Episode 59: Breaking the Cycle: Stress, Thyroid Health, and the Adrenal Connection
In this episode, we’re diving into the complex relationship between stress, thyroid health, and the adrenal glands, focusing on how they’re all interconnected within the body’s delicate endocrine system. Chronic stress can significantly impact thyroid function, often leading to imbalances that result in symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, and low energy. This connection, known as HPA axis dysfunction, affects communication between the brain and adrenal glands, creating a cycle that can lead to burnout, adrenal fatigue, and thyroid issues.
We'll discuss how stress can disrupt thyroid health by suppressing TSH, impairing T3 to T4 conversion, and increasing resistance to thyroid hormones. You’ll learn how to identify often-overlooked symptoms, why many standard approaches miss the bigger picture, why functional medicine emphasizes a whole-body approach, and strategies you can use to break this cycle—such as stress management, targeted nutrition, and lifestyle adjustments.
Plus, I’ll introduce my new book, Optimal You, a comprehensive guide designed to help you understand your body’s unique needs. By addressing root causes, you’ll gain practical tools to support thyroid and adrenal health, boosting your energy, mood, and overall resilience.
DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast and related website is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice. It is not intended to be used to diagnose or treat, instead it is designed to help educate and inspire. Always seek the advice of a professional medical practitioner or qualified health practitioner. Never ignore or disregard advice given to you based on information in this podcast or related website and do not delay in seeking medical advice.
Timestamps:
[04:00] - Brief introduction to thyroid, adrenals and stress
[09:48] - Chronic stress, adrenal dysfunction, and how that impacts thyroid health
[12:08] - What adrenal fatigue is
[14:35] - Symptoms and signs to look for
[17:08] - The symptom-focused approach vs the functional medicine approach
[23:28] - The two challenges we face with thyroid issues
[24:58] - Strategies to support thyroid and adrenal health
“One of the key insights that we get from functional medicine is the need to break the circle of disfunction. We do this by addressing the root causes of stress, looking at adrenal health and thyroid function, and checking if there is anything else around the body that could be impacting this. Focusing solely on thyroid health, particularly if you have a thyroid condition, often misses the bigger picture.”
Essential learnings from this episode…
Stress, thyroid health, and the adrenal glands are all interconnected within the body’s delicate endocrine
Chronic stress can significantly impact thyroid function, often leading to imbalances that result in symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, and low-energy
Stress can disrupt thyroid health by suppressing TSH, impairing T3 to T4 conversion, and increasing resistance to thyroid hormones
EPISODE 54
Important links & mentions from this episode
Take the FREE MitoImmune Health Assessment
Connect with Nicole on Instagram
Visit the Goode Health Website
Get Started with the MitoImmune Way: The 12-Week Programme
Unlocking the Mystery of Your Thyroid Results [Free Download]
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