The Thyroid and Estrogen Connection | Dr. Naomi Ha, ND

The thyroid gland is the master regulator of all metabolic processes in the body and plays a vital role in promoting healthy hormone production. For women in particular, hypothyroidism (underfunctioning thyroid gland producing lower levels of thyroid hormone) can impact the body’s estrogen, testosterone and progesterone balance, contributing to infertility, fatigue, weight gain and premenstrual symptoms.

When patients present to the clinic seeking naturopathic care for any of the above listed concerns, they are recommended to complete a comprehensive blood work panel to assess thyroid function. These tests include:

A friendly female doctor smiling and talking to a senior female patient in a well-lit office setting.

  • Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)

  • Free-T3 (triiodothyronine, active thyroid hormone)

  • Free-T4 (thyroxine, inactive thyroid hormone)

  • Thyroid antibodies: anti-TPO (thyroid peroxidase antibodies), anti-Tg (thyroglobulin antibodies)

These thyroid function tests allow us to understand how the signalling pathways between the pituitary gland and thyroid are functioning, how the thyroid itself is regulating thyroid hormone production and to rule out Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (an autoimmune variant of hypothyroidism, very common among women). Women with undiagnosed or untreated hypothyroidism often present with fatigue, sleeping difficulty, weight gain and , low mood, hair loss, constipation and cold intolerance. These symptoms are often exacerbated during the perimenopausal transition and post-menopause due to the decline in estrogen, testosterone and progesterone levels.

Thyroid hormones help to regulate hormone production as thyroid receptors are present on the ovaries. Low levels of circulating thyroid hormones (T4 and T3) may impact estrogen and testosterone production and impact rates of ovulation thereby affecting progesterone production. Due to the overlap in symptom presentation between lowered thyroid and reproductive hormone production, oftentimes care for hypothyroidism may help support hormone balance.

A healthcare professional pointing to a model of the thyroid gland while explaining thyroid function.

The conventional treatment approach for hypothyroidism involves the replacement of thyroid hormone typically in the form of levothyroxine (T4) or desiccated thyroid, derived from a porcine source (T4 and T3). The purpose of using one, or both therapies combined is to supplement thyroid hormone levels to ease symptoms and support quality of life parameters. Healthy thyroid hormone levels can help to kickstart ovarian hormone production (estrogen, testosterone) to support fertility and regular menstrual cycles, along with reducing the intensity and frequency of menopausal vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats).

As naturopaths at Naturopathic Living, we can help you to support your hormonal health so that you can get back to living life to its fullest. Book a discovery call today so we can help you kickstart a personalized care plan to support your thyroid function and metabolism.

References:

  • Am Fam Physician. 2021;103(10):605-613

  • Saran S, Gupta BS, Philip R, Singh KS, Bende SA, Agroiya P, Agrawal P. Effect of hypothyroidism on female reproductive hormones. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2016 Jan-Feb;20(1):108-13. doi: 10.4103/2230-8210.172245. PMID: 26904478; PMCID: PMC4743370.