The Overlooked Root Causes of Thyroid Problems—and How I Reclaimed My Energy Naturally
When it comes to thyroid health, there’s a lot of focus on the thyroid gland itself—whether it’s underactive, overactive, or somewhere in between. But the truth is, your thyroid is often just the messenger. In fact, research shows that up to 80% of thyroid issues aren’t problems with the thyroid itself—they’re symptoms of something deeper, something systemic.
Let’s rewind to where this all started for me. After my 6th child (of 7), life hit me like a ton of bricks. My pregnancy had been rough, the delivery was even tougher, and afterwards, I was beyond worn out—far more than I ever was with any of my other pregnancies. I blamed it on the usual culprits: sleepless nights, juggling the needs of six kids, and putting everyone else’s needs ahead of my own. It wasn’t until I was completely drained—physically, mentally, and emotionally—that I finally decided to investigate what was really going on.
The first place I looked? My thyroid. My mom had started having thyroid issues after her fourth baby, and I knew that thyroid health could be influenced by family history. Sure enough, when my levels were tested, I was low. But instead of immediately jumping on synthetic thyroid hormones, I started to dig deeper.
What I learned not only changed the way I approached my own health, but also how I think about wellness for my family and friends. Let me break it down for you because if you’ve been feeling “off,” this might be the breakthrough you’ve been searching for.
Why Thyroid Issues Are About More Than Just Your Thyroid
Your thyroid is the quarterback of your metabolism. It produces T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine), two hormones that influence everything from your energy levels to your weight, mood, and even your digestion. But creating these hormones—and using them effectively—is a full-body effort. It requires a delicate interplay of vitamins, minerals, and cellular activity.
Here’s where things get interesting: If your body is missing certain nutrients, your thyroid can’t do its job properly. Deficiencies in critical nutrients like iron, zinc, selenium, magnesium, vitamin D3, and folate are some of the most common reasons for low thyroid function—not because the gland itself is broken, but because it’s not getting the tools it needs to perform.
The Nutrient Breakdown
Iron: Iron is essential for the thyroid to create T3 and T4 hormones, and deficiencies are shockingly common, especially in women. About 17% of premenopausal women are iron-deficient due to menstruation and inadequate dietary intake. Without enough iron, your thyroid struggles to produce adequate hormones, leaving you feeling drained.
Vitamin D3: Often overlooked in thyroid health, vitamin D3 plays a pivotal role in regulating the immune system and controlling inflammation. Low vitamin D3 levels have been strongly linked to autoimmune thyroid issues like Hashimoto’s. Ensuring optimal levels of D3 helps support your thyroid and overall health.
Magnesium: Magnesium influences nearly every system in the body, including the thyroid. It supports the conversion of T4 to T3 and helps regulate energy production. Unfortunately, magnesium deficiency is widespread and can compound symptoms like fatigue and muscle weakness.
Folate: For individuals with MTHFR genetic variants, like myself, folate metabolism is compromised. Folate is critical for processes like methylation, which supports thyroid function, hormone metabolism, and cellular energy. Using methylated folate (5-MTHF) instead of synthetic folic acid can make a world of difference.
Zinc and Selenium: These minerals are vital for converting T4 into T3, the active form of thyroid hormone that your body uses. Without enough zinc or selenium, your body might be swimming in T4 but unable to make the switch to T3.
How Common Are These Deficiencies?
The numbers speak for themselves:
- 17% of premenopausal women are iron-deficient.
- 42% of Americans are likely deficient in vitamin D3.
- 40% of the elderly are at risk for zinc deficiency.
- Magnesium deficiency affects a significant portion of the population due to soil depletion and modern diets.
- 40% of Americans don’t get enough vitamin A, affecting cellular response to thyroid hormones.
When It All Clicked for Me: Addressing the Root Cause
As I dove deeper into thyroid health, I realized something profound: My thyroid wasn’t the root problem. It was a symptom. My body was crying out for support, and instead of slapping on a Band-Aid solution, I needed to address the root causes.
Here’s what I did:
- Iron Levels First: I started with my iron because I had classic symptoms of deficiency—fatigue, weakness, and feeling cold all the time. I incorporated more iron-rich foods into my diet like spinach, red meat, and lentils, and paired them with vitamin C-rich foods like citrus to improve absorption.
- Vitamin D3 and Magnesium: I focused on these powerhouse nutrients to improve my energy and thyroid conversion. I spent more time in the sun (when possible) and added foods like leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and dark chocolate to my meals.
- Folate for MTHFR Variants: I switched to methylated folate (5-MTHF) and made a point to eat folate-rich foods like avocados, lentils, and leafy greens.
- Zinc and Selenium: I added foods like pumpkin seeds, Brazil nuts, and seafood to my meals. Just a handful of Brazil nuts a few times a week provided the selenium I needed, and pumpkin seeds became my go-to snack for zinc.
- Lifestyle Changes: I also looked at how I was treating my body beyond nutrition. I started prioritizing sleep (easier said than done with a newborn, I know), drinking more water, and finding ways to manage stress. Stress is a massive thyroid disruptor, and I’d been burning the candle at both ends for far too long.
The Results: A New Lease on Life
The changes weren’t instant, but within a few months, my energy started to come back. I didn’t need that mid-afternoon nap. My hair stopped falling out in clumps. And, perhaps most importantly, I felt like me again.
When I went back to get my thyroid levels checked, they were completely normal. No medications. No lifelong dependency on synthetic hormones. Just a deeper understanding of my body and what it needs to thrive.
Why This Matters for You
If you’ve been struggling with fatigue, brain fog, weight changes, or just feeling “off,” don’t settle for quick fixes that only mask the symptoms. Instead, take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Could your body be missing the building blocks it needs for optimal thyroid health?
Actionable Steps to Get Started
- Get Tested: Check your thyroid levels (T3, T4, and TSH), but also ask for tests on iron, vitamin D3, zinc, selenium, magnesium, and folate.
- Prioritize Whole Foods: Aim for a nutrient-dense diet full of colorful fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
- Consider Supplements: If your levels are low, targeted supplementation might help, but always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new regimen.
- Reduce Stress: Chronic stress can wreak havoc on your thyroid. Explore practices like meditation, yoga, or simply carving out time for yourself.
The Bigger Picture: You’re Not Alone
What struck me most as I went through this journey was how common these issues are—and how rarely they’re talked about. So many women, especially moms, chalk up their symptoms to being “busy” or “getting older,” when in reality, there’s a fixable underlying cause.
If you’re reading this and resonating with my story, let this be your reminder: You don’t have to settle for feeling less than your best. With the right tools, the right nutrition, and a little bit of self-care, you can reclaim your energy, your vitality, and your life.
Your thyroid is powerful, but so are you. Don’t let it be the thing that holds you back. Instead, use this knowledge to support it—and by extension, yourself. You’re worth it. 💛