Thyroid burnout, also known as thyroid fatigue or hypothyroidism, refers to a condition where the thyroid gland is unable to produce enough thyroid hormones to keep up with the body’s needs. This can lead to a variety of symptoms and health problems if not properly treated.
What causes thyroid burnout?
There are a few key factors that can contribute to thyroid burnout:
- Chronic stress – High levels of physical or emotional stress cause the body to produce more cortisol, which can disrupt thyroid function.
- Poor diet – Not getting enough nutrients, such as iodine, selenium, zinc and iron can prevent the thyroid from working optimally.
- Leaky gut syndrome – Intestinal inflammation can lead to autoimmune attacks on the thyroid.
- Pregnancy and postpartum – The shifts in estrogen and inflammation after giving birth can trigger thyroid dysfunction.
- Heavy metals and toxins – Exposure to things like fluoride, pesticides, mold and chemicals put a strain on the thyroid.
- Chronic dieting – Extreme calorie restriction and yo-yo dieting suppresses thyroid function.
- Medical conditions – Diseases like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Grave’s disease, viral infections and diabetes can all affect thyroid function.
- Medications – Drugs like lithium, interferon alpha, interleukin-2 and amiodarone are linked to hypothyroidism.
- Aging – Thyroid hormones decline naturally as we age.
- Genetics – A family history of thyroid disorders increases your risk.
What are the symptoms of thyroid burnout?
There is a wide range of possible symptoms associated with hypothyroidism and thyroid burnout. These include:
- Fatigue, weakness and lethargy
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
- Feeling cold easily
- Dry, thinning hair
- Dry, rough skin
- Mental fogginess and poor memory
- Slow heart rate
- Muscle cramps, aches and stiffness
- Constipation
- Heavy and irregular menstrual cycles
- Depression and mood changes
- Swollen throat, hoarse voice
- Elevated blood cholesterol
- Muscle weakness
- Joint pain
Symptoms can range from mild to severe depending on the extent of thyroid dysfunction. Many people with thyroid burnout experience vague, nonspecific symptoms that develop gradually over time.
What health problems are associated with thyroid burnout?
Untreated hypothyroidism can contribute to various other health issues including:
- Heart disease – Hypothyroidism can lead to an increase in LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels and raise the risk of heart disease.
- Mental health issues – Thyroid burnout is linked to higher rates of depression and anxiety.
- Weight gain and obesity – Thyroid hormones help regulate metabolism, so a shortage can lead to excess weight gain.
- Goiter – A noncancerous enlargement of the thyroid gland.
- Infertility and pregnancy complications – Hypothyroid women have higher rates of infertility and miscarriage.
- Birth defects – Even mild hypothyroidism in pregnant mothers can be associated with birth defects.
- Digestive problems – Constipation and other GI issues are common with hypothyroidism.
- Nerve damage – Carpal tunnel syndrome and other compressive neuropathies are associated with thyroid burnout.
- Hearing loss – There is evidence of a link between thyroid disorders and sudden sensorineural hearing loss.
- Cognitive impairment – Memory, focus, and decision-making can all be affected.
How is thyroid burnout diagnosed?
Diagnosing thyroid burnout involves testing thyroid hormone levels through blood work. The main lab tests used are:
- TSH – Measures thyroid-stimulating hormone, which is produced by the pituitary gland to stimulate the thyroid.
- Free T4 – Measures circulating levels of thyroxine, the main hormone secreted by the thyroid gland.
- Free T3 – Measures levels of triiodothyronine, the active form of thyroid hormone in cells.
- Thyroid antibodies – Elevated levels can indicate Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune cause of hypothyroidism.
Doctors may also check cholesterol levels, look for signs of goiter, and evaluate symptoms. Hypothyroidism is typically diagnosed when:
- TSH is elevated
- Free T4 is low
- Free T3 is low
However, optimal thyroid function cannot always be defined by lab results alone. Doctors also consider risk factors, symptoms, and the likelihood of long-term complications when diagnosing subtle thyroid dysfunction.
What is the conventional treatment for thyroid burnout?
The standard medical treatment for hypothyroidism is daily supplementation with synthetic thyroid hormone medication such as levothyroxine (Synthroid, Levoxyl). This is usually sufficient to resolve symptoms by delivering the thyroid hormones the body needs.
The dosage is tailored to the individual based on factors like age, health status, and lab results. Most people with hypothyroidism will need to take thyroid hormone replacement for the rest of their lives.
Doctors monitor TSH and thyroid hormone levels every few months and adjust medication dosages as needed. However, many patients continue to experience lingering symptoms despite normalized lab results.
What are some natural remedies for thyroid burnout?
In addition to thyroid hormone medication, there are complementary approaches that can help minimize symptoms and support thyroid health. These include:
- Adaptogen herbs – Herbs like ashwagandha, rhodiola and holy basil help modulate the stress response.
- Selenium – This essential mineral supports thyroid hormone production and conversion.
- Zinc and iron – Deficiencies in these nutrients impair thyroid function.
- Vitamin B12 and folate – Helpful for energy levels and metabolism.
- Vitamin D – Low levels are linked to increased risk of Hashimoto’s disease.
- Omega 3 fats – Help reduce inflammation that can interfere with thyroid function.
- Probiotics – Support healthy gut bacteria and may improve T4 to T3 conversion.
