Supporting Your Thyroid Through Adrenal Health

A Functional Medicine Approach

Introduction:

The thyroid and adrenal glands play critical roles in feeling energized, maintaining a healthy metabolism, and managing stress. However, many people don’t realize how closely connected these two systems are. While thyroid health is often a focus for those experiencing fatigue or weight gain, the health of your adrenal glands—and their ability to manage stress—is equally important in supporting optimal thyroid function.

From a functional medicine perspective, LWell’s functional medicine and nutrition experts focus on addressing the root causes of hormone imbalances rather than just treating symptoms. This means looking at how adrenal health impacts thyroid function and supporting both systems with targeted nutrition, stress management, and lifestyle changes.

The Role of the Adrenals and Thyroid in Energy and Metabolism

Your adrenal glands sit above your kidneys and produce hormones like cortisol, which help you respond to stress. Cortisol regulates various bodily functions, including blood sugar, metabolism, and immune response. The thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland in your neck, produces thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) that control the speed of your metabolism and energy production.

When stress becomes chronic, your adrenal glands may overproduce or underproduce cortisol, creating an imbalance that disrupts the delicate relationship between the adrenals and the thyroid. From a functional medicine perspective, high cortisol levels can slow the conversion of T4 (the inactive form of thyroid hormone) into T3 (the active form), reducing thyroid function and causing symptoms like fatigue and sluggish metabolism.

How Chronic Stress and Poor Adrenal Health Impact the Thyroid

Your adrenal glands are in overdrive when your body is under constant stress—whether from emotional, physical, or environmental factors. In the short term, this overproduction of cortisol can suppress thyroid function. Still, long-term stress can eventually lead to what some call adrenal fatigue, where cortisol production drops too low. Either scenario throws off your hormone balance and leaves your thyroid struggling to keep up.

In functional medicine, this adrenal-thyroid connection is part of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. When this system is disrupted by stress, inflammation, or poor adrenal health, the thyroid often becomes a casualty. As cortisol levels remain high or drop too low, thyroid function suffers, resulting in symptoms like weight gain, fatigue, and brain fog.

Identifying the Signs of Adrenal-Thyroid Imbalance

How can you tell if your adrenal stress is affecting your thyroid? Here are some common signs of imbalance:

• Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
• Difficulty losing weight, especially around the abdomen
• Feeling “wired but tired”—energetic in the evening but exhausted during the day
• Sensitivity to cold or brain fog
• Mood swings or increased irritability

While these symptoms can point to thyroid issues, adrenal stress is often the underlying cause. Comprehensive testing, such as cortisol panels, thyroid hormone tests, and micronutrient evaluations, can provide a clearer picture of your adrenal-thyroid axis and help determine the root cause of your symptoms.

A Nutritional and Functional Approach to Healing the Adrenal-Thyroid Axis

The good news is that you can often improve thyroid function by addressing adrenal health through a functional medicine lens—targeting stress management, nutrition, and lifestyle. Here are some key strategies:

Nutrition for Adrenal and Thyroid Health:

• Protein-rich meals: Eating a balanced breakfast with protein can help stabilize blood sugar, prevent cortisol spikes, and support adrenal function. Opt for eggs, lean meats, or plant-based protein options like nuts and seeds.
• Healthy fats: Incorporating omega-3-rich foods such as wild-caught fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts helps reduce inflammation and supports hormone production. Healthy fats like avocados, coconut oil, and olive oil nourish your adrenals and thyroid.
• Cruciferous vegetables: While some cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli, kale, and cauliflower) are thought to impact thyroid health in cases of iodine deficiency, they are incredibly beneficial for detoxifying the liver and supporting hormone balance. Moderation is key.
• Micronutrient support: Certain nutrients are critical for both thyroid and adrenal health, including selenium (found in Brazil nuts), zinc (pumpkin seeds), iodine (seaweed), and magnesium (leafy greens). Ensuring adequate intake of these nutrients can support optimal hormone function.

Lifestyle and Stress Management:

Reducing stress is crucial for restoring balance between the adrenal and thyroid glands:

• Mind-body practices: Incorporating stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises can help lower cortisol levels and support adrenal recovery.
• Sleep hygiene: Prioritizing quality sleep is essential for regulating your cortisol rhythm. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night and create a calming evening routine to support relaxation.
• Adaptogenic herbs: Certain herbs, like ashwagandha, Rhodiola, and licorice root, have been shown to help balance adrenal function and support a healthy stress response. Working with a functional medicine provider can help you determine the right adaptogens.

Functional Medicine Testing and Personalized Care

One of the best ways to understand your adrenal-thyroid connection is through functional medicine testing with LWell. Comprehensive panels that measure cortisol levels, thyroid hormone balance, and nutrient deficiencies can provide insights into your overall endocrine health. By addressing underlying stressors, nutrient imbalances, and hormonal issues, functional medicine takes a root-cause approach to healing.

A personalized plan may include targeted nutrition, supplementation, and lifestyle changes tailored to your unique needs. This approach not only supports adrenal and thyroid health but can also improve energy, mood, and overall well-being.

Conclusion:

Your thyroid and adrenals are deeply connected; supporting both is essential for optimal energy and metabolism. Addressing adrenal health through nutrition, stress management, and a functional medicine approach can improve your thyroid function and overall vitality. Remember, balancing your hormones starts with a holistic look at your body’s needs and finding the right tools to support long-term wellness. Dive into adrenal health with LWell and find the answers you’ve been seeking. Call today to schedule 757-585-3441 or use our new self-scheduler at LWell.com/findprovider.

Discover the connection between adrenal and thyroid health in our upcoming free webinar: The Adrenal-Thyroid Axis. Join a panel of leading functional medicine and nutrition experts live on October 24 at 6 PM ET. Can’t make it? We’ll send you the replay link! Reserve your spot today: https://healthy.lwell.com/hpaxis The webinar will also be available on our YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/@LWell-Nutrition