by Emanuela Visone (Adapted from Beverly Burmeier)
My journey with thyroid issues was a wake-up call I’ll never forget. At the age of 38, I was diagnosed with adrenal fatigue and premature menopause. Soon after, my thyroid began malfunctioning, and a mass with nodules formed, leaving me scared and overwhelmed. I experienced fatigue, weight gain, body aches, hair loss, and a constant inability to manage stress. These symptoms were debilitating, but through research and embracing natural remedies, I restored my thyroid health. Today, I’m here to share my story and inspire others to take control of their well-being.
Have you ever felt inexplicably tired, anxious, or not quite like yourself? Could your thyroid—the master energy regulator of your body—be the reason? This small butterfly-shaped gland plays a massive role in your overall health, and imbalances often go unnoticed. Could it be the key to reclaiming your vitality?
In her mid-40s, Linda Childers, now 52, began feeling anxious and out of sorts. “I didn’t feel like myself, and I was always tired,” she says. These symptoms, combined with her gender and age, prompted her doctor to test for thyroid disease.
Childers fit what Alan Christianson, NMD, a natural endocrinology specialist in Scottsdale, Arizona, calls the classic scenario for thyroid problems. “Women have a 25% chance of developing thyroid disease during their lifetimes, and it’s especially prevalent during times of hormone shifts such as pregnancy and perimenopause,” Christianson says. (Perimenopause refers to the time when a woman’s hormone levels begin to fluctuate but before her monthly cycles cease completely.)
Childers, of Martinez, California, was diagnosed with underactive thyroid, a condition where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones to optimize energy production.
Too Much, Too Little
The thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck, is part of the endocrine system and serves as the body’s master energy controller. It produces hormones that regulate vital processes such as bone repair, cardiac activity, and muscular function. Because thyroid hormones impact so many bodily systems, proper thyroid function is crucial for overall well-being.
Thyroid problems often mimic other conditions, which can delay diagnosis. Millions of Americans live with undiagnosed thyroid disease, explains Christianson, co-author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Thyroid Disease. Untreated thyroid dysfunction can increase the risk of heart disease, gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, and premature labor in pregnant women and even miscarriages.
Symptoms depend on whether the thyroid is overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism, as in Childers’ case). Hyperthyroidism symptoms include weight loss, heat intolerance, insomnia, rapid heart rate, and nervousness. Graves’ disease, an immune system malfunction, is the leading cause of hyperthyroidism.
In contrast, hypothyroidism symptoms can include fatigue, unexplained weight gain, dry skin, brittle nails, joint and muscle pain, depression, sensitivity to cold, and irregular menstrual cycles. Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune condition, is the primary cause of hypothyroidism, leading to reduced thyroid hormone production and increased thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels as the pituitary gland compensates. This may cause a goiter, a swelling of the neck.
Risks Rise with Age
Hypothyroidism becomes more common after age 40 due to reduced gland efficiency. Risk factors include a family history of thyroid disease, autoimmune conditions like type 1 diabetes, and Down’s syndrome. Women are particularly vulnerable because estrogen inhibits iodine absorption—essential for thyroid hormone production. Pregnancy further depletes iodine levels, diverting stores to the fetus for brain development.
Thyroid dysfunction is diagnosed through blood tests measuring hormone levels (T3, T4, and TSH). According to Supneet K. Saluja, MD, endocrinologist at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, “The test is accurate, although symptoms are highly individual, and some people may have symptoms despite normal test results.”
Boosting a Sluggish Thyroid
Treatment for hypothyroidism typically involves hormone replacement therapy, using either synthetic or natural hormones. “When your body can’t synthesize the thyroid hormone on its own, supplementation helps,” Saluja says. Medications should be taken on an empty stomach and at a consistent time each day. Patients should consult their doctor about foods and substances to avoid while on treatment.
A healthy diet can support thyroid function. Joy DuBost, PhD, RD, recommends whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and selenium. Fatty fish, eggs, and low-fat dairy are excellent sources of vitamin D, which is linked to thyroid health. Spending time in the sun can also boost vitamin D production. While cruciferous vegetables are sometimes considered problematic, Christianson advises they don’t need to be avoided, especially when cooked.
Managing stress is also essential. Chronic stress can overwork thyroid hormones, so techniques like deep breathing, yoga, or meditation can help. Regular exercise supports immune health, weight management, and mood regulation. Adequate sleep further enhances thyroid and immune function.
Some patients benefit from acupuncture or biofeedback to restore thyroid balance. Working with her doctor, Childers adjusted her medication until she found the optimal dosage. “I believe in being a partner in my health care,” she says—a powerful reminder for all thyroid patients.
Ask Yourself:
Are you constantly tired or feeling "off" without explanation?
Have you noticed unexpected changes in your weight or mood?
Could your thyroid be the hidden reason behind your symptoms?
If my story resonates with you or you recognize similar symptoms in your own life, now is the time to take charge of your health. Visit www.embodyvitality.net to learn more about natural thyroid support and holistic healing. Together, we can restore balance and vitality to your life, naturally.
Your partner in health,
Emanuela Visone, CFNC, CHC, CLC
Certified ONDAMED Practitioner
Embody Vitality Consulting, Inc.
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