Thyroid, Adrenals, or Hormones: What's Really Holding You Back?

Megan Lyons is a Doctor of Clinical Nutrition and the founder of The Lyons’ Share Wellness, a Dallas-based functional nutrition practice that serves clients around the world. Known for her evidence-based, personalized approach, Megan helps individuals who feel like they’ve “tried everything” finally start feeling better. In this inspiring conversation from the 2025 Weight and Wellness Summit, Megan joins Vitaminis founder Leslie Danford to discuss why lasting health is about nourishing—not punishing—your body, and how to decode the real signals your body is sending.

Leslie: Megan, for those who don’t know you yet, can you tell us a little about your background?

Megan: Absolutely! I’m a Doctor of Clinical Nutrition and the founder of The Lyons’ Share Wellness. My team and I work with people all over the world—often those who are already health-conscious but still don’t feel their best. We take a functional medicine approach to uncover what’s really going on under the surface.

Leslie: So many people feel like they’re doing “everything right” but still aren’t seeing results. What do you say to them?

Megan: First, you’re not broken—and your body isn’t working against you. That mindset of “my body hates me” can actually block progress. Instead, think of your symptoms as clues. Your body is communicating something. Our job is to translate those signals and respond with care rather than resistance. It’s like solving a detective puzzle.

Leslie: That’s such a refreshing perspective. What are some of the most common things people come in thinking?

Megan: A big one is, “It’s got to be my hormones.” And they’re probably right—but hormones aren’t just estrogen and progesterone. They include insulin, thyroid hormones, and cortisol. We use a pyramid model in our practice to guide us. Blood sugar regulation is the base, followed by adrenal health and cortisol, then thyroid, and only at the top are the sex hormones. You can’t skip the foundation.

Leslie: That’s so helpful. Most people probably jump straight to thinking “menopause” when they hear the word “hormones.”

Megan: Exactly. It’s like saying, “the problem is food.” What food? The same goes for hormones—there are many, and they all work together.

Leslie: Can you break down the differences between thyroid, adrenal, and sex hormone issues?

Megan: Sure. Hypothyroidism is very common and leads to symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, and slow digestion—basically everything slows down. Adrenal dysfunction feels different—things like being “tired but wired,” anxious, or snapping at people even when you don’t want to. You might rely on caffeine too much or wake up between 2–4 a.m. With sex hormones, obvious signs are irregular or heavy periods, PMS, or breast tenderness. But if you’re not menstruating, you might notice night sweats, changes in libido, or hair growth in new places.

Leslie: And all of these can impact weight management?

Megan: Definitely. For example, low thyroid function lowers metabolism. Two people can eat the same diet, but the one with hypothyroidism may gain weight more easily. Cortisol, the stress hormone, affects insulin, leading to blood sugar issues and fat storage—especially around the belly. And estrogen dominance can lead to water retention, bloating, and changes in body composition even if the scale doesn’t move.

Leslie: So where does testing come in?

Megan: Testing is helpful, but not always definitive—especially basic labs from your annual physical. They often come back “normal” even when you feel terrible. We use more comprehensive tests that give us deeper insight, but if those aren’t available, we still go off symptoms. There’s always a way to keep solving the puzzle.

Leslie: That makes sense. What’s your take on trendy diets and quick fixes like GLP-1s or restrictive plans?

Megan: Every one of us is on a “diet”—meaning, we all eat something. The trouble starts when people treat food like punishment. A crash diet might make you feel better for a few days, but it slows your metabolism long-term. If you eat 800 calories a day, your body will adapt to that—and when you go back to eating more, you’ll gain weight quickly. Instead, I want clients to eat *as much food as possible* while still losing weight. That keeps metabolism strong and bodies nourished.

Leslie: So deprivation actually works against people?

Megan: Exactly. Your body’s only goal is survival. Starving yourself flips the emergency switch: shut down hormones, slow thyroid function, and cling to every calorie. That’s why nourishing your body with whole foods, protein, healthy fats, and plenty of vegetables is key. You’re fueling metabolism, not fighting it.

Leslie: What about cravings? A lot of diets tell you to ignore them.

Megan: Cravings are often messages. For example, craving chocolate before your period? You might need more magnesium. Craving pickles? Maybe it’s sodium. Not every craving is purely emotional—though some are—but even emotional cravings tell us something about what we need.

Leslie: Let’s talk about sleep and stress. How do those affect weight and hormone balance?

Megan: Sleep is critical. Deep sleep is when we release human growth hormone (great for body composition) and flush out inflammation. Poor sleep can lead to puffiness, bloating, and stalled weight loss. Aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep. If time is limited, optimize the quality through sleep hygiene. Stress is similar—some stress builds resilience, but chronic stress elevates cortisol, which leads to fat storage. The key is recovery. That might be a meditation practice, stepping outside for fresh air, or simply protecting time to rest and recharge. I call that soul recovery. It should feel good.

Leslie: That’s such a good reminder—that being healthy should feel good, not like a punishment.

Megan: Absolutely. Health isn’t about fighting cravings, skipping sleep, or popping a bunch of pills. It’s about listening to your body and responding with nourishment, care, and joy. That’s the difference between surviving and thriving.

Leslie: Where can people find you if they want to learn more?

Megan: You can find everything at https://thelyonsshare.org — our blog, podcast, social media, and how to work with us. I’d love to connect with anyone ready to dive deeper into feeling their best.