Thyroid health

How thyroid issues affect weight gain
by Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN NP

When I talk with women suffering with unexpected weight gain, often one of the first questions I am asked is “Is it my thyroid?”

Sometimes, my answer is “yes” — after all, our thyroid hormones play a huge role in regulating our metabolism and how we use nutrients.

And research shows that even small changes to the thyroid function can cause weight gain. In fact, many women who have been told their thyroid test results are “normal” may still have a reduced thyroid function (subclinical hypothyroidism) that’s enough to cause weight gain and other bothersome symptoms.

At the clinic, I work with women suffering from a wide range of thyroid issues — from those just starting to suspect they have a thyroid problem to those already taking medication. And I tell each and every one of them how they can benefit from natural thyroid support and a holistic approach that considers thyroid function as part of overall hormonal balance.

Try our Personal Program for Thyroid Support for mild, moderate and severe thyroid issues.

The thyroid and unexpected weight gain: an early signal

Unexpected weight gain and difficulty losing weight may be one of the first noticeable signals that you’re struggling with hypothyroidism (a sluggish thyroid) or subclinical hypothyroidism. Many women tell me about their frustration with gaining five pounds every year and not being able to figure out why!

Reduced thyroid function may be the result of the thyroid’s impaired ability to produce hormones, or the body may have difficulty using the thyroid hormones. Either way, problems with your thyroid hormones may cause the rate at which you use nutrients (your metabolic rate) to slow down.

We are especially prone to thyroid issues and weight gain as women because the thyroid is linked to other systems that affect weight — including the proper functioning of our neurotransmitters, reproductive hormones, and adrenal glands.

Thyroid issues affect women of all ages

While we see women of all ages with thyroid issues, there are times in your life when your hormones fluctuate more and when the development of thyroid issues may be even more likely:

What can you do about thyroid issues and weight gain?

Making good nutrition and supplementation a consistent part of your life is the most effective way to support your thyroid. Consistency is so important! As women, many of us spend much of our lives dieting — sometimes in a yo-yo cycle of feasting or fasting. This is one example of how we may decrease our metabolic rate and put stress on other hormone systems — which leads to weight gain.

Here are my top tips for eating to support your thyroid:

When should I see a practitioner?

Weight gain along with other symptoms could be a sign that you need to have a thyroid test:

Do you have symptoms of a thyroid issue?

Do you have a thyroid issue? Sometimes it’s worth a closer look at your symptoms in order to find relief. Here’s why:

• Symptoms of thyroid problems such as hypothyroidism (a sluggish thyroid) can be mistaken for the symptoms of sex hormone imbalance — as the wide range of symptoms can be similar.

• Women with symptoms that are still mild may suffer from subclinical hypothyroidism — meaning while they are experiencing symptoms, their test results may appear in the “normal” range.

Because thyroid issues are so much more common in women, it’s important for you to recognize the symptoms of thyroid issues so that you make changes in your diet and lifestyle to help you feel better.

Hypothyroid symptoms

• severe fatigue, loss of energy
• weight gain, difficulty losing weight
• depression and depressed mood
• joint and muscle pain, headaches
• dry skin, brittle nails
• brittle hair, itchy scalp, hair loss
• irregular periods, PMS symptoms
• breast milk formation
• calcium metabolism difficulties
• difficulty tolerating cold and lower body temperature
• constipation
• sleeping more than average
• diminished sex drive
• puffiness in face and extremities
• hoarseness
• bruising/clotting problems
• elevated levels of LDL (the “bad” cholesterol) and heightened risk of heart disease
• allergies that suddenly appear or get worse
• persistent cold sores, boils, or breakouts
• tingling sensation in wrists and hands that mimics carpal tunnel syndrome
• memory loss, fuzzy thinking, difficulty following conversation or train of thought
• slowness or slurring of speech
• appearance of a goiter, an enlargement of the thyroid that is externally visible
By understanding the symptoms of hypothyroidism, women may identify issues earlier and find relief. If left untreated, symptoms may worsen over time.

Other thyroid issues

In addition to hypothyroidism, thyroid issues include Hashimoto’s disease, when the body forms antibodies that fight its own thyroid gland cells, creating permanent low thyroid function. Another condition is hyperthyroidism, which is an overactive thyroid. For more information, please see our page on hyperthyroidism.

If you suffer from several or more of the above symptoms and are worried that you could have a thyroid problem, your next best step would be to visit your healthcare provider to discuss your options. You may also find it useful to read our article on thyroid testing beforehand, to help you formulate good questions to ask your provider.

Our NEW Personal Program for Thyroid Support

Natural relief for thyroid issues like low energy, unusual weight gain, and skin issues
Our unique combination approach can restore thyroid balance to relieve the symptoms that are interrupting your life. Women have come to us for more than 25 years for answers to their thyroid issues — loss of energy, fuzzy thinking, muscle aches, difficulty tolerating the cold, hair and skin changes, and more. You get exclusive supplements, thyroid-specific lifestyle and diet guidance, and support you can count on.

Hyperthyroidism — overactive thyroid

Hyperthyroidism is an overactive thyroid, meaning the thyroid gland produces too much hormone. The condition occurs eight times more frequently in women than in men, and can develop as early as their 30’s.

