Hey there,

I've been thinking a lot about us - women in our 40s and 50s juggling what feels like the weight of the entire world on our shoulders.

And how that might connect to why so many of us end up with a Hashimoto's or hypothyroidism diagnosis around this time.

Have you ever noticed that?

How the majority of thyroid diagnoses happen to women in their 40s to 60s, with the peak hitting in our fifties?

I don't think that's random, and here's why.

Research has shown a strong connection between chronic stress, trauma, and thyroid dysfunction.

And when I look at our lives - at YOUR life - I see exactly what might be triggering this physiological response.

Think about where you are right now:

• Maybe you're feeling the pressure at work to stay relevant as younger colleagues move up
• Perhaps your relationship is weathering midlife changes (your partner's or your own)
• You're likely caring for children who still need you (even my 18 and 21-year-olds definitely still do!)
• And many of us have become carers for aging parents too
• All while running households, possibly businesses, and trying to hold everything together

Sound familiar?

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I felt this so viscerally last weekend.

I managed to get away with a couple of girlfriends to the seaside for just two days.

As I drove further from home, I could literally FEEL the tension melting from my shoulders with each mile.

That physical sensation of responsibility lifting was incredible.

My friends felt it too - this temporary escape from the overwhelming weight of being everything to everyone.

And it hit me: Is THIS why so many of us develop thyroid issues at this stage of life?

Because we're carrying an unsustainable load? Because we constantly put ourselves last?

Because we're so busy making sure everyone else is okay that we miss the signals our own bodies are sending?

I see you doing this.

I see you pushing through exhaustion to be there for your kids.

I see you taking on your parent's care with love despite your own fatigue.

I see you showing up at work with a smile while feeling completely depleted.

I see you keeping everything running when you desperately need a break.

And I want you to know - you're not alone, and it's not just "part of getting older" or "just being a woman."

Your thyroid takes note of the stress you're under. It responds. It struggles. And eventually, it may falter under the pressure.

What can you do about it?

Here are some small but mighty steps you can take this week:

1. Schedule non-negotiable alone time - Even if it's just 30 minutes. Put it in your calendar like any other important appointment.
2. Say no to one thing - Just one thing that isn't essential and drains your energy. Practice saying "I can't take that on right now" without guilt.
3. Identify your stress relief valve - What truly helps you decompress? Is it walking by the sea? Sitting in an art gallery? Reading with a cup of tea? Do that thing THIS WEEK.
4. Ask for help with something specific - We're terrible at accepting help. Choose one task to delegate or ask assistance with.
5. Monitor your body's stress signals - Pay attention to tension in your shoulders, jaw clenching, disrupted sleep. These are early warnings your thyroid might be feeling the pressure too.

I know how hard this is.

I know you've got responsibilities that can't just disappear.

But I also know that if you don't create some breathing room now, your body will eventually force you to - often through conditions like the very thyroid issues that brought us together.

Remember this: The people who need you also need you well.

Your care for others is only sustainable if you include yourself in that circle of care.

You're not letting anyone down by looking after yourself. You're ensuring you can be there, fully present and healthy, for many years to come.

Sending you my warmest thoughts, and a gentle reminder to take a deep breath right now, drop those shoulders, and be as kind to yourself as you are to everyone else.

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With love and fire

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P.S. I'd love to hear if you managed to give yourself some breathing space this week. Hit reply and let me know what you did, even if it was small. Every step counts.

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