During menopause, symptoms such as poor sleep, sweating, or hair loss may occur. These are often considered typical menopausal complaints, but sometimes the thyroid gland also plays a role. Have you noticed a painful or enlarged thyroid gland in your neck? It is important to understand what this could indicate and when to take action.
I thought my fatigue was just part of menopause. It wasn’t until a blood test revealed that my thyroid was underactive. Since starting treatment, I feel like myself again.
But what exactly happens in the body when the thyroid gland becomes hard or swollen? In the case of thyroid overactivity (or an overactive thyroid), the thyroid produces too many hormones. This leads to the growth of thyroid tissue, causing the thyroid to enlarge.
In the case of thyroid underactivity (or an underactive thyroid), the thyroid produces too few hormones. This can also result in swelling in the lower neck area. This swelling is also referred to as a goitre.
The thyroid gland is located at the front of the neck and is an organ that produces thyroid hormones, such as thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones regulate your metabolism, cardiovascular system, and body temperature, among other functions.
Have you noticed a painful, enlarged, or hard thyroid gland during menopause? It is important to understand that this is not a direct symptom of menopause, as the swelling is not caused by declining sex hormones like oestrogen and progesterone. Instead, the direct cause is usually an overactive or underactive thyroid.
An underactive thyroid occurs when the thyroid produces too few thyroid hormones, slowing down metabolism and causing symptoms such as weight gain, fatigue, and sensitivity to cold. Overactivity occurs when the thyroid produces too many thyroid hormones, speeding up metabolism and causing symptoms such as weight loss, nervousness, and heart palpitations.
The hormonal fluctuations of oestrogen and progesterone during menopause can be an indirect cause of thyroid problems or exacerbate them. Some studies suggest that both progesterone and oestrogen can influence the function of thyroid hormones. The thyroid produces the hormone T4, which must be converted into the active hormone T3 to function. Progesterone supports this conversion. Additionally, a decrease in oestrogen can affect the amount of free T4 in the blood.
Other indirect causes of swelling or enlargement of the thyroid due to over- or underproduction of thyroid hormones include a deficiency or excess of nutrients (such as iodine or selenium), thyroid inflammation (thyroiditis), and the use of certain medications. To find the right treatment, it is important to identify the indirect cause of your thyroid problems.
There is evidence that menopausal symptoms are more severe in people with a thyroid disorder. Women whose thyroid medication is not optimally adjusted may also experience more frequent and severe symptoms due to the mutual influence of hormones during menopause.
To navigate menopause as smoothly as possible, it is important to discuss this thoroughly with your doctor. Openly discuss your menopausal symptoms with your doctor and have your thyroid levels checked regularly to optimise your medication.
Personalised product advice for your menopause symptoms
There are ways to support your body when dealing with an enlarged thyroid. Healthy nutrition, sufficient exercise, and rest can support your overall health and contribute to how you feel.
However, treatments for this condition are only possible after medical examination. An enlarged thyroid is not a menopausal symptom in itself but a signal that something may be wrong with thyroid function. Therefore, it is important to first determine the cause, for example, through blood tests. Only then can the appropriate treatment be determined. Nutrition, lifestyle, and supplements can be supportive but do not replace a medical diagnosis or treatment.
When your hormone balance changes during menopause, it can affect your energy levels, sleep, digestion, and metabolism. Healthy nutrition, sufficient exercise, and rest help prevent or alleviate symptoms. Small adjustments can already make a difference in how you feel.
Do you take medication or supplements? A healthy lifestyle supports your body in absorbing nutrients and processing medications. This enhances the effectiveness of supplements and medication. What experts recommend for an enlarged thyroid:
If you have an enlarged thyroid and suspect something is wrong, it is important to see a doctor and undergo the necessary tests. Treatment depends on your thyroid function. For an overactive thyroid, medications are prescribed to regulate the thyroid's hormone production. For an underactive thyroid, thyroid hormone preparations are used to restore hormonal balance.
Additionally, supplements can support hormone balance during menopause and thyroid function. Do not take anything without consulting your doctor, especially if you are on medication. Discuss with your doctor which high-quality supplements may benefit you.
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