In the present-day living fast age, stress has almost inevitably become one of the attributes of life. It is work, family, or financial pressures that bring stress to everyone. And yet what people do not know is that stress is capable of damaging your health, especially the thyroid.

It is a tiny, eagle-shaped gland in your neck that contributes greatly to the regulation of your metabolism, energy levels, and also the mood of the person. When such a situation occurs, thyroid stress may be the beginning of health problems.

In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at how stress impacts thyroid function and what you can do to manage it effectively.

How Stress Affects 

The stress either physical, emotional, or mental, which provokes the body to call upon “fight-or-flight” defense mechanism  is the underlying factor. When this occurs, the body sends out cortisol, the stress hormone that adrenal glands produce; this is done by the body. Although cortisol is extremely helpful in small doses, chronic or prolonged stress can lead to an overproduction of this substance which in turn may impede the normal function of the gland.

Here’s how:

1. Slowed Thyroid Hormone Production

The body that is always under stress can reduce its thyroid hormone (T3 and T4) production. This may result in a condition called hypothyroidism, in which the thyroid does not produce enough hormones to meet the body’s needs. Hypothyroidism brings its own set of problems like fatigue, weight gain, depression, and concentrating problems.

2. Increased Risk of Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases

Stress is associated with autoimmune diseases for example Hashimoto’s thyroiditis which is caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking the gland. Chronic stress robs the immune system of its strength such that it becomes more vulnerable to autoimmune disorders. The majority of patients suffering from Hashimoto’s experience hypothyroid symptoms as a result of the gradually increasing damage to their thyroid gland over time.

3. Worsening of Hyperthyroidism

For people suffering from hyperthyroidism, the condition where the thyroid produces too much hormone, stress can be a trigger for the already existing symptoms. This may manifest as such as the following symptoms: heart rate, excessive anxiety, loss of weight and insomnia. For those with hyperthyroidism, stress management is vital if they are to prevent flare-ups and complications.

Signs Your Thyroid May Be Affected by Stress

Unexplained Weight Changes:

Whenever your thyroid is not working properly it can manifest itself in a suspected weight gain (hypothyroidism) for the case of unexplained weight loss (hyperthyroidism). These variations occur regardless of your diet and exercise habits. Thyroid hormones are accountable for the regulation of metabolism, which in turn leads to these variations.

Tiredness or Lethargy:

Even after having enough rest, you can still feel constantly tired or sluggish if your thyroid is malfunctioning the underactive type. It happens because the body is not producing sufficient hormones that could help in keeping energy levels intact. It is a common symptom of hypothyroidism.

Mood Swings, Irritability, or Depression

Thyroid hormone lies can make your mind go hazy, which can manifest as mood swings, anxiety, or depression. Depression is usually the effect of low hormone levels (hypothyroidism), on the other hand, high levels (hyperthyroidism) may cause the person to be irritable and anxious.

Hair Thinning or Hair Loss

Thyroid imbalance can make your hair grow slower thus hair thinning and loss can occur. This can cause not only your scalp but other regions such as eyebrows to be affected as well. Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can result in these changes.

Sensitivity to Cold or Heat

Thyroid hormones are in charge of regulating the body temperature, thus when they are out of balance you can be too cold or too hot. In this case, hypothyroidism is the culprit that makes you cold-sensitive and on the other hand hyperthyroidism is the factor that causes heat intolerance.

Changes in Heart Rate:

Thyroid dysfunction may result in significant heart rate variations. Hypothyroidism could indeed cause a slow heartbeat, while hyperthyroidism could speed it up and sometimes prompt the occurrence of palpitations. These variations may disturb the overall circulation and energy levels.

If any of these are experienced, it is crucial to see a healthcare professional for a thyroid function evaluation and personalized guidance on treatment which would be tailored to your needs.

Tips for Managing Stress to Support Thyroid Health

Although stress is a normal part of life, learning how to manage it can help you to protect you and the rest of your body. Below are some applicable suggestions:

Practice Relaxation Techniques:

Meditation, yoga, and deep breathing are some practices that can help to reduce stress and calm your mind. To help decrease cortisol levels and thereby improve health as well as thyroid function, make sure to include mindfulness practices in your daily routine.

Exercise Regularly:

The most common way to help with stress and ensure you are in a better mood is to do physical activity. It doesn’t matter if it’s walking quickly, swimming, or dancing, endorphins released by exercise will make you feel better and relieve stress.

Eat a Balanced Diet:

A healthy diet comprising selenium, iodine, and zinc-rich foods can be beneficial in maintaining the functionality of the gland. These substances are vital for the production and functioning of the thyroid hormones.

Get Enough Sleep:

Lack of sleep can worsen the situation and make it even harder for the thyroid to function. Get your body to deal with stress by making sure you get 7-9 hours of restful sleep each night.

Seek Support:

If you are feeling overwhelmed by the situation, talking to a friend, a family member, or a therapist can be helpful in getting you out of the stress you are in. Sometimes just letting out what’s bothering you can really change things to a great extent.

When to See a Thyroid Specialist

If you are dealing with stress and at the same time noticing signs of thyroid dysfunction, it is very important to seek professional help. A specialist will help you figure out if the stress you are experiencing is affecting your thyroid and he will give you treatment options to restore your health.

If you are looking for a Thyroid Specialist Doctor in Jabalpur, who can help you with thyroid health in Jabalpur, you can visit our clinic. Our expert team will be there for you in every step of your treatment to help you manage your thyroid as well as your overall health.

By knowing about the relationship between stress and thyroid function, and implementing ways to deal with stress, you are able to protect your thyroid from further harm and you will be able to live a well-balanced life.