Understanding Your Thyroid

The thyroid is a small, butterfly‑shaped gland at the front of the neck, yet many people aren’t aware of how much it does. It plays a central role in regulating energy, temperature, digestion, mood and how the body uses nutrients. Despite its modest size, its influence reaches across many of the body’s everyday processes.

Image from Neelam

Because it affects so many systems, changes in thyroid function can be felt in a variety of ways. When we understand what it does, how its influenced and how we can support it, this area of health becomes far easier to navigate.

What does the Thyroid Do?

The thyroid is part of the endocrine system; the network of glands that produce hormones. Its main role is to release hormones that regulate metabolism. Guiding how quickly or slowly the body carries out its everyday processes. When its functioning well, these hormones help maintain a comfortable, balanced rhythm.

Typically with an under active thyroid we can feel tired and cold, experience dry skin, low mood and our digestion is slower. Changes in weight are also common. Whereas, an overactive thyroid tends to create the opposite picture. Restlessness, heat intolerance, palpitations, anxiety or difficulty sleeping. In some cases, the gland can also become enlarged, forming a goitre. A goitre is simply an enlargement of the thyroid gland, creating a gentle swelling at the front of the neck. It can be smooth or slightly lumpy and may sit in the centre or a little to one side.

Goitres can develop for a range of everyday reasons. The thyroid may be working a little harder or a little slower than usual. Or it may be responding to changes in hormone demand, inflammation or nutrient levels such as iodine. Small benign nodules are another common cause. Although most goitres are not serious, any new neck swelling is worth mentioning to a healthcare professional so the underlying reason can be checked.

Thyroid changes can affect anyone, but they are more common in women. Peaking during pregnancy, after giving birth or during perimenopause. Susceptibility to thyroid changes can increase when certain factors are present. Like a family history of thyroid or autoimmune conditions, long‑term nutrient deficiencies, prolonged stress, or other autoimmune illnesses. These influences don’t mean a thyroid problem will definitely develop, but they can make the gland more sensitive to shifts within the body.

Supporting Thyroid Health

Diagnosis and treatment of thyroid conditions are made by healthcare professionals. Blood tests are very good at highlighting how well the gland is producing and regulating hormones.

The thyroid relies on nutrients such as iodine, selenium, zinc and iron found in a variety of foods. Good examples include sea vegetables, nuts and seeds, whole grains, legumes and leafy greens. Eating these and following a balanced diet can help ensure the body has what it needs to produce and convert thyroid hormones.

The thyroid is particularly sensitive to stress. When the body is under pressure the gland can struggle to regulate hormones. Therefore supporting the nervous system can make a noticeable difference. Gentle movement, time outdoors and eating at roughly the same times each day all help to steady the body’s internal rhythms. When balanced, the nervous system is less reactive. This gives the thyroid an easier job in maintaining hormonal balance. Regular sleep also allows the body to better regulate energy, temperature and metabolism.

In herbal practice, a number of herbs to support the systems that influence thyroid health. Nettle and oatstraw provide minerals that help maintain overall vitality. Ashwagandha and lemon balm help calm the stress response, easing some of the pressure placed on the thyroid when the body is under strain. And bitter herbs like gentian support digestion, helping the body absorb the nutrients needed for healthy hormone regulation. These approaches work gradually and are most effective when used as part of a long‑term routine.

Recognising how something as small as the thyroid influences our daily routines can make us more aware of the subtle shifts in our own bodies. Understanding how these systems work helps us notice patterns we might otherwise overlook. Awareness is often a useful starting point. If this has made you curious about your own thyroid health, please get in touch to explore things further.