Women & Low Thyroid: Hidden Symptoms, Causes, and Natural Support

If you're struggling with hair loss, unexplained weight changes, persistent fatigue, mood swings, or feeling constantly cold, your thyroid may be trying to tell you something. This small, butterfly-shaped gland plays a huge role in metabolism, energy, temperature regulation, digestion, and emotional balance.

And here’s a powerful fact to start with:

💡 Women are 5x more likely than men to develop low thyroid function.

(Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s)

Let’s break down why thyroid dysfunction affects women so often — and what you can do to support your thyroid naturally.

Why Women Are More Prone to Thyroid Issues

Women experience more hormonal fluctuations throughout life — puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, and menopause. Each hormonal transition creates stress on the endocrine system.

Additionally:

• Women are more prone to autoimmune conditions (including Hashimoto’s)

• Chronic stress impacts women’s thyroid function faster than men

• Estrogen and progesterone imbalances affect thyroid hormone conversion

• Women tend to experience nutrient deficiencies (iodine, selenium, iron, vitamin D)

This hormonal + autoimmune sensitivity makes women significantly more likely to struggle with thyroid imbalances.

Thyroid & Hair Loss: What’s the Connection?

Yes — thyroid hormones directly impact your hair growth cycle.

Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause:

• Hair thinning

• Excessive shedding

• Slow regrowth

• Dry, brittle strands

Healthy thyroid hormones = healthy hair follicles.

Always Feeling Cold? Your Thyroid Could Be the Reason

Feeling cold all the time, even in warm temperatures, is a classic symptom of hypothyroidism.

When thyroid function slows down:

• Your metabolism drops

• Your body produces less heat

• Hands and feet get cold easily

• You may feel chilled "from the inside"

Thyroid, Mood & Mental Health

Your thyroid and your mood are deeply connected.

Hypothyroidism can cause:

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Irritability

• Brain fog

• Low motivation

Hyperthyroidism can cause:

• Nervousness

• Panic

• Emotional overwhelm

• Restlessness

This is because thyroid hormones affect neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA.

Thyroid & Weight Gain (or Loss)

Your thyroid controls your metabolic rate.

✅ Hypothyroidism → slowed metabolism → weight gain
✅ Hyperthyroidism → fast metabolism → weight loss

If you’re gaining weight despite eating well or exercising, your thyroid may be involved.

Common Symptoms of Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)

• Fatigue

• Dry skin

• Constipation

• Muscle weakness

• Hoarse voice

• Sensitivity to cold

• Hair loss

• Brain fog

• Heavier or irregular periods

• Weight gain

• Mood changes

If you have 3+ symptoms, it’s worth requesting thyroid labs (TSH, Free T4, Free T3, thyroid antibodies).

Is There a Natural Cure for Hypothyroidism?

While there's no outright "cure," supporting your thyroid naturally can be beneficial alongside conventional treatments:

• Nutrient-Dense Diet: Focus on iodine-rich foods (seaweed, seafood) and selenium (Brazil nuts).
• Manage Stress: Stress disrupts hormones, further impacting thyroid function. Castor oil packs can help with reducing stress and anxiety!
• Supplements: Consult your doctor about iodine, selenium, or vitamin D if deficient.
• Gut Health: A healthy gut is vital for proper hormone balance and nutrient absorption.
• Castor Oil Packs: Castor oil packs over the thyroid area may aid detoxification, reduce inflammation, and support thyroid function. Discuss this with your doctor, especially if you have Hashimoto's.

Foods to Be Mindful Of

Certain foods can interfere with your thyroid health:

• Goitrogens: In excess, raw cruciferous vegetables (kale, broccoli) can potentially suppress thyroid function. Cooking them may reduce this effect.
• Soy: In large amounts, soy may interfere with thyroid medication absorption.
• Gluten: If you have Hashimoto's (see below), gluten may worsen inflammation.

Thyroid Fatigue: It's Real

Constant exhaustion is a hallmark of thyroid problems, especially hypothyroidism. This fatigue goes beyond feeling tired – it's a deep, debilitating exhaustion that rest doesn't always resolve. Gut cleanses with supplements or colon hydrotherapy may help in eliminating fatigue caused by toxic build up in the colon. 

Diagnosing Thyroid Disease

A simple blood test measures your TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) levels. Your doctor may also check T3, T4, and thyroid antibodies depending on your symptoms. 

Hashimoto's vs. Hypothyroidism

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease that's the leading cause of hypothyroidism. In Hashimoto's, your immune system attacks the thyroid gland, causing inflammation and gradual decline in thyroid function. In my personal experience I have seen many women heal their thyroid naturally by changing their diet, doing nervous system relaxing therapies (such as castor oil packs) and regular liver/ gut cleanses.

Hyperthyroidism (Graves' Disease) may be trying to tell you something important about your emotional needs. These gentle questions can guide you towards greater self-awareness and healing:

Questions to Uncover Limiting Beliefs:

• Do I feel like I always have to prove my worth to be loved and accepted?
• Do I have a deep fear of abandonment or losing the approval of others?
• Am I constantly striving for perfection, feeling like I'm never good enough?
• Do I often put the needs of others before my own, neglecting my own well-being?

Questions to Examine Family Dynamics:

• Did I feel like love was conditional in my childhood – that I had to earn it through achievement or caretaking?
• Was there a sense of pressure to always be responsible or to hold things together?
• Did I feel like my own needs and emotions were suppressed, unseen, or invalidated?

Questions to Address Current Behaviors:

• Do I tend to overextend myself, saying "yes" to everything, even when I'm overwhelmed?
• Am I driven by an inner critic that pushes me to constantly perform and achieve?
• Do I find it difficult to slow down, relax, and prioritize self-care?
• Do I struggle to set boundaries and communicate my needs to others?

Explore our Arandi Castor Oil Wraps designed for thyroid support

References

• American Thyroid Association: https://www.thyroid.org/
• British Thyroid Foundation: [invalid URL removed]
• Mayo Clinic - Hypothyroidism: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypothyroidism/symptoms-causes/syc-20350284

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not replace medical advice.