- Magnesium – Supports metabolic enzymes and hormone balance.
- Detoxification – Removing heavy metals and toxins can protect the thyroid.
A nutrient-dense diet, stress management, exercise, and thyroid-supportive supplements can help optimize thyroid function.
What foods should you eat if you have thyroid burnout?
Emphasizing certain foods and nutrients in your diet provides support for hypothyroidism and thyroid burnout. Helpful foods include:
- Iodine-rich foods like seaweed, fish, eggs, dairy and lima beans.
- Selenium foods such as Brazil nuts, tuna, sardines, shrimp, beef and chicken.
- Omega 3s from fatty fish, walnuts, chia seeds and flaxseeds.
- Zinc-rich foods like oysters, beef, pumpkin seeds, cashews and chickpeas.
- Iron sources such as clams, oysters, red meat, spinach and lentils.
- Fiber from vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts and seeds for constipation.
- Lean protein to support metabolism without excessive calories.
- Probiotic foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi and sauerkraut.
- Fruits and vegetables which provide important antioxidants.
It’s also helpful to limit inflammatory foods like gluten, dairy, soy, sugar, alcohol and processed foods which may trigger autoimmunity. Staying properly hydrated is also key.
What foods should you avoid with thyroid burnout?
There are some foods that can potentially disrupt thyroid function or exacerbate symptoms. Foods to limit or avoid include:
- Soy foods like edamame, tofu and soy milk which contain goitrogens.
- Cruciferous vegetables raw – broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts can suppress thyroid function when eaten raw and in excess.
- Added sugars that spike blood sugar and insulin.
- Trans fats found in fried and processed foods that promote inflammation.
- Refined carbohydrates such as white bread, pasta and cereals that are quickly broken down into sugars.
- Caffeine which overstimulates the thyroid in some people.
- Alcohol that stresses the liver and impacts thyroid hormone balance.
- Dairy foods which may exacerbate autoimmunity in some people.
- Gluten containing foods if you have Hashimoto’s or a sensitivity.
Avoiding nutritional deficiencies and sources of inflammation in your diet can help support healthy thyroid function.
Can you reverse thyroid burnout naturally?
There are steps you can take to try to reverse hypothyroidism and thyroid burnout naturally, although success depends on the underlying cause. These include:
- Adopting a thyroid-supportive diet rich in iodine, selenium, zinc, iron and omega 3s.
- Taking targeted nutritional supplements such as selenium, zinc, magnesium, vitamin D3 and probiotics.
- Reducing chronic stress through relaxation techniques, adequate sleep and adaptogen herbs.
- Losing excess weight through a healthy diet and regular exercise.
- Treating intestinal permeability and optimizing gut health.
- Removing food sensitivities like gluten and dairy.
- Detoxifying from heavy metals and toxins.
- Addressing underlying conditions like diabetes, chronic infections and nutrient deficiencies.
- In cases of autoimmunity, an elimination diet like AIP can help reduce inflammation.
For many people, natural therapies alongside thyroid medication provide the best results. However, those with severe hypothyroidism may require lifelong thyroid hormone replacement.
What lifestyle changes help thyroid burnout?
Making certain lifestyle adjustments can alleviate symptoms, lower inflammation and support thyroid function. Helpful changes include:
- Following a regular sleep schedule and getting 7-9 hours per night.
- Managing stress through yoga, meditation, massage and other relaxation practices.
- Exercising regularly by incorporating both cardio and strength training.
- Staying hydrated by drinking at least 64 ounces of water per day.
- Quitting smoking which exacerbates hypothyroidism symptoms.
- Limiting alcohol intake which disrupts thyroid hormone balance.
- Reducing exposure to endocrine disruptors found in plastics and chemicals.
- Going gluten-free or grain-free if you have an autoimmune thyroid condition.
- Taking time for self-care activities like journaling, leisure hobbies and spending time outdoors.
Prioritizing rest, reducing stress, and making healthy lifestyle choices all support better thyroid function.
Can you prevent thyroid burnout?
While hypothyroidism can be caused by several uncontrolled factors like genetics, viruses and medications, there are some measures that may help reduce your risk:
- Eat a thyroid-friendly diet rich in selenium, iodine, zinc, iron and omega 3 fats.
- Avoid very low calorie diets for long periods of time.
- Manage chronic stress through relaxation, adequate sleep, exercise and adaptogen herbs.
- Limit exposure to endocrine disrupting toxins.
- Treat any underlying medical conditions like diabetes or leaky gut.
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce inflammation.
- Supplement with selenium, probiotics and key nutrients.
- Get regular check-ups to monitor thyroid health.
- Use care with certain medications known to impair thyroid function.
While there are no guarantees, optimizing nutrition, reducing inflammation and promoting overall health are key to thyroid disease prevention.
Conclusion
Thyroid burnout is a form of hypothyroidism where the thyroid gland becomes unable to produce adequate hormones over time due to chronic stress, poor diet, toxicity and other factors. This leads to symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, mood changes and digestive issues.
Diagnosis is made through lab testing and a thorough evaluation of risk factors and symptoms. Treatment typically involves thyroid hormone replacement medication, along with lifestyle and dietary interventions to minimize inflammation and support thyroid function.
Addressing the underlying causes, while providing the thyroid with the nutrients it needs for optimal function, offers the best chance for improving thyroid burnout and hypothyroidism.