Stress And Hyperthyroidism: A Relationship With Serious Consequences

Stress and hyperthyroidism are linked in a significant way. We don’t often realize the impact chronic stress can have on our health.

Cortisol, the hormone associated with this state of hyperactivity and hypervigilance (in other words, stress), ultimately affects not only our thyroid function, speeding up its function, but also affects the function of our adrenal glands.

We know that thyroid disease is very common and that several factors influence its development. Autoimmune disorders such as Graves’ disease, pregnancy, pituitary changes, or an iodine imbalance can cause hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

In addition, we often do not realize how much influence emotions can have on our body. So they can really affect our metabolism. Studies, such as the one published in the journal Thyroid Research, show that there is also a link between the amount of stress we experience and TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone).

In other words, stress is a true risk factor for hyperthyroidism. Pressure, anxiety and constant worry that last for months or even years eventually affect our thyroid function, speeding it up.

The link between stress and hyperthyroidism

Every day people are told that their thyroid gland is not functioning properly. We must not forget that the thyroid hormones perform many functions. They are essential for keeping our tissues healthy and performing all kinds of metabolic tasks, such as protein synthesis.

That is why people with hyperthyroidism usually suffer from a wide variety of symptoms and a variety of conditions.

Associated Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

• Unusual nervousness and restlessness.
• Mood swings that make the person more irritable.
• Feeling weak.
• Increased appetite.
• Weight loss despite the strong urge for food.
• Memory and concentration problems.
• Goiter: A symptom associated with hyperthyroidism in which a growth develops in the throat and a person has difficulty swallowing, drinking, or talking.
• Hair loss or thinning hair.
• Thinner skin.
• Poor tolerance to heat.
• Changes in menstruation.
• Tachycardia.
• Insomnia.

In addition, it is good to know that it is more often men than women who suffer from thyroid problems. However, when we hear the diagnosis, we often do not think about what the possible cause could be.

It is very important to treat these types of problems properly because a therapeutic strategy will improve the patient’s quality of life. However, since there is a direct link between stress and hyperthyroidism, we should also know how our bodies produce the stress hormone.

Stress and Hyperthyroidism: A Change in Thyroid Antibodies

In 2012, Dutch universities funded an extensive study into the relationship between stress and hyperthyroidism. The results of this study were published in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology . The study showed that in stressful situations, cortisol can have a serious impact on the thyroid gland.

• Thyroid antibodies change and begin to attack the body itself, causing problems such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, impaired digestion, hair loss, thin skin and so on. However, problems can also arise at the cognitive level, hence the concentration problems and the mood swings .
• People with panic disorders often suffer from thyroid problems. This comorbidity creates a cycle that results in classic hyperthyroidism and can have serious clinical consequences.

How can you prevent hyperthyroidism caused by stress?

Hyperthyroidism (whether or not caused by stress) must be treated in a specific way anyway. Often this is through thyroid medications such as propylthiouracil and methimazole. However , every patient ‘s situation is different. Every patient needs a professional evaluation to find the most suitable and effective treatment for him.

Apart from the treatment, it would also be useful to know how to avoid this problem. The trigger will not always be stress because autoimmune diseases also exist. Because of the metabolic changes that some psychological states bring about, it would still be smart to learn how to handle these kinds of situations properly. Some tips to help you with this are:

• Moderate stress for extended periods has no effect on the thyroid gland. The problem is chronic stress that we don’t manage, control, or face. We should therefore take a moment every day to deal with our worries, complex emotions and disturbing thoughts. Don’t leave the shadow that bothers you today for tomorrow.
• Give yourself some quality time. We should devote at least two hours to ourselves every day. Exercise or techniques such as mindfulness are very effective for coping well with stress.

• Also keep an eye on your diet and improve your lifestyle. Ensure sufficient and quality rest and positive social relationships.

Finally

Because stress and hyperthyroidism are linked, taking care of your emotions means investing in your health.

If we are willing to get up on time, jump in the shower and dress properly, we should also be willing to pay some attention to our complex inner universe every day.