The thyroid gland can be affected by several problems, the most important of which is hypothyroidism or hyperactivity, which is characterized by a decrease in the number of hormones produced by the gland or an increase in their amount, respectively, and the two cases are serious, and you should see a doctor to determine the appropriate treatment.
What is the relationship between the thyroid gland and sadden?
There is a clear relationship between thyroid problems and anger or feeling sad and depression, people with thyroid disease are more likely to develop depression and vice versa, but the exact mechanism of the how each affects the other, and a more detailed explanation of the relationship between each is given below.
There may be a link between anger and thyroid problems, but it is unlikely that anger and depression can cause hypothyroidism, but it is common for hypothyroidism to cause psychological and mood problems.
How do depression and anxiety affect the thyroid gland?
It may be a medicine for depression that reduces or affects the function of the thyroid gland. There is a long list of medications that can have this effect, such as lithium (a common treatment for bipolar depression) which leads to symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
SSRIs (drugs to treat depression) can reduce T4 levels by 11.2% and affect hormone signals from the hypothalamus in the brain. This further limit hormone production.
Do thyroid problems affect the psychological?
Yes, thyroid disease can affect your mood; Primarily causing feelings of anxiety, depression, or anger, and in general, the more severe the disease, the more severe the mood swings, as follows: [5]
If you have an overactive thyroid, you may experience:
- unusual nervousness.
- Insomnia.
- anxiety.
- irritability.
- If you have an underactive thyroid, you may have:
- Mild or severe fatigue.
- The Depression.
Additionally, drugs used to treat hypothyroidism (hormones) can cause depression as a side effect of their use, and these hormones may conflict with drugs used to treat depression.
Depression and discomfort caused by a thyroid disorder, whether underactive or overactive, can be eliminated as soon as the cause is treated, either by taking appropriate treatments or by performing surgery, depending on what is the most appropriate, according to the doctor.
General tips for maintaining the thyroid gland
Among the most important things to follow to maintain the health of the thyroid gland are the following:
- Eat a balanced diet: 4-5 servings of vegetables and 3-4 servings of fruit daily, plus plenty of lean protein and fatty fish, such as salmon, herring, and mackerel.[6]
- Avoid processed foods: especially those that are full of sugar, preservatives and colorings, and it is also best to avoid foods that contain trans fats, high fructose corn syrup, monosodium glutamate and refined sugar.
- Reduce stress and try to rest and relax.
- Periodic visit to the doctor: considers finding out about the dietary supplements you can take to support your immune system, in addition to finding out about the tests to be carried out; To ensure the integrity of the gland.
- Continuous exercise at a half-hour pace 3 times a week or doing yoga or meditation can help.
- Drink adequate amounts of water daily.
- Avoid exposure to harmful substances like chloride or excess fluoride, or exposure to heavy substances like mercury and others.