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Stress, a commonly heard word, has become an unwanted companion in today’s fast-paced world. There is stress everywhere, from juggling interpersonal problems to completing deadlines. When it becomes chronic, it can affect productivity, causing insomnia, anxiety, depression and hair loss, affecting overall well-being. Among the many systems it impacts, the thyroid gland is one of the most vulnerable, as stress significantly affects its functioning. Therefore, thyroid diseases are becoming increasingly common, affecting about 42 million people in India.
This blog will help you understand the relationship between stress and thyroid health.
Synopsis
Understanding the Thyroid Gland and Its Functioning
The thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped endocrine gland located in the front of your neck, which produces thyroid hormones like thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones regulate the body’s metabolism, growth, development, energy levels, body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, and even mood.
The hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis is a complex feedback loop that coordinates with the brain to regulate the production and release of thyroid hormones. This pathway helps balance T3 and T4 hormone levels, ensuring the body’s overall physiological stability. This imbalance can lead to thyroid problems, with early signs such as menstrual irregularities, hair loss, insomnia, dry skin, weight changes, fatigue, and temperature sensitivity.
Uncovering the Connection Between Stress and Thyroid Health
The thyroid gland also works with the adrenal glands, which can easily handle a small amount of stress and, in turn, release cortisol, which enhances bodily functions. This is done through the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.
But in the event of chronic stress, it activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, releasing high levels of cortisol, which suppresses the thyroid function and disrupts the hormonal balance by affecting the HPT axis. This impacts the physical and mental health of the body.
Effect of Stress on Thyroid Health
Chronic stress can affect thyroid health in the following ways:
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High cortisol levels reduce the conversion of T4 to T3 and increase the levels of reverse T3, an inactive form that blocks the functioning of T3, causing hypothyroidism, a condition characterised by reduced levels of thyroid hormone.
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Inhibits the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), resulting in decreased production of thyroid hormones.
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Increases the risk of autoimmune thyroid diseases like Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis by weakening the immune system.
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Encourages unhealthy dietary choices, lack of exercise, and disrupted sleep patterns, which indirectly affect thyroid function.
Therefore, the more stressed you are, the harder it becomes for your thyroid to function efficiently.
Stress vs Thyroid: Know the Symptoms
Many stress symptoms can overlap with thyroid problem symptoms, making it challenging to diagnose whether you have thyroid issues, stress or both.
The common signs of both diseases are:
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Mood swings
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Weight changes
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Disturbed sleep
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Irregular periods
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Brain fogging
If you are experiencing these signs, consult a doctor to rule out both thyroid issues and chronic stress.
Causes of Stress
Acute stress can be beneficial, as it prepares your body to handle immediate challenges, such as an exam, a tight deadline, or a competition. However, chronic stress keeps the body in a constant fight-or-flight state, which can lead to long-term health problems. Understanding the causes of stress can help manage it more effectively.
The common chronic stress triggers are:
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Job insecurity, work pressure of meeting deadlines
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Relationship conflicts or family responsibilities
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Financial issues
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Health concerns
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Major life changes like moving cities, homes, retiring, having a baby, or the loss of someone close
How to Reduce Stress to Protect Your Thyroid Health?
By following some effective stress management strategies, you can reduce stress and support your thyroid health.
These include:
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Eating right: A well-balanced diet has protein, fibre, omega-3s, selenium, zinc, iron, copper, iodine, and other vitamins and minerals for good thyroid and overall health. Reduce the consumption of alcohol, sugar, processed foods and caffeine.
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Prioritising Sleep: Thyroid issues and stress can affect sleep, but aim to sleep for at least 7-9 hours, giving your body time to heal and hormones to reset. Follow a strict bedtime routine and avoid gadgets hours before bedtime.
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Relaxing: Calm your body and nervous system to reduce cortisol levels and improve stress and thyroid health by doing yoga, deep breathing or meditation exercises.
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Staying Active: Relaxing and keeping the body active are both important to combat stress. Try gentle exercises like swimming, walking, or others to keep your body active without stressing it.
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Counselling and Therapy: To manage emotional triggers, one can seek help from a healthcare professional through counselling or therapy sessions.
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Detoxing Digitally: Screen time raises stress, so keep stress levels under control by minimising usage of digital devices.
Conclusion
Stress is not just a mental issue; it affects your whole body and thyroid function. Understanding the connection between stress and thyroid health can help manage these issues in a better way. Eradicating stress is not possible, but by making small and consistent efforts, your body’s stress levels can be controlled, thereby supporting the thyroid and boosting overall health.
If you’re feeling unwell, fatigued, or experiencing sleep disturbances, don’t ignore the signs. Consult our endocrinologist at Manipal Hospitals, Dhakuria, for a comprehensive evaluation of your stress and thyroid health.
FAQ's
Stress can be acute, i.e., short-term, episodic acute stress that is frequent and affects people of certain professions, and chronic stress, which is long-term stress that goes on for weeks and months.
Chronic stress can lead to various complications such as
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Digestive system issues – weight gain or loss, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome
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Immune system problems – fibromyalgia, psoriasis
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Cardiovascular issues – increased heart rate, high blood pressure
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Reproductive system – polycystic ovarian syndrome, infections
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Thyroid issues – hypothyroidism, autoimmune thyroid disorders
Acute stress generally goes away on its own when the event is over, but when the stress is consistent, it leads to chronic stress, which needs evaluation and treatment by an expert to reduce stress and manage its complications.
Most thyroid diseases are lifelong conditions, requiring prolonged medications and follow-up. However, some thyroid disorders may resolve without long-term treatment. Seek help from an expert for effective treatment and management.
You can schedule an appointment with our endocrinologist at Manipal Hospitals, Dhakuria, by contacting us or visiting our website.
Visit: https://www.manipalhospitals.com/dhakuria/specialities/diabetes-and-endocrinology/
Contact no: 033 6907 0001
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