Does Menopause Affect Energy Levels?

The Thyroid Connection

Your thyroid is an endocrine gland that influences almost every cell in the body by affecting the cell’s metabolism and function.  Thyroid hormones influence; our heart, respiratory and digestive systems, our metabolism, ability to burn body fat and our reproductive health.

Thyroid hormone imbalance, either releasing too much or too little hormone, will affect your overall health and vitality.

Hormones play a significant role in how much energy and vitality you have.  They can also affect your sleep and how well your body manages daily stressors.

If you feel your energy reserves are low, you don’t feel refreshed after a night’s sleep and you’re running on empty, it’s time to consider your hormonal health and in particular your thyroid function.

  • Low thyroid function has been linked to many conditions and symptoms include weight gain, constipation, cold intolerance, menstrual irregularities, fatigue, depression, dry skin, brittle nails and hair loss.

  • Overactive thyroid function can cause weight loss, anxiety, heat intolerance, palpitations and diarrhoea. 

  • High levels of thyroid antibodies show an autoimmune attack on the thyroid gland and many hypothyroid cases are due to Hashimoto’s disease.

A woman in bed propped up on pillows with her hands over her eyes and looking like she has no energy to get up and on with her day.

During perimenopause many women feel fatigued, lethargic and lack energy.  They often put it down to their busy lives and lack of hours in the day but could it be related to thyroid function?

Symptoms of a ‘sluggish’ thyroid

  • Falling asleep when you sit down after dinner

  • Weight gain that seems to be resistant to your best efforts of dieting and exercise

  • A heavy, tired feeling in the body

  • Rough, dry skin and coarse hair

  • Hair loss. Also check for thinning of eyebrow hair on the outer section of eyebrow

  • Sensitive to cold and feeling cold even in warm temperatures

  • Lack of perspiration when exercising

  • Moodiness

    If you experience some of these symptoms, it may be time to have thyroid hormones checked

A dark haired woman in a chambray shirt is leaning on her desk, in front of a computer screen. She has her eyes closed, glasses off and is pinching the bridge of her nose and looking very tired.

Testing thyroid hormones

Functional pathology testing for thyroid hormones goes beyond testing TSH and T4.  A comprehensive view of all the thyroid hormones including TSH, T4, T3, Reverse T3 and thyroid antibodies can give an overall picture of thyroid health and function.

Overview of thyroid hormones:

TSH

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) is released from the pituitary gland and it communicates with the thyroid to regulate release of hormone.

T4

T4 is metabolically inactive in the body as it is bound to protein, and converts to T3 to become active.  Free T4 (fT4) is not attached to protein in the blood and is measured to see how well the thyroid gland is working.  

T3

Total T3 is measured to see the amount of active thyroid hormone available and if your body is able to convert T4 into T3.  Free T3 (fT3) is measured as it is the most usable and active form of thyroid hormone. Reverse T3 (rT3) is an inactive form of T3 that can’t be used by the body and it occurs when there is high stress and cortisol levels.

Thyroid antibodies

High levels of Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) Ab and Thyroglobulin Ab indicate an autoimmune reaction against the thyroid.

 

Colourful plastic kid's letters spell out thyroid. A pink felt shape similar to the shape of a thyroid gland is below.

Thyroid health can be affected by:

  • Mineral deficiencies; iodine, iron and selenium

  • Gluten sensitivity

  • Chronic stress

  • Hormone imbalance

  • Chronic inflammation

The naturopathic approach is centred on treating the whole person. This will include:

  • Harmonising the digestive function, optimising nutrition and addressing nutrient deficiencies

  • Avoiding trigger foods and environmental toxins

  • Managing symptoms, reducing stress and supporting the immune system

How Naturopathy Can Help

If you want to improve your energy levels or suspect your thyroid function is not optimal, book a consultation with Colleen today.