Thyroid Health — Blog

Why cold weather can trigger autoimmune flares

If you have an autoimmune condition like Hashimoto’s or Graves’, winter can hit harder. You might notice more fatigue, more inflammation, more flares.

Winter can be a challenge for anyone. But it can be particularly triggering for those who have one or more autoimmune conditions. And yes, that is the case even if your temperature regulation works well with colder weather (we’re looking at you, people with Graves’!)

So let’s take a look at why autoimmunity and colder weather are not a great mix, plus how you can reduce its impact.

Thyroid Health, Thyroid ConditionsTara NelsonJuly 4, 2025thyroid disease, autoimmunity, winter

Freezing this winter? Your thyroid might be to blame

Find yourself wearing thermals, gloves and fluffy socks when everyone else is comfortable with just a jacket? While some do feel the cold more than others, it can also be a sign that your thyroid is in need of some TLC.

Temperature sensitivity in winter is a common but often overlooked symptom of thyroid dysfunction. It could be general hypothyroidism triggered by something like a virus, or it could be undiagnosed Hashimoto’s.

Thyroid Health, Thyroid ConditionsTara NelsonJune 27, 2025winter, thyroid disease

Winter vs thyroid symptoms - how to tell the difference

In the colder months, there is a natural dip in energy levels. With shorter days, weaker sun, and chillier weather, our bodies instinctively slow down a little bit. So you might want to curl up on the couch earlier, eat more of your favourite comfort foods, and take things a little slower.

But where does winter sluggishness end, and something more serious begin?

We know that if you’re living with a thyroid condition like Hashimoto’s or hypothyroidism, winter can magnify your symptoms. But even if you’ve never had a thyroid diagnosis, what you’re dismissing as ‘just the winter blues’ or ‘wintertime fatigue’? Might actually be a sign that your thyroid isn't functioning at its best.

Thyroid Conditions, Thyroid HealthTara NelsonJune 21, 2025winter, winter blues, thyroid disease

How to support baby’s thyroid health before they’re even born

Whether you’ve got a thyroid condition, or you have a child with one, it’s natural to wonder: is there anything I could do to reduce the risk of passing it on?

While not all thyroid conditions can be prevented and we don’t know all of the factors that play a role, there is still hope. There are ways to gently support your body throughout preconception and pregnancy, particularly when it comes to your thyroid.

You don’t need to do everything perfectly or cut everything out of your diet and life! It’s about creating a solid foundation to nourish your thyroid as you nurture your little one.

Growing up with congenital hypothyroidism

The first year of congenital hypothyroidism is often the toughest for parents. But once your baby is growing, hitting their milestones and responding well to treatment, you might feel relieved.

But what happens now? You might wonder what the years ahead will look like, what to expect as they experience growth spurts, and whether they will need life-long management.

Let’s explore what long-term care of congenital hypothyroidism looks like, and how you can support your child through each stage.

Natural support for your baby’s thyroid health

When your baby receives a thyroid diagnosis, the medical side of things can be overwhelming at best. But you don’t need to feel helpless – there are steps that you can take to support them on their health journey as well.

It’s easy to get caught up in the tests, medications, appointments, milestones and the ‘what if’s. You want to make sure your little one is healthy and happy, after all! But there are gentle ways to support your baby with their thyroid condition on a daily basis.

The first 12 months - supporting your baby’s congenital thyroid disorder

After a diagnosis of congenital thyroid disorder, the first year often feels like a blur of appointments, tests and monitoring. So knowing what to expect can give you some relief and allow you to focus on bonding with your baby and establishing your rhythm as a family.

So here is what you can expect in the first 12 months with a congenital hypothyroidism diagnosis plus how you can support your baby along the journey.

Understanding congenital thyroid conditions - what every parent needs to know

Having a baby is a big deal in itself, and there’s so much to think about. So it’s no surprise that learning that your baby has a thyroid condition can feel terrifying for many parents.

While congenital thyroid disease sounds like a big, scary diagnosis? There’s plenty that can be done, and if it’s detected early and given the right support, your child will likely go on and live a happy, healthy life.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed at your baby’s diagnosis or even if you’re a parent-to-be who wants to know more about this? Let’s go through the basics of what you want to understand.

Want to lower your thyroid antibodies? Here's how

If you have elevated thyroid antibodies, your number one goal is to lower them. But how can you actually make that happen?

While everyone has unique triggers for their autoimmune thyroid cascade, there are steps you can take to take back control. By supporting the immune system and reducing inflammation, you can encourage those antibodies to drop back down – ideally into a normal range.

Here are some areas I look to when supporting clients to lower their thyroid antibodies naturally.

Are you making these common thyroid healing mistakes?

