Things You Didn’t Know About Your Thyroid

by Jacqueline Stenhouse, Naturopath, Nutritionist & Iridologist

The thyroid might be small, but it has a powerful role in your body. This butterfly-shaped gland sits at the front of your neck and influences energy levels, metabolism, mood, weight, digestion and temperature control. When it’s working well, you barely notice it. When it doesn’t, the effects can be felt throughout the body.

The Thyroid’s Function

The thyroid produces hormones that act like messengers, telling your cells how quickly to work. The main hormones are T4 and T3. T4 is produced in larger amounts and is inactive, while T3 is the active form that actually enters cells and drives metabolism.

It communicates closely with the brain, liver, gut and adrenal glands to help regulate heart rate, temperature, digestion, and brain function. When this system is functioning well, the body feels balanced and energised.

How Can It Go Wrong?

Thyroid issues usually develop gradually due to chronic stress, nutrient deficiencies, inflammation, hormonal changes, gut health issues, exposure to chemicals, or autoimmune activity. Problems may present as underactive thyroid, overactive thyroid, autoimmune conditions such as Hashimoto’s or Graves’, or poor conversion of thyroid hormones.

What Happens When It Goes Wrong?

When thyroid function is compromised, symptoms can be wide-ranging and confusing. Common signs include fatigue, unexplained weight changes, feeling cold, brain fog, low mood or anxiety, hair thinning, dry skin, constipation or changes in heart rate.

Because these symptoms overlap with many other conditions, thyroid problems are often overlooked or dismissed as stress or ageing.

Poor Conversion of Thyroid Hormones – Why It Matters

Many people assume thyroid problems only occur when hormone levels are too high or too low. In reality, symptoms can appear even when blood tests look normal.

The thyroid produces mostly T4, which must be converted into T3 before the body can use it. If this conversion is inefficient, hormone levels may look adequate on paper, but the cells are under-stimulated and not receiving the signal they need.

When conversion is poor, people may experience low energy, difficulty losing weight, feeling cold, brain fog, low mood, reduced exercise tolerance and sluggish digestion. Over time, this places extra strain on the body and contributes to further metabolic and hormonal imbalance.

Liver Function and the Thyroid

The liver plays a major role in converting T4 into active T3. If the liver is under strain, this process can slow. Factors include stress, poor diet, low protein, excess alcohol, medications, blood sugar issues, inflammation and toxin exposure.

When thyroid hormones aren’t used efficiently, metabolism slows, affecting cholesterol, blood sugar and detoxification pathways. A sluggish thyroid can increase liver workload, while an overloaded liver can further impair thyroid function, creating a cycle that needs support from both angles.

Iron Levels and the Thyroid

Iron is essential for thyroid hormone production and conversion, using iodine.  Iodine uses iron amongst other things to produce hormones. Low iron levels, even without full anaemia, can worsen symptoms.

Things You Can Do to Help Avoid Thyroid Issues

While not all thyroid conditions are preventable, you can support thyroid health by:

·   Eating a balanced diet with adequate protein and healthy fats

·   Ensuring key nutrients such as iodine, selenium, zinc and iron are sufficient in your diet

·   Maintaining good liver and balanced gut health

·  Reducing exposure to endocrine disruptors in plastics, pesticides, fragrances and some cleaning products

·   Managing stress and paying attention to ongoing symptoms

Your thyroid is part of a bigger picture. Supporting the whole body is often the most effective way to maintain hormonal balance and long-term wellbeing.