on. This can mess with your thyroid and cause symptoms.
Taking care of your nervous system by reducing stress, getting quality sleep, and using relaxation methods can help your thyroid and hormone balance.
09
How does inflammation affect the thyroid?
Chronic inflammation can slow down thyroid hormone production, impair conversion of T4 to T3, and trigger autoimmune responses (how our body reacts when something is wrong) like in Hashimoto’s and Grave's disease.
Reducing gut inflammation, stress, and toxic exposure is critical for long-term thyroid support.
10
Can gut health affect thyroid function?
Yes. The gut is where much of the conversion of T4 to T3 happens.
Poor digestion, dysbiosis (an imbalance of bad and good gut bacteria), or leaky gut (when bacteria slip through a damaged gut lining into the bloodstream) can disrupts this process and worsen thyroid symptoms.
Healing the gut lining and restoring microbiome balance supports thyroid health and reduces autoimmune risk.
11
What is the link between thyroid and estrogen dominance?
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An underactive thyroid can slow down the metabolism and the liver’s ability to break down and eliminate excess estrogen, contributing to estrogen dominance.
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High estrogen levels can increase thyroid-binding globulin (TBG), which reduces the amount of free, active thyroid hormones (especially T3) in the body.
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This may increase inflammation and worsen thyroid symptoms, creating a vicious cycle where thyroid and hormone imbalances feed into each other.
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On the other hand, an overactive thyroid can lower estrogen levels, sometimes disrupting the menstrual cycle or leading to lighter periods.
Both high and low thyroid function can throw off your hormone balance and affect fertility, mood, and energy.
Need help balancing your hormones and supporting your thyroid naturally? Join the Hormone Sisterhood for step-by-step guidance, coaching, and community support so you don’t have to figure it out alone.
12
Is there a link between thyroid issues and
endometriosis?
Yes, there is growing evidence of a connection between thyroid issues and endometriosis, especially through shared underlying factors like autoimmunity, chronic inflammation, estrogen dominance, and gut dysfunction.
Women with endometriosis are more likely to also have thyroid disorders, particularly autoimmune thyroid conditions.
An underactive thyroid can reduce estrogen clearance, and worsen hormonal imbalances, which may contribute to endometriosis symptoms. On the other hand, an overactive thyroid can lower estrogen levels and disrupt hormone balance in other ways.
Supporting your thyroid, gut, and nervous system can play a key role in reducing inflammation and restoring hormone balance. Also, check out our Endometriosis FAQ.
13
Can thyroid disorders cause or worsen fibroids?
There’s no direct cause, but:
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low thyroid function (hypothyroidism) may fuel the growth of fibroids by contributing to estrogen dominance, slowing down metabolism, and reducing the body’s ability to detoxify toxins and excess hormones
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high thyroid function (hyperthyroidism) may disrupt hormone balance by lowering estrogen levels or altering other hormones. While this may not directly fuel fibroid growth, it can affect your overall hormonal environment and symptoms.
Supporting your thyroid health, liver function, and hormone balance through nutrition and lifestyle can help manage fibroid symptoms. Also check out our Fibroids FAQ.
14
Is there a connection between thyroid disorders and PCOS?
Yes. Thyroid disorders- especially hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s- often overlap with PCOS due to shared root causes like hormone imbalance, insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, and gut dysfunction.
Low thyroid function can worsen PCOS symptoms (including irregular cycles, infertility, fatigue, and weight gain).
It can also slow down metabolism, impair detoxification, and worsen estrogen dominance- which many women with PCOS already struggle with.
If you’ve been diagnosed with PCOS, it’s important to test your thyroid function (see question 6) to rule out or address any underlying thyroid issues.
15
Can thyroid problems affect fertility?
Yes-
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An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can delay ovulation, shorten your luteal phase, and increase the risk of miscarriage.
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An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can cause irregular periods, disrupt egg maturation, and also raise the risk of miscarriage or pregnancy complications.
Balancing thyroid hormones is essential for cycle regularity, egg quality, conception, implantation, and a healthy pregnancy.
If you're trying to conceive, it’s important to get a full thyroid panel checked.
16
How do thyroid issues change during perimenopause?
Lower progesterone and fluctuating estrogen during perimenopause can also reduce the conversion T4 to T3, potentially worsening both thyroid symptoms (like fatigue, brain fog, and anxiety) and perimenopause symptoms.
This is why it’s so important to support your thyroid long-term. If you’re looking for practical help with this and tools tailored to your hormone health, join the Hormone Sisterhood.
17
What happens to thyroid health after menopause?
After menopause, estrogen and progesterone drop, which can affect thyroid hormone activity.
Many women develop or notice thyroid imbalance during this stage, especially if stress, inflammation, or autoimmunity are present.
Taking a holistic approach towards hormone and thyroid health becomes even more important.
18
Does thyroid disease affect Black women and women of color differently?
Yes- research shows women of colour are more likely to experience delayed diagnosis, misdiagnosis, and underdiagnosis, along with more severe symptoms, and higher rates of thyroid disorders like hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s.
Because thyroid disorders can impact hormone balance, fertility, and overall health, early diagnosis and tailored support are especially important. Supporting your nervous system, nutrition, and lifestyle can help manage symptoms effectively.
Join the Hormone Sisterhood for community support and practical guidance navigating thyroid and hormone health.
19
How can I support my thyroid naturally?
Natural ways to regulate thyroid hormones include:
Nutrition:
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The thyroid function needs the following to function properly (to produce a proper amount of hormones)- iodine, selenium, zinc, iron, and vitamin D. Take supplements if your diet is deficient (see question 20)
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An anti-inflammatory diet that supports your gut and liver can improve thyroid hormone conversion and reduce autoimmune flare-ups like in Hashimoto’s
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Balance your blood sugar
Lifestyle changes:
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Get regular gentle exercise
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Reduce chronic stress to calm the nervous system
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Prioritise sleep
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Support gut and liver health
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Reduce toxic exposures that disrupt hormone balance
These strategies also benefit related conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, fibroids, and estrogen dominance.
Need help putting this into practice? Join the Hormone Sisterhood for step-by-step guidance, community support, and practical tools to help you stay consistent on your hormone healing journey.
20
What supplements can help support thyroid health naturally?
Certain supplements may help support thyroid function, reduce inflammation, and improve hormone balance. Common ones include:
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Selenium– supports thyroid hormone production and reduces thyroid antibodies
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Zinc– important for thyroid hormone production and immune health
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Vitamin D– helps regulate the immune system. Women with thyroid disorders are often deficient in vitamin D.
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Magnesium– supports the nervous system and helps reduce stress
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Iron (especially ferritin)– essential for thyroid hormone production
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B vitamins– supports energy, mood, and thyroid hormone production and conversion
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Iodine– necessary for thyroid hormones, but should be taken cautiously, especially if you have autoimmune thyroid issues
Always consult your healthcare provider and check your levels of these nutrients first before starting supplements, especially if you are on thyroid medication.
Reminder: We are not broken. Our bodies are not working against us. With the right knowledge and support, we can move from struggling to managing our symptoms with confidence and empowerment.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medical or fertility care.
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