12/04/2025
With winter weather upon us we wanted to share a message from our wonderful Naturopathic Doctor Dr. Manesh!
This post is for people with subclinical (silent) hypothyroidism and the impact of winter on their winter enjoyment.
Winter is the season that subclinical hypothyroidism becomes much more noticeable but many people don’t know, so, don’t realize why they are so cold.
What is subclinical Hypothyroidism? Subclinical hypothyroidism occurs when your lab shows TSH level is elevated but free T4 remains within range. It’s often dismissed as the “normal enough” report but your metabolic, cognitive, and temperature-regulating symptoms say something else. It affects quality of life and winter season enjoyment during the colder months.
Shorter daylight hours + cold exposure = increased metabolic demand.
If your thyroid is already under strain, winter magnifies fatigue, cold intolerance, brain fog, and weight changes that you may attribute to lots of other things, not thyroid at all!
Here are the evidence-informed foundational recommendations I use to support my patients:
1. Micronutrient foundations:
Foods rich in selenium, vitamin D, iodine, zinc, and iron support physiological thyroid function. These nutrients regulate hormone conversion, immune balance, and metabolic activity. Testing is essential before supplementing, as overdose is silent, harmful and makes the situation worse.
2. Macronutrient strategies:
Higher lean protein intake increases basal metabolic rate and supports thermogenesis, helping with cold intolerance. Omega-3 intake from fatty fish assists as anti-inflammatory, helps with lipid balance, and metabolic regulation.
3. Seasonal movement therapy:
Even with cold weather, regular activity keeps metabolism active, lifts mood, and supports thyroid hormone efficiency.
4. Stress & adaptogens:
Gentle adaptogens like Holy Basil warm tea (within safe dosing and timing) may support resilience and sleep quality. Stress hormones directly affect thyroid performance.
5. Medication safety:
Minerals like calcium and iron, soy, fiber supplements, and multivitamins can interfere with levothyroxine absorption if taken too closely. A minimum 4-hour window is vital.
If you’re noticing heavier fatigue, slower metabolism, increased cold sensitivity, or mood changes this winter, your thyroid may be asking for attention even if your T4 is “within normal range.”
If you’d like to explore a personalized, evidence-based and natural approach to thyroid health, you’re welcome to book a consultation. I’d be happy to help you better understand your thyroid and support your health through the winter season.
Dr. Manesh, ND
