Understanding Your Thyroid and How It Impacts Women’s Mental Health
Thyroid
Understanding your Thyroid
Updated 4/2025 to update Alt Text and resources.
Understanding Your Thyroid and How It Impacts Women’s Mental Health
January is Thyroid Awareness Month
This January, I am dedicated time to really lean in, explore and explain the significance of the thyroid gland and why it is so crucial for our overall health and well-being. This awareness month serves as an important opportunity to help us understand how this small yet powerful gland can have such a profound impact on our bodies and minds, influencing everything from metabolism to mood regulation.
“When the thyroid is working just right, everything feels good.”
Did you know that the thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland in your neck that has a big job in keeping you feeling good? Your thyroid helps control how your body uses energy. For women, this little gland plays an important role in mental health, mood, and overall well-being. Let’s explore what the thyroid does, how it can affect mental health, and how you can take care of it.
What Is the Thyroid?
How the Thyroid Affects Women’s Mental Health
The thyroid is like a control center for your body. It produces hormones that help manage things like how fast your heart beats, how warm or cold you feel, and even how happy or sad you are. When the thyroid is working just right, everything feels good. But when it’s not working well, it can make you feel really tired, sad, or worried. This is why understanding your thyroid is so important, especially for women.
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How the Thyroid Affects Women’s Mental Health
The thyroid plays a significant role in regulating your mood and mental well-being. Here are four significant ways your thyroid can impact your feelings:
Energy and Tiredness
When your thyroid is not working properly, you might feel tired all the time, even if you sleep a lot. This can make it hard to keep up with your day and do things you enjoy. Imagine trying to play your favorite game but feeling too tired to even get up. That’s what it can feel like when the thyroid is off balance.
Mood and Sadness
The thyroid can also change how happy or sad you feel. If it’s not making the right hormones, you might feel extra sad or worried, like there’s a rain cloud following you around. This can make it hard to enjoy your day or be with friends and family.
Brain Fog
Have you ever felt like it’s hard to think clearly, like your brain is in slow motion? That’s called brain fog, and it can happen when the thyroid isn’t working well. This might make it harder to focus at work, remember important things, or even figure out what you want for dinner.
Stress and Anxiety
Sometimes, the thyroid can make you feel like you’re worrying too much, even about little things. This is because the thyroid helps manage stress. If it’s not doing its job, you might feel like your worries are bigger than they really are.
“Taking care of your thyroid is a little like taking care of a garden.”
Two Foods That Support Thyroid Health
Taking care of your thyroid is a little like taking care of a garden. It needs the right nutrients to grow and work well. Here are two foods that can help your thyroid:
Brazil Nuts: These nuts are like a super snack for your thyroid because they have selenium, a nutrient that helps the thyroid work better. Just one or two Brazil nuts a day can give you the selenium you need.
Seaweed: Seaweed is full of iodine, which is like fuel for the thyroid. You can find iodine in foods like sushi rolls or dried seaweed snacks. Just don’t eat too much, because too much iodine can also be bad for the thyroid.
Steps to Test Your Thyroid Naturally at Home
Here’s how you can test your thyroid at home, by checking your temperature throughout the day using the following steps:
Obtain a Basal Thermometer: Use a digital or mercury thermometer that can measure your temperature accurately. Basal thermometers are usually more precise for this purpose.
Choose a Consistent Time: Measure your temperature first thing in the morning, ideally before getting out of bed. This should be done at the same time each day for consistent results.
Take Your Temperature: Place the thermometer under your tongue for about five minutes. Record the temperature immediately after removing the thermometer.
Repeat for a Week: Conduct this temperature test daily for about seven days. Multiple readings allow for a more accurate assessment of your average basal body temperature.
Analyze the Results:
An average temperature below 97.8°F may indicate hypothyroidism or low thyroid function.
An average above 98.2°F could suggest potential hyperthyroidism or overactive thyroid.
Look for Patterns: Note fluctuations in your readings and any symptoms you may experience, such as fatigue, weight changes, or mood swings.
Consider Other Factors: Keep in mind that several factors can affect body temperature, including illness, sleep quality, and hormonal changes.
Consult with a Healthcare Professional: If your findings suggest thyroid dysfunction, consider discussing them with a healthcare provider for further evaluation and testing.
By following these steps, you can gather useful information about your thyroid health and have a more informed discussion with your healthcare provider.
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Getting Medical Testing for Your Thyroid
If you’re feeling really tired, sad, or worried, it’s important to talk to your doctor. They can do a simple blood test to check if your thyroid is working well. This test looks at how much thyroid hormone is in your blood. If something is off, your doctor can help you figure out what to do next. Taking care of your thyroid can make a big difference in how you feel every day.
Take Care of Your Mental Health Too
If you’re feeling sad, worried, or stressed and think your thyroid might be part of the problem, it can help to talk to someone who understands. A mental health therapist who knows how physical health can impact mental health can make a big difference. If you would like to work with someone who is committed to your well-being and you happen to reside in the following states: Michigan, New Jersey, or Vermont, please schedule a session with me today. Together, we can ensure that you are feeling your very best both mentally and physically.
In Summary
Your thyroid may be small, but it has a big job in keeping you healthy and happy. When it’s not working well, it can affect your energy, mood, and even how clearly you think. By eating foods like Brazil nuts and seaweed, getting medical tests, and working with a therapist, you can give your thyroid and your mental health the care they need. Remember, taking care of yourself is the best gift you can give to your body and mind!
Ready to take control of your mental and physical health? Start nourishing your thyroid today with our Mood-Boosting Foods eCookbook or schedule a personalized therapy session to get support with a holistic approach to wellness.
Written By: Reynelda Jones, LMSW-C, ADS, CIMHP
This blog was written with the assistance of AI.
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