Break Free from Thyroid-Related Anxiety with Megan Nolan
If you've ever noticed that anxiety symptoms have crept into your life alongside your hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's diagnosis, like an unwanted sidecar passenger, you're not imagining things.
For Thyroid Thrivers, these mood-related symptoms aren’t “just in your head.” They’re tied to hormones, inflammation, and often a dysregulated nervous system. In this episode of the Thyroid-Healthy Bites Podcast, I’m joined by mind-body expert Megan Nolan, creator of the Power Pause Method, a simple tool you can use to cultivate calm in just a few minutes a day.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why anxiety is so common with thyroid issues
- Mind-body tools that can transform your approach to managing anxiety
- How to stop the cycle of stress and self-sacrifice
- Tools for navigating health anxiety, symptom flares, and medication decisions
- Root-cause factors to consider when anxiety is present
Scroll down to watch the interview on YouTube, or listen to the audio version on your platform of choice!
Podcast Links:
- Listen on the podcast page
- Listen / Subscribe on Apple
- Listen / Follow on Spotify
- Watch / Subscribe on YouTube
Helpful Resources Mentioned on the Show
Meet Megan Nolan
Megan Nolan helps highly sensitive, ambitious women 40+ break free from anxiety naturally and holistically. With over 20 years of experience as a yoga instructor and personal trainer, she teaches grounded, practical mind-body tools to interrupt the stress cycle, allowing you to lead with impact, freedom, and joy... without losing yourself in the process. She’s the creator of the Power Pause Method, a best-selling author, and host of the Movement, Mind, & Meaning podcast.
💝 Follow Megan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iammegannolan/
📺 Follow Megan on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iammegannolan
🎁 Megan’s free 3-part "Flip Your Anxiety OFF Switch" audio series: https://giftfrommegan.com
Why Does Anxiety Show Up with Thyroid Issues?
Feeling more anxious since your thyroid diagnosis? It's not all in your head! Research links thyroid imbalance with changes to neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA -- pathways that directly impact mood and anxiety. Translation: if your thyroid is off, your nervous system can feel off, too. That’s one reason so many in our community experience anxiety (and depression), even when their labs are “in range.”
According to studies:
- 63% of people with hypothyroidism report anxiety symptoms (source)
- Patients with Hashimoto's or hypothyroidism have a 2.3× increased odds of experiencing anxiety (source)
- Even subclinical thyroid dysfunction (mild thyroid imbalance) is linked with higher anxiety levels. (source)
A gentle reminder: If anxiety is new or worsening for you, talk with your provider about checking your thyroid labs and exploring other possible root-cause contributors (e.g., perimenopausal hormone shifts). In some cases, addressing the root cause of the issue can alleviate symptoms.
A Mini Practice to Try Today
Inside the episode, Megan guides us through her simple 3-part “Power Pause” to reset your system in ~2 minutes. Here’s a mini practice inspired by our conversation to help you shift state now:
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Pause & Notice (20–30 seconds): Sit tall, unclench your jaw, and name what you’re feeling without judgment.
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Breathe (60 seconds): Inhale through the nose; exhale slightly longer than your inhale to cue “rest-and-digest.”
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Reset (30–60 seconds): Roll your shoulders, lengthen your spine, and choose a kind reframe: “I can meet this one breath at a time.”
For Megan’s full Power Pause walkthrough and how to tailor it for your day, tune in to the episode.
Highlights from Our Conversation
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Mind-Body Integration: Movement + mindfulness + mindset = a practical toolkit you’ll actually use.
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Self-Compassion over Self-Critique: Healing accelerates when we swap self-condemnation for curiosity and care.
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Health Anxiety, Reframed: Learn to meet fear of flares and setbacks with “compassionate curiosity” instead of panic.
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Your Treatment Choices Are Yours: There's no shame in needing medication, and you can still benefit from natural supports.
Key Takeaways
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Anxiety with thyroid disease is common and biologically influenced. You’re not imagining it, and you’re not alone.
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Short, consistent "Power Pauses" can quickly shift your nervous system. The more you practice them, the easier and more effective they become.
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Consider both root-cause exploration and appropriate medical care, as needed.
A Note from Me
If anxiety has been an unwanted passenger on your healing journey, I hope this episode leaves you feeling seen and better equipped to break free from it. Remember: Shame is not a strategy, and compassionate acknowledgement of what's happening for you is the first step toward feeling your best and thriving. Support and tools are available to help you feel calmer, more empowered, and more at home in your body, like those shared with you here.
Cheering you on and wishing you the best of health, 
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes and not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider about your individual needs.
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