How Your Thyroid Could Be Hurting Your Mental Health
Your thyroid is a small, butterfly shaped gland located on the front of your neck. You may be familiar with the role it plays in your metabolism- but did you know that it can also have a significant impact on your mental health? Dr. Holly Betterly MD, Board-Certified Psychiatrist in Weston, FL, explains how your thyroid could be to blame for common mental health challenges.
This post is provided for educational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. If you have questions, reach out to your doctor for more information.
Struggling with your mental health? Reach out for professional support. Dr. Betterly is a board-certified psychiatrist in Weston, FL dedicated to helping you overcome depression, anxiety, and OCD. She offers appointments at her office in Weston, FL, conveniently located in Weston Town Center, as well as via telehealth. Request an appointment today to start your journey to better mental health.
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How can I check if there’s something wrong with my thyroid?
What is the thyroid?
Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located on the front of your neck. It may vary in size from person to person, but is often around 2 inches long. The thyroid is a part of your body’s endocrine system. The endocrine system is made up of a network of glands and organs that release hormones and play a role in regulating major bodily functions, such as your metabolism, growth, reproduction, and response to stress.
The thyroid releases two thyroid hormones, called Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3), into the bloodstream. Thyroid hormones help to regulate your metabolism, or how your body turns the food that you eat into energy to power your body. Changes in thyroid hormone levels can lead to changes in heart rate, body temperature, and activation of the nervous system.
If your thyroid isn’t working properly, it may not be able to meet your body’s needs. When your thyroid produces too little thyroid hormone, it is known as hypothyroidism. Similarly, when your thyroid produces too much thyroid hormone, it is known as hyperthyroidism. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can lead to serious health consequences, and need to be carefully managed by a medical doctor.
Some people see their primary care physician (PCP) for management of their thyroid problems, while others see a doctor who specializes in problems with the endocrine system, known as an endocrinologist.
How can I check if there’s something wrong with my thyroid?
Fortunately, it’s quick and easy to find out if your thyroid is functioning properly. A simple blood test ordered by your doctor can make sure your thyroid is performing the way that it should be.
This test may be ordered as part of routine health screening during an annual visit with your primary care physician (PCP). Your doctor may also order this test if they are concerned that you are experiencing a medical problem that could be caused by a problem with your thyroid. They may also check your thyroid function if you are taking certain medications which can impact your thyroid over time.
Is my thyroid making me depressed?
Depression is a complex medical condition which often involves multiple different contributing factors, ranging from your genetics, to life stressors, to hormonal imbalances, to substance use. Many different medical conditions can cause people to experience symptoms of depression, either as a direct result of the condition itself and the way that it impacts the body, or as a result of the stress of dealing with a medical illness.
One of the medical conditions that can lead to symptoms of depression is hypothyroidism, a condition in which your thyroid is not producing enough thyroid hormone to meet your body’s needs.
Many of the symptoms of hypothyroidism can look like symptoms of depression, including:
Depressed mood
Low energy
Fatigue
Sleep problems
Increased appetite
Weight gain
Decreased sex drive
Brain fog
Memory problems
If these symptoms sound familiar, reach out to your doctor for further evaluation. Your doctor can help to figure out the cause of your symptoms and develop a treatment plan that will be the most effective for your unique health circumstances.
If your doctor determines that thyroid problems are likely contributing to your depression, you may see your depressive symptoms improve as your thyroid condition is treated effectively.
It’s important to remember, however, that depression often involves multiple contributing factors. For some people, effective treatment of their thyroid condition may cause their depression to go away completely. Others may continue to experience symptoms of depression even after their thyroid condition is under control. If depression persists, additional treatment, such as antidepressant medications or therapy, may be needed.
If you have a thyroid condition, such as hypothyroidism, be sure to let your doctor know if you notice yourself developing symptoms of depression. Our bodies change over time, and your thyroid hormone levels can fluctuate, which is why it’s important to check them on a regular basis. New or worsening symptoms of depression could indicate a problem with your thyroid hormones, and a need for an adjustment of your thyroid medications.
Is my thyroid making me anxious?
Much like depression, anxiety often involves multiple different contributing factors, such as genetics, life stressors, hormonal imbalances, and substance abuse. Many different medical conditions can cause people to experience symptoms of anxiety, either as a direct result of the condition itself and the way that it impacts the body, or as a result of the stress of dealing with a medical illness.
Hyperthyroidism, a condition in which your thyroid is producing too much thyroid hormone, can cause symptoms similar to those seen in anxiety disorders. Some of these symptoms include:
Feeling nervous, anxious, worried, or irritable
Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Feeling like your heart is pounding in your chest
Tremor
Excessive sweating
Sleep problems
If these symptoms sound familiar, reach out to your doctor for further evaluation. Your doctor can help to figure out the cause of your symptoms and develop a treatment plan that will be the most effective for your unique health circumstances.
If your doctor determines that thyroid problems are likely contributing to your anxiety, you may see your anxiety improve as your thyroid condition is treated effectively.
It’s important to remember, however, that anxiety often involves multiple contributing factors. For some people, effective treatment of their thyroid condition may cause their anxiety to go away completely. Others may continue to experience anxiety even after their thyroid condition is under control. If anxiety persists, additional treatment, such as medications or therapy, may be needed.
If you have a thyroid condition, such as hyperthyroidism, be sure to let your doctor know if you notice yourself feeling more anxious than usual. Our bodies change over time, and your thyroid hormone levels can fluctuate, which is why it’s important to check them on a regular basis. New or worsening anxiety could indicate a problem with your thyroid hormones, and a need for an adjustment of your thyroid medications.
