Today, I am reflecting on my journey through the thick of perimenopause while grappling with thyroid and adrenal issues. In my personal journey, I battled with adrenal insufficiency, which severely impacted my health. Through dedicated efforts in detoxification, I managed to achieve a more balanced state for my adrenals. However, I still grapple with a hormonal imbalance as menopause emerges. It’s been a rollercoaster of symptoms, emotions, and discoveries, but I’ve found solace in detoxification and holistic approaches that address these interconnected challenges.
Let’s start by unraveling the web that links perimenopause, thyroid, and adrenal issues. Perimenopause, often referred to as the transition to menopause, marks the period when a woman’s body begins to produce less estrogen. This hormonal shift can lead to varying symptoms, including hot flashes, mood swings, and irregular periods. Meanwhile, thyroid issues, specifically hypothyroidism, involve an underactive thyroid gland, which can cause fatigue, weight gain, and hair loss. It is reported that 5 out of 100 Americans ages 12 years and older have hypothyroidism, although most cases are mild or have few apparent symptoms; therefore, many who seek relief are told their thyroid is working optimally (Patil, 2023). On the other hand, adrenal dysfunction stems from prolonged stress and can result in exhaustion, anxiety, and disrupted sleep patterns.
Are you tired just reading that?
Perimenopause Thyroid Adrenal Connection
While these three conditions may manifest differently, they share a common thread: hormonal imbalance and stress. The intricate dance between estrogen, thyroid hormones, and cortisol (the stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands) can throw our bodies out of whack, leaving us feeling depleted and overwhelmed.
Thyroid, adrenal, and hormonal issues can share overlapping symptoms, making diagnosis and treatment challenging. Common overlapping symptoms include fatigue, weight gain or difficulty losing weight, mood swings, anxiety, irregular menstrual cycles, and sleep disturbances. Additionally, symptoms like hair loss, dry skin, and digestive issues may manifest in individuals with any combination of these conditions. Identifying the underlying cause of these symptoms often requires thorough testing and evaluation.
If you work to manage these symptoms without addressing the root, you will find yourself struggling once again when you stop taking the supplement/tincture/drug, or at best, will only feel ‘slightly better.’
The root cause needs to be addressed!
The Pituitary Gland
The pituitary gland, often referred to as the ‘master gland,’ plays a pivotal role in regulating various functions of the endocrine system. Despite its significance, it often remains overlooked in discussions about overall health. Situated at the base of the brain, the pituitary gland secretes hormones that control other glands throughout the body, effectively pulling the strings of our entire endocrine system.
However, the importance of maintaining a healthy pituitary gland is often underestimated. A congested or sluggish pituitary gland can lead to disruptions in hormonal balance, manifesting as symptoms like adrenal insufficiency, thyroid dysfunction, and reproductive issues.
Detoxifying the head region, where the pituitary gland resides, is crucial for restoring its optimal function. Raw enzymes, known for their potent detoxifying properties, can play a vital role in this process. By aiding in the breakdown of toxins and promoting cleansing within the body, raw enzymes help to alleviate the burden on the pituitary gland and support its ability to regulate hormonal activity effectively.
Taking digestive enzymes whilst eating the same diet will not yield results.
Congestion in the head and the pituitary gland can stem from various factors, including chronic stress or secondary infections such as environmental toxicity including but not limited to mold and Lyme disease. Chronic stress triggers the release of cortisol, which, when prolonged, can impair the function of the pituitary gland and disrupt hormonal balance.
The HPA-Axis
This is a feedback loop referred to as the HPA-Axis. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is a crucial feedback loop that regulates the body’s response to stress and maintains hormonal balance. It begins in the hypothalamus, where stress triggers the release of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). CRH then signals the pituitary gland to release adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which prompts the adrenal glands to produce cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. Once cortisol levels rise to a certain threshold, they signal back to the hypothalamus and pituitary gland to inhibit further release of CRH and ACTH, thus completing the feedback loop and restoring hormonal equilibrium (By et al., 2023). This dynamic process helps the body adapt to stressors while preventing excessive cortisol production (Patil 2023).
