The Missing Link in Most Hashimoto’s Protocols: Adrenal Health
If you’re exhausted in the morning, dragging all day, and wired at night, your adrenals may be calling for help. In this episode of Thyroid Strong, Dr. Emily Kiberd unpacks one of the most overlooked root causes in thyroid healing—adrenal dysfunction.
The adrenals, two small glands sitting above your kidneys, regulate cortisol, DHEA, and adrenaline—key hormones that affect your stress response, energy, and thyroid conversion. When these hormones are imbalanced, you might experience fatigue, brain fog, poor recovery, salt cravings, or insomnia.
Dr. Emily explains how adrenal stress disrupts thyroid hormone conversion, raises reverse T3 (the “brake” hormone), and weakens gut immunity fueling autoimmune flare-ups. You’ll also learn how to test your cortisol rhythm, the signs of adrenal fatigue, and how to build a recovery plan that supports both your adrenals and thyroid.
In this episode of Thyroid Strong, Dr. Emily Kiberd dives into the critical connection between adrenal health and Hashimoto’s, and why supporting your adrenals is essential if you want to truly heal.
She explains what the adrenals do, how to recognize the symptoms of adrenal dysfunction, and how chronic stress or overtraining can block your thyroid hormone conversion. You’ll also learn how to properly test your cortisol levels, adjust your workouts for your current stress load, and use nutrition and nervous system tools to rebuild energy and resilience.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- What the adrenal glands do and why they matter for Hashimoto’s
The four adrenal hormones: cortisol, DHEA, aldosterone, and adrenaline - How adrenal dysfunction shows up—fatigue, poor sleep, salt cravings, brain fog
- Why high cortisol can block T4-to-T3 conversion and raise reverse T3
- How to test cortisol rhythm using the DUTCH or salivary cortisol test
- The link between high cortisol and low secretory IgA in the gut
- How adrenal stress increases risk for SIBO, H. pylori, parasites, and Candida
- Workout adjustments to support adrenal recovery
- The importance of breakfast and blood sugar balance for cortisol regulation
- Nervous system tools for recovery—tapping, vagal nerve stimulation, EMDR-style eye movements
Highlights:
00:37 Understanding Adrenal Function
01:03 Hormones Produced by Adrenals
02:04 Adrenal Dysfunction Symptoms
02:34 Testing Adrenal Function
04:27 Cortisol and Its Impact on Thyroid
06:13 Adrenal Dysfunction and Gut Health
08:50 Managing Adrenal Dysfunction
10:58 How To Get Support
Links & Resources
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👉Join Thyroid Strong Elite: 6-Month Group Coaching
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