Is it true that thyroid problems affect mood?

What is the thyroid?

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of your neck; right under the Adam's apple if you're a man. The thyroid is a gland that produces hormones that the body needs.

These hormones are used to support metabolism, respiration, growth, and regulate body temperature. During infancy and childhood, thyroid hormones help develop a child's brain.

This gland uses iodine to produce two main hormones, namely thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3). Once produced, the hormones are stored. When the body needs it, the hormones flow with the blood and reach the body's cells.

Is it true that thyroid problems affect mood?

Launching the Mayo Clinic page, Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D, answered that thyroid problems can indeed affect mood . This is proven by studies, one of which is from the Journal of Thyroid Research.

This study estimates that 60% of people with hypothyroidism also have depression. Meanwhile, people who have hypothyroidism are also prone to depression and anxiety.

Hyperthyroidism indicates that there are high thyroid hormone levels in the body. This is in contrast to hypothyroidism, which has low thyroid hormone levels.

In some cases, people with thyroid problems may experience symptoms related to mood, such as:

Easily nervous and restless
Easy to get angry
Continue to feel tired and depressed

The causes of thyroid problems have an effect on your mood

According to the British Thyroid Foundation website, thyroid problems can cause rapid changes in thyroid hormone levels in the body. When hormone levels rise or fall, the thyroid hormone, which acts to stabilize mood, can become disturbed.

Apart from hormonal changes, the side effects of treating hormonal problems, such as steroid medications, can worsen depression. Antihypertensive drugs such as beta blockers that are prescribed to reduce anxiety have also made some patients feel tired, depressed, and less alert.

Thyroid disorders can also cause changes in appearance, which in turn makes a person discouraged, stressed, and depressed. Changes include unstable body weight, hair loss, and slightly enlarged eyes.

Not following the treatment properly in patients with thyroid problems can also change the mood. They may forget to take medication, get bored with medication, or deliberately take more medication than recommended. All of these can worsen symptoms and mood .

So that the mood does not deteriorate, what should be done?

You can't avoid thyroid problems that change your mood. The reason is, this condition occurs due to changes in thyroid hormones, both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

Talk to your doctor about your health problems. Always follow treatment regularly so that the disease and symptoms do not get worse.

To improve your mood, you can do various things that you like. When anxiety and restlessness arise, try to calm yourself down by doing breathing exercises. Then, get enough rest and eat nutritious foods so that your body doesn't tire young.