When it comes to thyroid health, there are a lot of factors to consider. But in my decades of working with thyroid patients, there are common mistakes and myths that pop up constantly! So I thought I would share some false beliefs around healing your thyroid and what the real answers are.

Thyroid Conditions, Thyroid Health, Thyroid and DietsTara NelsonSeptember 6, 2024thyroid tips, thyroid health

Why do women have more thyroid problems?

Women are more prone to thyroid concerns than men, including low thyroid function, nodules and even cancer. But why are women more vulnerable to these health issues?

By understanding why the thyroid gland is more likely to cause trouble for women, we can start to tackle these factors before they develop into a full-blown health crisis.

Hormones, Thyroid HealthTara NelsonAugust 30, 2024women's health, thyroid disease

Tips to make winter more bearable when you're hypothyroid

Noticed that your thyroid symptoms are worse when the wintertime hits? If your thyroid is underactive, you’ll be more prone to symptoms during the colder months. But that doesn’t mean you have to suffer in silence - there are steps you can take to make winter more bearable.

Does hypothyroidism get worse over winter?

Do you notice your hypothyroid symptoms more when it’s cold outside? It’s not just you - there can be an increase in several common symptoms of an underactive thyroid. Let’s take a look at why this happens.

Preventing post-partum thyroiditis naturally

Concerned that your thyroid may cause issues after birth? This is known as post-partum thyroiditis, and it’s not an uncommon condition.

Like many health concerns for a new mother, it is usually temporary. However, in some cases it could lead to a long-term thyroid disorder. That’s why I recommend taking steps to reduce your risk of developing post-partum thyroiditis.

Thyroid Conditions, Thyroid HealthTara NelsonFebruary 16, 2024pregnancy, post-partum, thyroid disease, thyroiditis

How to nurture your thyroid post-partum

Pregnancy and birth can be draining on many parts of the body, including the thyroid. But if you want to avoid lingering symptoms such as fatigue, depression and weight gain? You want to start nurturing your thyroid back to health from day 1 post-partum.

But how can you do this? Let’s dive into some actionable ways for you to support your thyroid health during the post-partum period.

Thyroid HealthTara NelsonFebruary 2, 2024post-partum, thyroid

Pregnant with Graves'? What you need to know

While pregnancy is often an exciting time, for those with Graves’ disease, it can also be challenging. The autoimmune thyroid disease can not only affect your health, but also your baby’s. That’s why it’s important to be informed and armed with tips to help you manage your condition.

Thyroid Conditions, Thyroid HealthTara NelsonJanuary 26, 2024pregnancy, Graves', hyperthyroidism

Optimising fertility with Graves’ disease

Considering starting or growing your family when you have Graves’ disease?

Falling pregnant can be more difficult for couples when an autoimmune thyroid issue is at play. But there are steps you can take to counteract the effects of Graves’ disease and increase your fertility naturally.

Thyroid Conditions, Thyroid HealthTara NelsonJanuary 19, 2024fertility, Graves', hyperthyroidism

Pregnancy after thyroidectomy – what you need to know

Pregnancy is a life-changing experience for a parent. But if you’ve undergone a thyroidectomy or survived thyroid cancer, there are some challenges you may face on your journey.

Whether you’ve had a partial or total thyroidectomy, the removal of thyroid tissue means that you need to closely monitor your thyroid hormone levels throughout the pregnancy. But if you’re armed with the following tips, you’ll find it much easier to navigate your pregnancy and ensure that both you and your little one are healthy.

Thyroid Health, Thyroid ConditionsTara NelsonJanuary 12, 2024pregnancy, thyroidectomy, thyroid cancer

How to have a healthy pregnancy with Hashimoto’s

If you’ve been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s, you might be a little apprehensive when it comes to starting or growing your family. It’s true that pregnancy and thyroid health are closely linked, and there are some specific concerns that come with Hashimoto’s.

But don’t fret – these tips will help you navigate how to keep yourself and your little one healthy on the journey to parenthood.

Thyroid Conditions, Thyroid HealthTara NelsonJanuary 5, 2024pregnancy, Hashimoto's

Preconception care for thyroid health

Starting or growing your family is a big step for anyone. And if you have a thyroid condition, it’s crucial that you have a plan in place for not only pregnancy, but also prior to conception. By taking steps to nourish your thyroid during the preconception phase, you’re setting the stage for a healthy pregnancy.

As with any care, preconception care is best when under tailored advice and supervision of a health practitioner. But there are some tips that I find helpful for all of my thyroid clients when it comes to prepping for pregnancy.

Thyroid Health, Thyroid ConditionsTara NelsonDecember 15, 2023preconception, pregnancy