The Crazy Connection Between Thyroid Problems And Depression
Depression and thyroid problems are both incredibly common, but their connection isn't always clear. In this article, we'll explore their relationship, why it happens, and how to manage it. We'll also discuss other factors that can lead to or contribute to both depression and hypothyroidism (including hyperthyroidism).
Thyroid problems and depression can cause each other.
Depression and thyroid problems can cause each other.
In this case, it's often a vicious cycle: Depression can lead to thyroid problems and vice versa. The two conditions feed into each other in a way that can be difficult to break out of. If you experience both at the same time, you may need professional help from your doctor or therapist to manage them effectively.
Depression is characterized by persistent sadness, lack of interest in daily activities and relationships with others that last for at least two weeks; symptoms include changes in sleep patterns (too much or too little), weight gain or loss without trying hard enough, fatigue (feeling tired even after resting), headache (in some cases), difficulty concentrating and feeling hopeless about things getting better in the future among others."
The chemical imbalances caused by thyroid problems can lead to depression.
So what does this have to do with depression? Well, when your thyroid is out of balance and failing to produce the right amount of hormones, it's going to affect every part of your body—including your brain.
One thing that happens is that the neurotransmitters in your brain start changing. This can lead to mood swings and depression. If you're feeling depressed or anxious but don't know why to check out our article on how to deal with anxiety when you're trying to get pregnant for some tips on how to cope until things improve!
And if you think back on times when you were very ill or had an injury or infection and experienced severe fatigue or all-over aches and pains, chances are good that those symptoms were caused by a lack of thyroid hormone production (or a different kind of hormone imbalance). Thyroid problems can also cause muscle cramps in some people; we'll talk more about how this happens later in this post!
Depression can also cause thyroid problems.
Hypothyroidism is a common thyroid disorder that can cause depression, so it's important to get your thyroid checked if you're feeling depressed.
Similarly, hyperthyroidism—a condition in which the thyroid produces too much hormone—has also been connected with depression. Symptoms include anxiety and irritability, as well as rapid heart rate and weight loss. You should see your doctor if you think you might be suffering from hyperthyroidism, as this condition must be treated before it becomes life-threatening.
If you have both hypothyroidism and depression (or vice versa), treatment for one condition may help treat the other as well. For example:
If you have both hypothyroidism and depression, treating your hypothyroidism may improve both conditions at once;
If you have both hyperthyroidism and depression, treating your hyperthyroidism may improve both conditions at once.
Other conditions may be contributing factors.
Thyroid conditions can be caused by other health issues. Thyroid problems can also be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, such as Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland. You should talk to your doctor about these possibilities if you have any concerns about your thyroid functioning.
Also, the medications you are taking may contribute to or cause thyroid problems. If you're on medication for depression or anxiety, it’s important to discuss this with your doctor and make sure it doesn't interfere with treatment for hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism (overactive).
Some people who have a family history of thyroid disease, they may need additional testing to determine if they are at risk of developing similar symptoms later in life.
Some lifestyle factors may also affect your chances of developing thyroid conditions such as Hashimoto's disease: eating habits (overeating), weight gain/loss (being overweight/underweight), smoking cigarettes, and drinking alcohol excessively.
Make sure to get your thyroid checked annually and know the warning signs of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
Thyroid problems can be treated, but it's important to know the signs of thyroid dysfunction and to see your doctor if you experience them.
There are a number of different tests that can be used to determine whether or not you have a thyroid disorder: blood tests, ultrasound scans and CT scans are all useful tools in the diagnosis process.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism like fatigue, depression, weight gain or weight loss, irregular heartbeats or difficulty breathing—or if you think someone in your family may have been struggling with these problems—make sure they get screened for thyroid disease as soon as possible.
Pay attention to your mood if you have a thyroid condition, and if you experience depression, it's worth looking into whether it's related to a thyroid problem.
If you have a thyroid condition and experience mood symptoms, it’s worthwhile to look into whether or not it could be related to your thyroid.
Thyroid conditions are common, but they can cause more than just physical symptoms. Many people who have thyroid problems experience depression as well. Depression is one of the most common mental health issues in the United States, affecting more than 20 million adults each year. And yet many people don’t recognize their own symptoms of depression or don't take them seriously enough to get treatment for them.
The good news is that there are effective treatments for both depression and thyroid conditions if you do seek help for them!
Understanding how thyroid problems are related to depression can help us treat both conditions more effectively
Understanding how thyroid problems are related to depression can help us treat both conditions more effectively. For example, if you’re experiencing the symptoms of depression and have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, it’s important to note that antidepressants might not be enough—if you want to feel better and have a higher quality of life, you may need treatment for your underactive thyroid gland as well.
Similarly, if you have been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism or Graves disease (which is an overactive thyroid), medications like Lithium are used in conjunction with drugs that suppress the production of TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone). This can help control symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, and crying spells—which are often mistaken for signs of depression!
Conclusion
It's important to be aware of the connection between depression and thyroid problems because this can help us diagnose and treat both conditions more effectively. If you have a thyroid condition, pay attention to your mood and get it checked periodically. If you have depression symptoms that seem like they might be related to a thyroid problem, talk with your doctor about getting tested for hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.