Incorporating practices that promote detoxification, such as consuming raw enzyme-rich foods and maintaining proper hydration, can help to ensure that our endocrine system operates smoothly. By paying attention to the health of our pituitary gland and taking proactive steps to support its function, we can achieve greater overall well-being and hormonal balance.
So, how can we navigate this tangled terrain and reclaim our vitality? For me, the answer lies in embracing holistic health practices that nourish both body and soul. Here are a few strategies that have been instrumental in my journey:
Endocrine Supporting Practices
Detoxification: I focus heavily on detoxification via cleaning up my diet (for me, this is dairy, meat, and grains), taking raw enzymes, and a quality mushroom complex. I also place a heavy importance on cleaning up my mental and emotional body by removing external toxicities wherever possible. That can be the more challenging piece. Sometimes, we must focus more on bringing in the good than removing the bad for reasons beyond our control. While working on the detoxification piece, I usher in more nutrients and herbs.
Herbal Support: Incorporating adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha, rhodiola, and holy basil into my daily routine has been a game-changer. These herbs help modulate stress responses, support adrenal function, and promote hormonal balance. I love starting my day with an adaptogenic tea or adding herbal tinctures to my morning smoothie.
Nutritional Healing: Paying attention to my diet has been crucial in managing my symptoms. Opting for whole, nutrient-dense foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants has helped support my thyroid function and ease hormonal fluctuations. I prioritize foods like fruit, non-starchy vegetables, and fermented foods to nourish my body from the inside out.
Mind-Body Practices: Cultivating mindfulness through meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises has been invaluable in reducing stress levels and promoting emotional well-being. These practices help calm the mind, support healthy adrenal function, and balance hormone levels. You can prioritize breathing exercises while driving and practice things like the 4-7-8 breath coined by health guru Dr. Andrew Weil (Bulzoni 2023).
Recipes
Now, let’s delve into a couple of nourishing recipes that have been staples in my kitchen:
Adaptogenic Smoothie Bowl: Blend a cup of organic mixed berries, a scoop of protein powder (optional), a tablespoon of almond butter, a teaspoon of ashwagandha powder, and a splash of coconut or flax milk until smooth. Top with hemp or chia seed for a satisfying and hormone-balancing breakfast.
Thyroid-Boosting Quinoa Salad: Cook quinoa (a seed, not a grain) according to package instructions and let cool. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa with diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, chopped kale (slightly cooked), cooked chickpeas, and dairy-free crumbled feta cheese. Dress with a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and dried oregano. This nutrient-packed salad contains thyroid-supportive ingredients and makes a perfect light meal or side dish.
Now, for those seeking additional support on their hormone-balancing journey, I’d like to introduce my own hormone balancing tincture. Crafted with care and infused with the power of nature, this tincture features a blend of red clover, hibiscus, red raspberry, and chaste tree—herbs known for their ability to support hormonal balance and ease symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause. Please red further to see if this blend is right for you.
Article: https://www.livestrong.com/article/544564-hibiscus-tea-and-estrogen/
Article: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/top-9-health-benefits-of-raspberry-leaf-tea
Article: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitex
If you feel called to explore this natural approach to hormonal health, I invite you to visit my Shopify store to learn more and purchase your bottle of hormone-supportive tincture. May it serve as a gentle ally on your path to wellness.
Adaptogenic blends are easily available online. These blend(s) are among my recommendations. I have very strict guidelines on companies I purchase from and net amounts of an ingredient to avoid mega dosing (affiliate links).
Gentle thyroid support: https://amzn.to/4a0s8Kd
Gentle adrenal support: https://amzn.to/3QlBzgF
Here’s to honoring our bodies, embracing our journeys, and finding beauty in the ebb and flow of hormonal shifts. We are resilient, we are empowered, and we are worthy of vibrant health and well-being.
Blessings, Leslie
Bulzoni, S. (2023, March 21). Video: Breathing exercises: 4-7-8 breath. DrWeil.com. https://www.drweil.com/videos-features/videos/breathing-exercises-4-7-8-breath/
By, Guy-Evans, O., on, U., & 26, O. (2023, October 26). Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Simply Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-axis.html
Patil, N. (2023, August 8). Hypothyroidism. StatPearls [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519536/
