The Connection Between Thyroid Health and Mental Well-being

She was admitted to the hospital because she was having strange visual and auditory hallucinations. Her blood tests showed that she was suffering from hypothyroidism. Treatment for both hallucinations and hypothyroidism was given. Two weeks later, she stopped the hallucination medication but continued with her thyroid treatment, and the hallucinations never returned!

This is one of the many case studies that show the connection between thyroid health and mental well-being.

Thyroid problems often share symptoms with other health conditions, including mental health disorders, leading to possible misdiagnosis. To support thyroid function, herbal supplements like Krishna’s Thyro Balance Juice can be beneficial. Made from a blend of natural herbs, this Ayurvedic remedy complements thyroid treatment and helps prevent mood symptoms from worsening.

Not only do thyroid conditions cause hard-to-manage physical symptoms but they create additional emotional or mental health challenges as well. Read on to find out what causes thyroid-related mood problems including anxiety or depression, and get some tips for maintaining a healthy thyroid.

How The Thyroid Gland Influences Your Energy and Mood

Someone who doesn’t have a thyroid problem will probably never think about the gland in the front of their neck that regulates hormone production. But behind the scenes, this vital endocrine gland controls a lot of your bodily functions like metabolization and maintaining heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature among many others. The hormones produced by the gland can even affect your energy levels, mood, and focus.

Because the hormones from this gland control how energy is used in your body, changes in the thyroid can impact almost every organ, including your heart and brain.

This hormone production is normally stimulated by the hypothalamus (a part of your brain) by producing thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). TRH, in turn, stimulates your pituitary gland ( a small gland present at the base of your brain) to release thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Once your thyroid gland is stimulated, it uses iodine that you get from the food you eat to produce hormones T4 and T3.

These hormones are released in your blood circulation to reach different body organs, muscles, and tissues, where they coordinate with the chemicals and signal them what to do and when to do it.

For instance, when there are proper thyroid hormone levels, your heart rate is stable, but if the levels are low, it can cause a slower heart rate and reduced circulation, while high levels can lead to an increased heart rate and palpitations.

Similarly, the levels affect the mood-related neurotransmitters in your brain such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.

Depending on whether your thyroid is overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism), the balance of these neurotransmitters is thrown off.  You will almost certainly experience emotional and psychological issues that impact your mental health. The dysfunction of the gland can make you feel more emotional than usual, and you may find that your mood changes rapidly and unpredictably at times.

Hypothyroidism And Mental Health

Hypothyroidism occurs when your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones to support your body’s functions. Depending on your overall health and the severity of your condition, you may experience a range of mental health symptoms. These can include a persistent sense of unease and dissatisfaction (dysphoria), depression, anxiety, and brain fog, which may manifest as forgetfulness, trouble concentrating, and slower problem-solving. Additionally, you might notice changes in your mood or experience periods of unusually elevated and agitated moods (mania).

In cases of untreated severe hypothyroidism or among individuals with certain mental health conditions, symptoms can include hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia. A study from 2016 indicates that mental health issues often arise in the early stages of hypothyroidism. These symptoms usually start with increased anxiety,  memory lapses, and a gradual decline in cognitive abilities.

A review of research highlighted by Everyday Health also found that people with hypothyroidism are more than twice as likely to develop anxiety disorders compared to those without the condition.

Hyperthyroidism And Mental Health

In this condition, the thyroid gland produces an excess of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4). When too much of these hormones are present in your body, they can alter metabolism, growth, and even your mental well-being.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism can include weight loss without trying, tiredness or fatigue, heart palpitations, lack of sleep, muscle weakness or tremors, and overheating of your body. Other symptoms that may affect your mental health include anxiety, mood swings, tension, lack of patience, and panic attacks.

The mental health conditions often linked to hyperthyroidism include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, dementia, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These issues may arise because thyroid hormones can affect how neurons transmit signals, alter brain metabolism, and change the way the blood-brain barrier functions. These changes can impact your mental well-being, in addition to causing the physical symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

A study from 2021 compared 150 people, half of whom had hyperthyroidism and half with normal thyroid function, and found that 60% of those with hyperthyroidism had psychiatric conditions, compared to 34.7% without a thyroid problem. Another study from 2019, focusing on youth ages 10 to 18, found a link between hyperthyroidism and various mental health conditions, including ADHD, depression, and anxiety.

Read About: Top 5 Ayurvedic Remedies For Hyperthyroidism

Maintaining Thyroid Health For Better Mental Well-being

Fortunately, in the majority of cases, if the cause of psychological symptoms is a thyroid problem then the symptoms will improve once the condition is managed with treatment. But, the improvement may not happen as quickly as you’d like, and it’s common to still feel emotionally or mentally “off” even after your blood tests show normal results.

Or sometimes your thyroid medication can take time to become properly balanced, especially in cases of hypothyroidism and after thyroid surgery. Forgetting to take your medication daily can be another reason for the delay in achieving good mental health. But remember, some self-care methods can help:

• Stick to good dietary choices and a healthy lifestyle.
• Opt for relaxation therapy like meditation, massage, grounding, aromatherapy, and many more.
• Use Ayurvedic supplements like Krishna’s Thyro Balance Juice to enhance the functioning of the thyroid gland.
• Find your tribe; discuss your mental health issues with a family member or close friend who understands you well.

Also Read: The Wonders of Thyro Balance Juice

Concluding lines…

The outlook for most thyroid disorders is positive, and while it may take time for your psychological symptoms to improve, many people fully recover and return to normal lives once their thyroid condition is treated.

If your symptoms don’t improve, it might be due to a slow response to treatment or because of another underlying issue that may need further investigation. As your thyroid condition stabilizes, your emotional and mental health should get better. It can be helpful to talk to a family member, close friend, or someone who has had a similar experience. Don’t hesitate to consult your doctor, who can assist you or refer you to a specialist if needed.

If you have any questions or concerns about Ayurvedic treatment for thyroid disorders, consult one of our specialists.