Do you sometimes feel tired, unmotivated, and down? Sometimes we think it's because of stress or depression, but that's not always the case. Changes in hormones produced by a small gland in our body, the thyroid gland, located in the neck, can also cause these symptoms. Today, let's talk about this important connection between thyroid hormones and our mental health.
What are these hormones?
Simply put, hormones are chemical messengers produced by the endocrine glands in our bodies. These little messengers control vital functions in our bodies, such as growth, mood, sexual function, reproduction, and metabolism. They are like a communication system in our bodies.
What is the relationship between hormones and depression?
Now you might be thinking, "Okay, hormones are important. But what does that have to do with depression?" Here's the thing. Changes in hormone levels, especially those produced by the thyroid gland, can directly affect our mood. Also, hormonal changes associated with women's menstrual cycles, such as PMS and menopause, can also cause symptoms of depression.
Because of the similarity in symptoms, if you have symptoms of depression, your doctor may sometimes order blood tests to rule out a misdiagnosis, as it is possible for someone to have both thyroid disease and depression at the same time.
What are the main thyroid conditions?
Thyroid hormones affect the rate at which our body converts food into energy, mood, and sexual function. There are two main conditions that can be affected by these hormone levels.
| Increased thyroid hormones (Hyperthyroidism) | Decreased thyroid hormones (Hypothyroidism) |
|---|---|
| The body uses energy too quickly. Symptoms that may occur include: | The body uses energy too slowly. Symptoms that may occur include: |
|
|
As you can see, some of these symptoms - especially fatigue, irritability, sleep problems, and weight changes - are very similar to symptoms of depression.
Therefore, if you have symptoms like these, it is absolutely important to see a doctor rather than self-diagnose.
To diagnose these conditions, your doctor will mainly check the levels of hormones in your blood. Among them, the most important are TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) , T3 (Triiodothyronine) , and T4 (Thyroxine) . TSH is a hormone released by the pituitary gland in our brain that tells the thyroid gland to 'work'.
Why do these thyroid diseases occur?
There are many different causes of thyroid disease. Women are five to eight times more likely to develop thyroid problems than men.
Causes of low thyroid hormones (Hypothyroidism)
- Thyroiditis: An inflammation of the thyroid gland.
- Hashimoto's thyroiditis: This is a painless, hereditary autoimmune disease. This means that our own immune system attacks the thyroid gland.
- Postpartum thyroiditis: A temporary condition that some mothers experience after giving birth.
- Some medications: It can also occur as a side effect of some medications such as Amiodarone and Lithium.
- Iodine deficiency: Iodine is essential for the production of thyroid hormones. However, this is not a common problem in Sri Lanka because we now use iodized salt.
Causes of increased thyroid hormones (Hyperthyroidism)
- Graves' disease: In this condition, the thyroid gland becomes enlarged and produces too much hormone.
- Nodules: Nodules in the thyroid gland can also cause increased hormone production.
- Thyroiditis: Inflammation of the gland can cause stored hormones to be suddenly released into the bloodstream.
- Excessive iodine: Excessive iodine content in some medications and cough syrups may also be a cause.
How are thyroid diseases treated?
The main goal of treating any thyroid disease is to restore normal thyroid hormone levels in the blood.
Hypothyroidism is treated with synthetic thyroid hormone pills. Levothyroxine is one of the most commonly used medications.
Treatment for hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) can be a bit more complicated. The goal is to control hormone production. This can be done with hormone-blocking medications, radioactive iodine treatment, or surgery to remove part or all of the gland.
What other hormonal problems are linked to depression?
In addition to thyroid, several other hormonal changes that specifically affect women can cause symptoms of depression.
- Menstruation: The symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome) that some women experience before their period, such as sadness, irritability, and fatigue, are caused by changes in hormone levels. Sometimes, this can develop into a more severe condition called Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) .
- Pregnancy and childbirth: The major hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and after childbirth can cause a temporary feeling of sadness called the "baby blues." Sometimes, this can turn into a more serious condition called postpartum depression .
- Perimenopause and Menopause: Hormonal changes that occur as women reach the end of their reproductive years can cause symptoms such as fatigue, sleep problems, and weight gain, along with depression.
The most important thing is to talk to your doctor if you are feeling mentally uncomfortable for any of these reasons. These conditions can be managed well with proper treatment.
Take-Home Message
- The tiredness, sadness, and anger you feel are not always caused by depression. Thyroid hormone imbalances can also be a cause.
- Since thyroid symptoms and depression symptoms are similar, don't self-diagnose based on what you read online or hear from people you know.
- Be sure to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis. He or she will determine the exact cause through blood tests, if necessary.
- Thyroid disease is a condition that can be treated and controlled well, so there is no need to panic.
- Be aware of hormonal changes that occur during women's menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause. Seek medical advice for any mental discomfort.
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