Have you been wondering about what options you have for natural treatment for hyperthyroidism? Whether you’ve already been diagnosed or have a suspicion, we’re going to outline how hyperthyroidism shows up in postpartum women and what you can do to treat it, without medication.
A Common Postpartum Hyperthyroidism Timeline
“I felt like my body was running a marathon I never signed up for.”
That’s what one of my postpartum clients told me during our first consultation. She had just given birth a few months ago, but instead of feeling tired in the way most new moms do, she described feeling wired, anxious, and unable to sleep.
Her heart would race even when she was just sitting on the couch. She felt constantly overheated, was losing weight rapidly, and couldn’t focus on simple tasks. Doctors told her she was just adjusting to postpartum hormones, but deep down, she knew something wasn’t right.
After running some thyroid labs, we confirmed that Sarah had postpartum thyroiditis, specifically the hyperthyroid phase, which had sent her metabolism into overdrive.
The good news? With a combination of dietary changes, stress management, and natural thyroid support, Sarah began feeling better within a few months.
If you’re struggling with symptoms like racing thoughts, sleep disturbances, heart palpitations, and weight loss postpartum, you might be dealing with hyperthyroidism or postpartum thyroiditis. Let’s dive into what causes it and how to support your body naturally.
What Is Postpartum Hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, leading to an overactive metabolism. Graves’ Disease, an autoimmune disorder, is the most common cause of chronic hyperthyroidism, while postpartum thyroiditis is a temporary condition that affects 5-10% of new mothers.
Common Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism
- Increased heart rate or palpitations
- Anxiety, irritability, or restlessness
- Unintentional weight loss
- Insomnia or difficulty staying asleep
- Excessive sweating or heat intolerance
- Muscle weakness
- Increased appetite
- Brain fog and trouble focusing
In cases like postpartum thyroiditis, symptoms may last for a few months and then transition into hypothyroidism. However, some women may develop permanent thyroid dysfunction if left untreated.
5 Natural Ways to Support Postpartum Hyperthyroidism
While traditional treatments include medications, radioactive iodine therapy, or surgery, many women find relief using holistic strategies to manage symptoms and rebalance their thyroid naturally.
1. Nourish Your Thyroid with the Right Foods
Certain foods can help regulate thyroid function, while others may overstimulate it.
✅ Eat More of These:
- Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts) – naturally slow thyroid hormone production
- Omega-3 rich foods (wild salmon, flaxseeds, walnuts) – support inflammation balance
- Leafy greens (spinach, Swiss chard) – packed with magnesium for stress and muscle support
- Whole grains and fiber-rich foods (quinoa, brown rice, lentils) – help regulate metabolism
- Herbal teas (lemon balm, chamomile) – may naturally calm an overactive thyroid
🚫 Limit These:
- Excess iodine (seaweed, shellfish, iodized salt) – too much iodine can worsen symptoms
- Caffeine & stimulants (coffee, soda, energy drinks) – increase anxiety and heart rate
- Refined sugars & processed foods – contribute to blood sugar instability and inflammation
When Sarah started adding nutrient-dense whole foods to her diet and cutting back on caffeine, she noticed that her energy crashes and anxiety significantly improved.
2. Manage Stress to Calm Thyroid Overactivity
Chronic stress can trigger thyroid hormone imbalances, making symptoms worse. Cortisol (your stress hormone) and thyroid hormones are closely linked, so reducing stress can support thyroid healing.
Simple Ways to Lower Stress & Support Your Thyroid:
- Daily deep breathing exercises – activates the parasympathetic nervous system
- Gentle movement (yoga, walking) – helps regulate metabolism and stress hormones
- Journaling or gratitude practice – helps shift focus away from anxious thoughts
- Acupuncture or massage therapy – promotes nervous system relaxation
Sarah incorporated 5 minutes of deep breathing before bed and swapped her morning coffee for herbal tea. Within a few weeks, she felt noticeably calmer and had fewer heart palpitations.
3. Optimize Nutrients for Thyroid Balance
Deficiencies in key vitamins and minerals can worsen thyroid dysfunction.
Top Nutrients for Hyperthyroidism
- Selenium (Brazil nuts, eggs, sunflower seeds) – protects thyroid tissue
- Magnesium (avocados, spinach, almonds) – supports nervous system and muscle function
- Vitamin D (sunlight, fatty fish) – boosts immune function
- Zinc (pumpkin seeds, lentils, chickpeas) – regulates thyroid hormone production
If you’re unsure about your nutrient levels, consider getting a full thyroid panel and micronutrient testing to identify deficiencies.
4. Support Your Gut & Blood Sugar Stability
Your gut health plays a critical role in thyroid regulation. Since thyroid dysfunction can disrupt blood sugar balance, keeping blood sugar stable helps prevent energy crashes and mood swings.
Tips for Balancing Blood Sugar
- Eat protein & healthy fats with every meal (chicken with avocado, eggs with olive oil)
- Avoid skipping meals – eat every 3-4 hours to prevent crashes
- Limit high-sugar, processed snacks – opt for whole foods instead
Sarah started eating protein-packed breakfasts instead of skipping meals and noticed that her energy levels improved significantly.
5. Consider Herbal Support & Natural Therapies
Adaptogenic Herbs for Hyperthyroidism:
- Lemon Balm – may help calm an overactive thyroid
- Bugleweed – traditionally used to reduce excessive thyroid activity
- Ashwagandha – supports adrenal balance (should be used cautiously in hyperthyroidism)
Additionally, acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) have been shown to support thyroid function and improve stress-related symptoms.
Final Thoughts: Healing from Hyperthyroidism Naturally
Hyperthyroidism—whether caused by postpartum thyroiditis or Graves’ Disease—can feel overwhelming, but natural approaches can help restore balance and energy.
🔹 If you suspect thyroid issues postpartum, talk to your doctor about thyroid testing (TSH, Free T4, Free T3, and TPO antibodies).
🔹 Focus on a nutrient-dense diet, stress relief, and sleep optimization.
🔹 Consider herbal remedies and lifestyle shifts to naturally support your thyroid.
For Sarah, small changes—like adjusting her diet, reducing caffeine, and incorporating stress management tools—led to noticeable improvements in just a few months. She was able to sleep better, feel more energized, and regain control of her health.
If you’ve been struggling with postpartum thyroid symptoms, know that you’re not alone and healing is possible with the right support.
Have questions about postpartum thyroid health? Let’s chat! Schedule a consultation to get personalized guidance on your journey back to balance.
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