Hormones, Identity & the Thyroid: Unpacking the Chemical Influence on Who We Are (Episode 18)

From the moment we’re born, biology begins shaping our experience — and for many of us, it’s easy to assume identity is something fixed, innate, and unshakable. I used to believe that too. My childhood memories are filled with traditional models of femininity, a close family dynamic, and cultural expectations that seemed to fit me without question. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that hormones — tiny chemical messengers coursing through the body — play a far bigger role in shaping not just our health, but how we see ourselves, how we relate to others, and even how we feel about our identity.

In this episode of Eel Zebra Transformations, I explore my own journey through femininity, cultural conditioning, and hormonal changes, while also taking a deep dive into the thyroid — a small gland with enormous influence.

Looking back, I can see how easily cultural ideals shaped my identity. I leaned into femininity, sometimes even to my own detriment — letting men take the steering wheel, avoiding displays of strength, and mistaking submission for grace. These patterns became ingrained, and even now, undoing them requires deep inner work.

Hormones were always in the background, influencing moods, energy, and relationships. During my fertile years, I felt everything intensely, the cycles like tides pulling me in and out. Menopause symptoms brought me to hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which helped — but also reminded me just how delicate hormonal balance really is.

I believe deeply in honoring people’s experiences, including those who feel discomfort with their gender. But I also worry about the growing trend of early hormonal or surgical interventions, especially before puberty has run its natural course. My own experience with even gentle HRT taught me how quickly the body can respond to changes — and how unpredictable those changes can be.

The body tells its story over time, layer by layer. Altering it too soon can silence chapters that haven’t yet been written.

The thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the neck, is the conductor of the body’s hormonal orchestra. Producing hormones T3 and T4, it regulates metabolism, temperature, energy, and more.

Both Dr. Bright and Dr. Brownstein agree: thyroid health depends on iodine, and modern life often strips it away. Halides like fluoride, bromide, and chlorine compete with iodine in the thyroid, leading to a deficiency. Poor soil quality, processed food, and public health misconceptions have worsened the problem.

Their advice?

In the second half of life, we start to feel the weight of every choice, habit, and belief we’ve carried. But this stage can also be a time of empowerment — if we’re willing to tune in to the body’s signals and respond with care. Hormones may be invisible, but their influence is profound. Understanding them isn’t just about health — it’s about reclaiming your truest self.

Listen to Episode 18 here.