Hyperthyroidism symptoms

A well-functioning thyroid makes a balanced amount of two hormones: T4 and T3. These hormones manage our metabolism and influence our body temperature, body weight and how many calories we burn. If your thyroid produces too much of these hormones, all the cells in your body increase the rate at which they function, resulting in thyroid problems and some or all of the following hyperthyroid symptoms:

• Heart palpitations; accelerated heart rate
• Chest pain
• A feeling of being too warm all the time
• Nervousness and trembling
• Insomnia despite feeling exhausted
• Breathlessness
• Diarrhea and GI upset
• Increased appetite
• Light or absent menstrual periods; infertility
• Weight loss
• Muscle deterioration
• Warm, moist skin
• Hair loss
• Bulging eyes, “spacy” gaze
• Heightened anxiety, irritability, moodiness or depression

The symptoms of hyperthyroidism can be similar to those of other conditions, including anxiety disorders or mania-like behavior. So, rather than just assume it is just a mood disorder, thyroid function should always be checked to rule out hyperthyroidism when a woman experiences new symptoms of anxiety, panic attacks, or hyperactivity of any kind.

Hyperthyroid symptoms can also worsen gradually over time. Many women have had overactive thyroid for months or years but don’t recognize the symptoms until they become more severe. Older women may lose weight or become depressed without having any of the other hyperthyroidism symptoms.

Causes of overactive thyroid symptoms

The most common underlying cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, or toxic diffuse goiter. Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects women in their 30’s and 40’s. The body produces antibodies that inflame and enlarge the thyroid gland, and may also cause eye swelling and a thickening of skin on the lower legs.

Once the thyroid is under control, eye and skin problems generally resolve.
A less frequent cause is an unusual or “hot” nodule that appears within the thyroid. Also called toxic nodular goiter, these nodules stimulate production of thyroid hormones.

Occasionally a virus will inflame the thyroid and cause a temporary episode of hyperthyroidism. This condition is called thyroiditis, and usually resolves on its own.
We also see women who get hyperthyroidism from taking too much thyroid medication that contains T3. Anyone taking thyroid supplementation should be closely monitored for this reason. We recommend alternative treatments for thyroid problems that help your body maintain hormonal balance naturally. Alternative treatments also enhance the effectiveness of conventional methods, yielding comparable improvement at lower dosages.

Natural, alternative thyroid treatments

If you experience any hyperthyroid symptoms for more than a few days, please call your healthcare practitioner. There are several ways to treat an overactive thyroid gland, including controlling inflammation through dietary supplements and optimal nutrition.

Many foods naturally suppress thyroid hormone production, such as cruciferous vegetables, leafy greens, soybeans, peaches, and pears. Limiting intake of dairy and caffeine has been successful for some women.

Women with well-established Graves’ disease may require more aggressive treatment through a radioactive isotope or nodule surgery.

The sooner an overactive thyroid is diagnosed, the easier it will be to bring it back under control with nutrition, supplements, and lifestyle changes. We encourage women to pay attention to how they feel and practice preventative healthcare. A healthy diet, exercise, and a medical–grade multivitamin will support thyroid health at all stages.

Our NEW Personal Program for Thyroid Support

Natural relief for thyroid issues like low energy, unusual weight gain, and skin issues
Our unique combination approach can restore thyroid balance to relieve the symptoms that are interrupting your life. Women have come to us for more than 25 years for answers to their thyroid issues — loss of energy, fuzzy thinking, muscle aches, difficulty tolerating the cold, hair and skin changes, and more. You get exclusive supplements, thyroid-specific lifestyle and diet guidance, and support you can count on.

• Choose whole foods for optimal nutrition and a high quality multivitamin-mineral supplement. Iodine and selenium are the most important thyroid supporters, but you also need zinc, iron, and copper.

• Eat your meals and snacks at regular times, and be sure to eat breakfast within an hour of waking. Missing meals or snacks can stress your thyroid.

• Include protein at every meal, as well as fiber for breakfast and lunch. Remember that good sources of fiber include fruits and vegetables, not just grains.

• Completely eliminate gluten, sugar/sweeteners, alcohol, and junk food. These ingredients can interfere with healthy thyroid function.

• Learn which foods contain thyroid-suppressing compounds known as “goitrogens” — including cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower. Always steam or cook these vegetables to reduce or eliminate the goitrogens.

• Support your thyroid with a phytotherapeutic product, such as our new T-Balance formula. Using leading research on trace minerals and phytotherapy for thyroid support, T-Balance is formulated to boost energy and support healthy cell metabolism not only in the thyroid gland but throughout the body. It includes bacopa, hops, sage, ashwagandha, and coleus forskohlii — as well as selenium and iodine.

Your opportunity to take action

At Women to Women, we know that symptoms are your body’s way of signaling that it needs help. So if you start seeing unexpected weight gain and believe it may be related to your thyroid, this is a good time to listen to your body and take action based on how you feel, rather than a test result.

For many women, a balance of good nutrition, supplemental nutrients, and phytotherapy is the true support their thyroid needs to increase metabolic functioning and lose weight. I’ve also seen that an optimal diet is critical to prevent additional symptoms from progressing, as well as to promote overall thyroid — and body — health.

Our NEW Personal Program for Thyroid Support

Natural relief for thyroid issues like low energy, unusual weight gain, and skin issues
Our unique combination approach can restore thyroid balance to relieve the symptoms that are interrupting your life. Women have come to us for more than 25 years for answers to their thyroid issues — loss of energy, fuzzy thinking, muscle aches, difficulty tolerating the cold, hair and skin changes, and more. You get exclusive supplements, thyroid-specific lifestyle and diet guidance, and support you can count on.

• Find out how the Personal Program for Thyroid Support can work for you.
• Discover more about your thyroid health with our exclusive profile.
• Call us to talk over your thyroid health concerns — 1-800-798-7902. We can help.

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