Thyroid Health and Stress: Managing Stress Levels
Collaborative Post
As I look back at my years as an endocrinologist, I think of the thyroid and the stress we face every day as somehow moving together and creating a kind of music. It is a matter of both annoyance and amazement, not too dissimilar to a puzzling dance where a wrong step ruins the whole rhythm. I know how stress can be the cause as well as the effect of thyroid imbalance; I have gone through it in my life. It’s a vicious circle – after you start, it is truly hard to stop.
However, be not afraid, for in my study of thyroid health and stress management I share with you the experiences I have had throughout the years. We will unveil the complexities of how the thyroid gland works, reveal new and original ways through its functionality, and most importantly, find possible strategies to keep the inner microcompartments in harmony. Whether you are suffering from an overactive thyroid, an underactive one, or just want to keep up with your thyroid health, you will get the solutions for these problems as well as techniques from this journey that you are about to go on.
Understanding the Thyroid Gland
The thyroid gland, the little but powerful guardian at the lower end of the neck, reminds me of a butterfly in its form. Its core work? The production of hormones that balance the metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, and many other functions. I usually regard it as the thermostat of the body – when it functions well, nobody even realizes the power of it at all. But it is off, we will have to cope with it!
The main hormones released by the thyroid are tears and Theroserine (T3) and Tetraphenone (T4) respectively. The hormones have important jobs in the body such as how fast we burn calories in the body and how fast the heart beats. The hypothalamus and pituitary gland control the production and release of these hormones through a very precise feedback loop.
The Stress-Thyroid Connection
Now, let’s discuss stress. In my practice I have seen many times how anxiety can undo the thyroid gland’s well-managed regulation. The stress-related production of cortisol is predominantly the likely suspect for aiding and abetting the ‘stress hormone to create havoc. Cortisol in small amounts can be a helpful factor that makes us get the right answer to the immediate challenge. But raising cortisol levels can damage the thyroid in more than one way:
- The enzyme 5′-deiodinase that converts T4 to the active T3 may be inhibited
- The cells might be less sensitive to thyroid hormones
- Chronic stress indeed can trigger an inflammation that can lead to a thyroid problem.
On the other hand, thyroid problems can make us more vulnerable to the negative impacts of stress. Hyperthyroidism, which is an overactive thyroid, has symptoms similar to anxiety. These include being more responsive to stressors. Hypothyroidism or underactivity can cause fatigue, depression, and thereby it becomes harder to cope with everyday problems.
Recognizing the Signs
One of the challenges I’ve encountered in my practice is that symptoms of thyroid imbalance can often be mistaken for stress issues, and vice versa. Here are some pieces of evidence which might indicate that stress and thyroid act against each other:
- Unexplained weight changes
- Fatigue or insomnia
- Mood swings, anxiety, or depression
- Changes in heart rate
- Hair loss or dry skin
- Difficulty concentrating
If you observe any of these symptoms, it is very important to see a healthcare professional. They will tell you if your problems are due to stress or thyroid, or both.
Strategies for Managing Stress and Supporting Thyroid Health
There is no doubt that one of my most important achievements was to develop a summary of techniques for patients to appropriately handle anxiety and simultaneously aid their thyroid health. Here are some of the most effective ones:
- Mindfulness and meditation: These practices can help to reduce your cortisol levels and build up some more coping ability. A significant number of cases have shown patients getting remarkably improved results through regular meditation.
- Exercise: Regular physical activities are the keys to healthy coping with stress and overall good thyroid health. But be cautious, as too much exercise might stress the thyroid at times.
- Sleep hygiene. Both stress and thyroid are very dependent on quality and amount of sleep. Try for 7-9 hours of sleep each night.
- Nutrition: Besides supplying the body with more energy, minerals like selenium, iodine, and zinc enhance thyroid health. You could try consuming Brazil nuts, seaweed, and pumpkin seeds in your diet.
- Stress reduction techniques: Just like some diseases are reduced by some t00ls, these activities e.g. deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or yoga for stress, can make you feel less stressed.
The Role of Professional Support
Although these self-care methods are important, I want everyone to know how valuable professional support is. Getting regular check-ups with doctors and even getting tests done for thyroids can help not only to identify but also to resolve any malfunction before it even worsens. Also, if you collaborate with a neurologist, you will acquire a good deal of mastery on how to manage stress, which will be a good thing for you.
Conclusion
As we wrap up our discussions of the brain and stress management, I again think of the heroism I got to witness through my long medical career while dealing with health issues. The road to a well-balanced thyroid and stress is full of ups and downs -however, it cannot be said that it is the easiest path to walk in the world. It is very important to take care of your thyroid through the management of your stress, because that can bring you huge benefits in the end.
If you suspect thyroid disease, it is good to inform a healthcare professional. A simple thyroid test can guide your search by providing you information about the distribution of your thyroid hormones. Also, with the necessary knowledge, help, and a variety of approaches, you will manage the delicate balance between your thyroid and stress which will lead to better life quality for you. After all, health is a mammoth subject in which every small change counts.
This article is for information only. If you have any concerns about your health, please consult your medical practitioner.
Image: Getty Images on UnSplash
