Hormones, Metabolism & You! 44: Menopause - When Your Hormones Go on Strike and Your Thyroid Throws a Tantrum! With McCall McPherson
Feb 2, 2025
McCall McPherson, a passionate thyroid health advocate and founder of Modern Thyroid, discusses the intricate link between menopause, hormonal shifts, and thyroid health. She highlights how declining estrogen can exacerbate thyroid issues, impacting mental well-being and gut health. The conversation emphasizes the importance of lifestyle changes like strength training, intermittent fasting, and personalized healthcare. McCall encourages women to prioritize their health for better outcomes, while also addressing the role of supportive treatments like GLP-1 medications.
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Estrogen's Impact on Thyroid Function During Menopause
- Estrogen and thyroid function are intertwined, sharing transport mechanisms like sex hormone binding globulin and thyroid binding globulin.
- Menopause increases the risk of both hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's, an autoimmune thyroid condition.
Hormonal Impact on Mental Health During Menopause
- Low estrogen can cause apathy and mild depression, while low progesterone can trigger significant anxiety, even in women who've never experienced it before.
- Supplementing with progesterone can often alleviate this anxiety within 72 hours.
Distinguishing Hormone and Thyroid Issues
- Track symptoms like anxiety, irritability, and insomnia, especially if they worsen before your period and improve afterward, which may indicate pre-menopause.
- Note symptoms such as vaginal dryness and hot flashes, which can point to low estrogen in peri- and post-menopause.