The thyroid gland is the “master controller” of the metabolism and plays a key role in health and welfare. It is shaped like a butterfly and its main job is to produce thyroid hormones, release them into the blood and thus reach the entire body, where it participates in practically all systems.
The doctor Maria F. Russo Picassohead of the Endocrinology, Metabolism and Nuclear Medicine Service at the Italian Hospital of Buenos Aires, explained to Infobae the multiple tasks of this gland: “The thyroid is located on the anterior surface of the neck and its function is synthesize hormonesmainly the thyroxine (T4) and some of triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones have ubiquitous and widespread functions, among others, regulate body temperature and the metabolism of nutrients, cardiac functionthe intestinal motilityhe menstrual cycle in women. They also regulate intellectual functions, sleep, and aspects of mood.”
Thus, when the thyroid does not function correctly, it not only affects the body, but also well-being.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common psychological symptoms of the alteration of this hormone include anxiety or depression. “In general, the more severe the thyroid disease, the more severe the mood changes,” the entity stated.
How are thyroid function and emotions related? Dr. Russo Picasso said: “For example, one of the symptoms of insufficient circulating hormone levels (hypothyroidism) can be associated with depression, avolition, anhedonia and decreased libido, while excess thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism) can be accompanied by syndromes anxiety, irritability, panic attacks, insomnia; In more severe cases, thyroid disorders can even trigger episodes of psychosis”, warned the expert.
For its part, the Dr. María Victoria Ortuñoa staff endocrinologist at the German Hospital of Buenos Aires, described how alterations in thyroid function manifest themselves in hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism:
“He hypothyroidism It is the condition in which there is decreased production of thyroid hormone. In other words, the thyroid gland is hypoactive. In this case there may be symptoms such as depression, mood swings and asthenia (tiredness). Other signs and symptoms present may be: constipation, muscle weakness, fluid retention, alteration of the menstrual cycle, dry skin, hair loss, hoarseness, among others.
On the other hand the hyperthyroidism refers to the condition in which excess thyroid hormone is produced. “In this case, the thyroid gland is hyperactive. In this situation there may be symptoms more related to anxiety, anguish, insomnia and even panic attacks. In addition, other signs and symptoms may be: tachycardia, palpitations, tremor, increased intestinal transit, visual disturbances, among others,” the doctor described.
However, Russo Picasso stressed that the relationship of thyroid hormones to mood disorders is not linearsince this depends on many circumstances, both physiological and psychosocial, in addition to hormonal levels.
“On the other hand, mood disorders associated with thyroid dysfunctions are accompanied by many other symptoms and clinical signs that reflect the impact of these dysfunctions on other systems (heart function, skin, weight, etc.). However, when faced with a mood disorder, it is essential rule out organic causesamong them thyroid dysfunctions, which can also reduce the response to pharmacological treatment, for example, of depression,” said the doctor from the Italian Hospital.
The expert highlighted that the cause of depression is broader than an abnormal hormonal level. “Not all patients who have a disorder of thyroid hormone levels suffer from altered mood. The impact will depend on the hormonal level, the more severe the deviation from normal, both in plus and minus, the more likely it is that the patient has some psychoemotional symptom, but it also depends on many other aspects. “A patient with thyroid hormone levels just out of normal may not feel anything out of the ordinary,” the endocrinologist said.
According to Mexican Society of Nutrition and Endocrinologymany of the symptoms of an inactive thyroid are psychological and “must be treated medically to control the gland and with the guidance of a doctor who helps the patient cope with and understand the disease.”
For this reason, they consider it very important to have a timely diagnosis and “if you are experiencing depression for the first time, go to the doctor to check your thyroid through laboratory tests and thus rule out any problem with this gland.”
From an endocrinological point of view, treatment is based on restore normal hormonal levels.
“If the patient has hypothyroidisma dose of synthetic thyroid hormone, called levothyroxine, one oral dose daily. If the patient has hyperthyroidism, medications are indicated that slow down the production of thyroid hormone until normal levels are achieved. Although hormonal levels must be normal for the adequate action of psychotropic medications, Psychoemotional disorders are not always corrected with hormonal treatment alone. “Each patient with a psychoemotional disorder needs a thorough and comprehensive evaluation to define the appropriate treatment from a broader perspective than the endocrinological aspect,” said Russo Picasso.
In coincidence, Dr. Ortuño highlighted: “It is important to control thyroid function to ensure that the dose is correct. The treatment is done in conjunction with psychologist and psychiatrist to always evaluate other causes of depression.”
Dr. Ortuño recommended healthy lifestyle, healthy and balanced diet, exercise, reducing the consumption of alcohol and other toxins and good rest. “This is general advice for patients with thyroid diseases and for everyone!” She stressed.
For Dr. María F. Russo Picasso, “the most important thing, scientifically and epidemiologically proven, is a good iodine intake for proper thyroid function. The lack of iodine in a population is the cause of congenital hypothyroidism, which implies a maturation delay (cretinism). For this reason, in the Argentina This contribution is guaranteed by the iodization of all salt for human consumption by law” (Oñativia Law 1964).
Within natural sources, Seaweed, chard, spinach and arugula offer good contributions of iodine.
Dr. Russo Picasso highlighted that “a balanced and varied diet and low in saturated fat It is a healthy measure in general; There are no specific foods to avoid, nor dietary and vitamin supplements that have been shown to be effective in preventing the development of hyper or hypothyroidism, the most common cause of which is autoimmune”.
The expert added that the stress It has been described as a trigger for hyperthyroidism, “anti-stress measures help in this aspect, as in many others, but it is not linear,” he noted.
Relaxation, rest, meditation, relaxation techniques and pleasurable activities (dancing, painting…) can prevent excess stress hormones and help you regain calm.
Finally, Dr. Russo Picasso added: “It must be taken into account that when one receives a medication, many interfere with thyroid function, either at the level of glandular synthesis or the absorption of the synthetic hormone that is indicated to treat hypothyroidism. It is important then that the patient informs his doctor about this and about his personal and family history of thyroid pathology so that he can make the choice of the most suitable medication”.