According to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, as many as 27 million Americans may have some type of thyroid disorder. In this interview with Dr. Holly Lucille ND, RN, ONC, we discuss the adrenal-thyroid connection and the importance of diet, lifestyle, and supplementation practices to support this crucial connection.
- Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?
Sure! I’m a licensed Naturopathic Doctor based in Los Angeles, California, but I run a remote practice, so I get to connect with people from all over. If you’d like to learn more, feel free to visit my website at www.drhollylucille.com.
- Where can readers find you or get in contact with you?
The best way to reach me is by email. You can contact me directly at drholly@drhollylucille.com.
- What is the adrenal-thyroid connection, and how do these glands influence each other?
Both the adrenal and thyroid glands are key players in your body’s endocrine system, helping regulate energy, metabolism, and how you respond to stress. The thyroid produces hormones that control metabolism, while the adrenals release cortisol, which is your body’s main stress hormone. When you’re under constant stress, the adrenals can become overworked and produce too much cortisol. This can interfere with the thyroid by reducing the conversion of the inactive thyroid hormone (T4) into the active form (T3), which slows your metabolism and causes symptoms like fatigue and weight gain. It’s all about balance between the two.
- How do you define adrenal fatigue? How do you define hypothyroidism?
I like to avoid the term “adrenal fatigue” because it’s a bit misleading, but I do think “adrenal insufficiency” is a better description, but I know it is used widely by the lay folks. This is when the adrenal glands can’t keep up with the demands of chronic stress, leading to low cortisol production along with other hormones like DHEA. People often feel fatigued, have brain fog, body aches, and low energy.
Hypothyroidism, on the other hand, is when the thyroid isn’t producing enough of the hormones it needs to regulate your metabolism. These hormones (T3 and T4) affect nearly every part of your body, so when they’re low, it can lead to symptoms like weight gain, fatigue, and feeling cold all the time.
- How does chronic stress affect thyroid function, and what role do the adrenals play in this process?
Chronic stress causes the adrenal glands to release more cortisol, which in turn suppresses thyroid function. High cortisol can slow down the conversion of T4 into the active hormone T3, which your body needs to maintain energy and metabolism. Over time, stress can even lead to inflammation, potentially triggering autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, where your immune system starts attacking your thyroid. This is why managing stress is so important—not just for your adrenal health, but for your thyroid too.
- What are the common symptoms someone might experience if both their adrenals and thyroid are underperforming?
When both are sluggish, you might notice symptoms like:
- Constant fatigue, especially in the mornings
- Weight gain, or difficulty losing weight
- Brain fog, trouble focusing
- Feeling cold all the time
- Poor sleep or waking up frequently
- Low mood or even depression
- Digestive problems like constipation
- Thinning hair
It’s easy for these symptoms to sneak up, but they often get worse over time.
- Can adrenal fatigue lead to hypothyroidism, and if so, what are the mechanisms involved?
Yes, chronic adrenal fatigue can definitely contribute to hypothyroidism. When your adrenals are under constant stress, it affects the entire endocrine system, including the thyroid. Chronically elevated cortisol can:
- Reduce the conversion of T4 to T3
- Increase reverse T3 (rT3), which blocks thyroid hormone receptors
- Lower thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) production
- Cause “thyroid resistance,” where your cells don’t respond well to thyroid hormones
Over time, these changes can lead to hypothyroidism.
- What are the best diagnostic tests to evaluate both adrenal and thyroid function?
For adrenal health, a 4-point saliva cortisol test is a great option because it tracks your cortisol levels throughout the day. Blood tests for DHEA levels are also useful.
For the thyroid, blood tests are standard. Key markers to look at include TSH, free T4, free T3, reverse T3, and thyroid antibodies (like TPO and TgAb) to check for autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s. Depending on the situation, tests for iron, vitamin D, and sex hormones might also be helpful since deficiencies here can affect both the adrenals and thyroid.
- How can lifestyle changes, like diet and stress management, support both adrenal and thyroid health?
A few key changes can make a big difference:
- Diet: Focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods. For the thyroid, things like iodine, selenium, zinc, and omega-3s are important, while the adrenals need B vitamins, vitamin C, and magnesium.
- Stress management: Meditation, deep breathing, and ensuring you get enough sleep (7-9 hours) are essential. Anything that helps you activate your parasympathetic nervous system will support both glands.
- Exercise: Keep it moderate! Walking, yoga, or swimming are great options. High-intensity workouts can actually stress the adrenals more, so be mindful.
- What role do nutrient deficiencies play in adrenal and thyroid dysfunction, and what are the most critical nutrients for these glands?
Nutrient deficiencies are often at the root of adrenal and thyroid issues. For the thyroid, iodine, selenium, zinc, and vitamin D are critical for proper hormone production and conversion. For the adrenals, vitamin C, B vitamins (especially B5 and B6), and magnesium are key. Addressing these deficiencies through diet or supplementation can greatly improve function in both glands.
- Can you tell us more about the role of adaptogens, vitamin B5, iodine, and vitamin C in thyroid function?
Absolutely! Let’s start with adaptogens—they help the body manage stress, which indirectly supports the thyroid. Ashwagandha and Rhodiola are great examples. Ashwagandha can help balance thyroid hormones, especially in people with subclinical hypothyroidism. Rhodiola reduces fatigue and boosts energy, supporting thyroid function by lowering stress levels.
Vitamin B5 is essential for adrenal health. Since the thyroid and adrenals are closely connected, supporting one helps the other. Vitamin B5 plays a role in energy production and cortisol synthesis, which helps balance thyroid function.
Iodine is crucial for making thyroid hormones (T3 and T4). Without enough, the thyroid can’t function properly, but too much iodine can also cause problems, so balance is key.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects the thyroid from oxidative stress. It also supports the adrenal glands, which can indirectly benefit thyroid function.
- How do you approach the treatment of a patient with both adrenal fatigue and hypothyroidism?
I usually start by focusing on the adrenals first. If the adrenals are out of balance, thyroid treatment might not be as effective. I use adaptogens, lifestyle changes (like stress management and sleep), and sometimes adrenal glandulars along with supportive nutrients.
Once the adrenals are in a better place, we can look at thyroid support. Depending on the person, this might include natural desiccated thyroid (NDT) or synthetic thyroid hormones. Addressing inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, and any underlying autoimmune issues is key for long-term balance.
Dr. Holly Lucille ND, RN, ONC, is a nationally recognized licensed naturopathic doctor, author, educator, and television and radio host focused on empowering others to optimize their health. Dr. Lucille has lectured internationally on various natural health topics and currently serves on the editorial advisory board of Alternative Medicine, Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, Advances in Mind-Body Medicine and Natural Practitioner.
