Thyroid and Menopause: What You Should Know

Did you know that your thyroid can have a big impact during menopause? Many women do not give much thought to it until they start experiencing symptoms. If you are easily irritated, have appetite and weight issues or have trouble sleeping, you might be experiencing a thyroid problem that is tied to menopause.
Read on to know more about thyroid, menopause and how they affect each other.

​What Is the Purpose of Thyroid?

​The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland located in the lower front of the neck. This gland produces thyroid hormones, which are secreted into the blood and then carried to all parts of the body. These hormones help the body use energy, stay warm and keep the brain, heart, muscles and other organs working as they should, as well as controlling appetite, digestion, and muscle strength.

What Does the Underactivity and Overactivity of the Thyroid Gland Mean?

The thyroid hormone controls the body's metabolism, which is the way the body uses energy. As stated by the Australian Government’s Department of Health, if the thyroid gland makes too much of this hormone, it is called hyperthyroidism. If it makes too little thyroid hormone, it is called hypothyroidism.

The Difference Between Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism

There are two main types of thyroid issues and they can be recognised through the difference in symptoms present in a person:

Hyperthyroidism
People with an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) have:

• High metabolism and loses weight easily
• Sweating
• Feeling shaky
• Hyperactivity
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Difficulty sleeping
• Heart palpitations
• Shortness of breath
• Heat intolerance
• Thinning hair
• Frequent bowel movements

 Hypothyroidism
Individuals with an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) have:

• Low metabolism and gains weight easily
• Feeling tired/fatigue
• Muscle weakness
• Slower thinking
• Constipation
• Dry skin
• Feeling cold
• Depression

What Is the Link Between Thyroid and Menopause?

According to a 2011 study, researchers found out that the levels of estrogen might have effects on thyroid receptors and the function of the gland. Given that the amount of estrogen produced by a woman’s body drops when she enters the menopause stages can increase the risk of having thyroid issues.
If you have hypothyroidism, it can make your menopause symptoms worst. This might cause you to experience more discomfort than others and can put you at risk for osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.
Often, menopause symptoms and thyroid-related ones can overlap, so it is better to get checked by medical professionals who can advise you on the proper steps to take.

Natural Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms

There are a lot of ways you can ease menopause symptoms. Some of them are:

1. Eating Health Food
Changes in your diet ad replacing fatty foods can help combat menopause symptoms.
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Here are some of the best ones that you should add to your meals:

• High in phytoestrogens (helps with oestrogen imbalance)
• Rich in antioxidants like dark and green leafy vegetables, as well as brightly hued fruits
• Has calcium and vitamin D

In addition, avoid refined sugar and processed foods, as well as alcohol and caffeine.

 2. Exercise
​Moving your body and getting physical exercise for at least 20 minutes is beneficial to  managing menopause symptoms and your overall health. It promotes good blood circulation, improves mental health, and maintains your ideal weight.

3. Soak in the Sunlight
Although you can get vitamin D from some foods, nothing can beat the amount and quality that the sun can provide. Step outside and stand there for 5 to 15 minutes to get the best results.

4. Get Adequate Sleep
When we sleep our body repairs itself. That is why it is important to have a good rest at night. Sleep reduces stress and improves our mood.

5.  Drink Herbal Teas
​There are scientific evidence that herbal tea for menopause can help alleviate the discomfort caused by menopause. Drinks that have black cohosh and red clover aid in balancing estrogen levels, making them a good alternative to hormone replacement therapy.

How Our Menopause Tea Can Help You
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Our menopause tea is an all-organic and pure-taste special tea that uses red clover, black cohosh and other herbs that can give you relief from various menopause symptoms. It can create a relaxing effect that will help you get through the day without being hindered by the uncomfortable side effects of menopause.
This menopause tea is available for purchase within Australia (free delivery) and internationally. We also have a subscription service that comes with free delivery. Shop with us today!