Can BHRT Help with Thyroid Disorders Like Hashimoto’s?

The thyroid is a small but powerful gland that influences metabolism, energy, mood, and many other essential body functions. When thyroid function is disrupted—such as in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune disorder—the effects can be widespread. Fatigue, weight gain, brain fog, depression, and hair loss are just some of the common challenges people face. As interest in Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) grows, many wonder whether it can play a role in managing thyroid disorders.

There are several thyroid disorders, and all can benefit from the right hormonal support.

Understanding Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. Over time, this leads to reduced thyroid hormone production, often resulting in hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid). Treatment usually involves thyroid hormone replacement, such as levothyroxine, to restore normal hormone levels.’

What things typically lead to thyroid problems, most commonly hypothyroidism? The two biggies are STRESS and Dieting. Both cause the thyroid to downregulate, and that often becomes permanent.

How common is hypothyroidism? Some estimates go as high as 60-70+% of the population has some form of hypothyroidism. Synthroid (levothyroxine) is one of the top prescribed medications and has been for decades.

Where BHRT Fits In

BHRT focuses on restoring balance in sex hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. These hormones interact closely with thyroid function. When sex hormones are imbalanced, thyroid symptoms can sometimes feel worse, even when thyroid medication is being used.

The body is designed to work like a symphony which means that everything is interconnected and balanced.

Potential ways BHRT may support thyroid health include:

• Supporting metabolism and energy: Balanced estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone may help improve energy levels, often low in thyroid disorders.
  
• Mood stabilization: Hormone balance may ease depression, anxiety, and irritability, which frequently overlap with Hashimoto’s.
  
• Better sleep quality: Addressing hormonal imbalances may improve rest, vital for thyroid and immune health.
  
• Bone and muscle health: Since thyroid issues can affect bone density and muscle strength, BHRT may provide additional support in these areas. The thyroid regulates the rate of protein synthesis. When it is low, protein synthesis is decreased.

Limitations of BHRT for Thyroid Disorders

It is important to note that BHRT is not a primary treatment for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or other thyroid diseases. It does not replace thyroid hormone therapy. Instead, BHRT may be considered as a complementary approach for people who have both sex hormone imbalances and thyroid dysfunction. Thyroid assessment and proper therapy should be part of any comprehensive BHRT program.

For example:

• Women in perimenopause or menopause with Hashimoto’s may find that balancing estrogen and progesterone improves their overall well-being.
  
• Men experiencing low testosterone along with hypothyroidism may benefit from BHRT to address symptoms not fully managed by thyroid medication alone.

Safety Considerations

Because both thyroid and sex hormones impact metabolism, introducing BHRT must be done carefully. Too much hormone replacement can strain the body and lead to unwanted side effects. For this reason:

• A full hormone panel (thyroid and sex hormones) should be tested before starting BHRT. Unfortunately, most doctors are not well versed in what to test and how to interpret the results. TSH has long been considered the most important or gold standard test, but newer thinking is that it is almost useless. Instead, free T3 is the key thing to watch.

• Treatment should be personalized and monitored by a qualified healthcare provider knowledgeable about thyroid health and BHRT.

• BHRT should always complement—not replace—standard thyroid therapy when needed.

Conclusion

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy cannot cure Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or substitute for thyroid medication. However, it may help improve the quality of life for individuals who experience overlapping hormone imbalances. By working alongside thyroid treatment, BHRT has the potential to ease symptoms such as fatigue, mood swings, and low energy, offering a more comprehensive approach to hormone health. As always, any decision to use BHRT should be guided by thorough testing and medical supervision.