Let's get into the intricate relationship between thyroid health and menopause, which I refer to as thyropause. In this episode, I'm explaining how the significant drop in estrogen and progesterone can mimic and exacerbate thyroid issues. We'll explore the common symptoms that overlap between hypothyroidism and menopause, such as fatigue, weight gain, and hair thinning, and emphasize the importance of comprehensive hormone and thyroid testing. We also discuss the profound impact of stress on gut and thyroid health, looking at groundbreaking insights from a 2015 meta-analysis. We'll examine the complexities of subclinical hypothyroidism, personalized hormone optimization strategies, and how to support thyroid health during midlife transitions.

 

In this episode:

• How the thyroid gland is affected during perimenopause and post-menopause.
• Symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, and hair thinning overlapping with thyroid issues.
• Why monitoring thyroid levels alongside other hormones is crucial for midlife women.
• How chronic stress and elevated cortisol levels disrupt gut health and thyroid function.
• Why the gut microbiome is essential for thyroid hormone conversion.
• How subclinical hypothyroidism can be influenced by genetics, heavy metals, and stress.
• How hormone replacement therapy can impact thyroid function.
• Why estrogen and progesterone levels should be balanced to support thyroid health.
• How stress-induced leaky gut contributes to diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and autoimmune conditions.
• Testosterone therapy and how it can reduce thyroid autoimmunity antibodies.
• How personalized hormone optimization strategies can support thyroid health.
• Why comprehensive lab testing is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
• How hormone replacement therapy can both help and hinder thyroid function.
• Why thyroid issues can be exacerbated by midlife stress and hormonal changes.
• How estrogen and progesterone influence thyroid hormone receptor sensitivity.
• Why oral estrogens can raise thyroid-binding globulin, impacting free thyroid hormone levels.

 

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