Thyroid Problems Resulting from Hormonal Imbalance

Located at the bottom of your neck, the thyroid gland is responsible for the production, storage, and release of certain types of hormones, often referred to as thyroid hormones. The pituitary gland is extremely sensitive to the work done by your thyroid. If thyroid hormone production is down, the pituitary senses it and stimulates it to increase.

Adrenals Glands

• Your adrenal glands, found on top of your kidneys, are responsible for producing certain hormones, most notably adrenaline and cortisol, estrogen and progesterone. An adrenal gland that is not functioning results in adrenal insufficiency (low hormone production). This might aggravate an already existing thyroid condition.

Cortisol

• In their book, Thyroid Power, Drs. Richard and Karilee Shames state low thyroid production frequently masks a corresponding adrenal insufficiency. Production of cortisol directly affects the production of the thyroid hormones T3 and T4, which regulate metabolism. A diagnosis of cortisol insufficiency might lead to treatment of your thyroid gland. Symptoms of low cortisol production include lack of libido, dizziness, fatigue, low pressure, low blood sugar, cravings for salty food and dark circles under the eyes.

Progesterone

• Progesterone and estrogen are also produced by the adrenal glands. In woman, progesterone promotes reproduction by creating a fertile environment for it. It is the raw material for producing cortisol. Since we already know cortisol affects the production of thyroid hormones needed for metabolism, a low progesterone level will cause low thyroid levels. Symptoms of progesterone level problems might include infertility, depression, weight gain, gallbladder disease, water retention, and irregular periods.

Estrogen Dominance

• Stress in one way to create estrogen dominance. Prolonged exposure to stress leads to adrenal exhaustion, and the body is unable to produce the necessary hormones. Symptoms of this are low blood pressure, depression, moodiness, fatigue, allergies, anxiety, diabetes, and headaches. The inability to produce progesterone due to adrenal exhaustion leads to reduced cortisol. This combination will create estrogen dominance. The hormones created by the adrenal glands and the thyroid, complement each other. A healthy body needs a balance between them.

Treatment

• Some natural ways to help your body balance the hormones from the adrenal and thyroid glands include some basic lifestyle changes, Reduce caffeine and get some exercise. Reducing the stress in your life will lead to a better functioning adrenal gland. Avoiding unprocessed food will limit your exposure to hormones, especially dairy products.

  If you go to your doctor with concerns about your thyroid, be sure to ask about treating adrenal gland insufficiency too.