Mould impacts your hormones

Mold illness, or CIRS, can have a significant impact on hormones, including your thyroid ones.

1. Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis Dysregulation – The inflammation mould causes can disrupt this axis, which controls the release of cortisol. They can become imbalanced, leading to fatigue, stress intolerance, disrupted sleep patterns.

2. Thyroid Function – Mould toxins, or mycotoxins, can interfere with the production and conversion of thyroid hormones, possibly leading to thyroid dysfunction and fatigue, weight changes and temperature sensitivity.

3. Oestrogen Imbalances – Some mycotoxins eg aflatoxins, can mimic oestrogen in the body, potentially leading to an imbalance, which can impact the menstrual cycle in women and contribute to hormonal issues.

4. Immune System Activation – CIRS can trigger an overactive immune response. Resulting inflammatory cytokines may disrupt the normal functioning of hormones, leading to further imbalances.

5. Neuroinflammation – Mould exposure can also lead to neuroinflammation, affecting the hypothalamus and pituitary gland in the brain. This can further disrupt hormonal regulation as they are hormone messengers.

6. Autoimmunity – The chronic inflammation associated with CIRS can contribute to autoimmune conditions, triggering or exacerbating thyroid diseases like Hashimoto's and Graves'.

7. Liver – The liver plays a central role in detoxifying the body, including mould mycotoxins. When overburdened by this, the body is unable to properly convert thyroid hormones, circulate them and detoxify excess ones.

While not everyone exposed to mould or with CIRS will develop hormonal imbalances, but it's a common problem.