Can stress cause thyroid problems?

There is a gland under the neck, which is called the thyroid. This gland produces hormones that control how fast the body uses energy, makes proteins, and responds to other hormones. Although there is no solid scientific evidence to prove this connection yet, experts believe that stress can affect this function.

According to some research, it cannot be denied that cortisol levels due to stress can affect thyroid hormone metabolism. Cortisol is the hormone that is produced due to stress in the body. It can suppress the functioning of the pituitary gland and prevent the release of thyroid-stimulating hormones. In this way the chances of getting hypothyroidism increases.

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Stress affects memory and other cognitive functioning, but people with hypothyroidism may have more severe cognitive problems. If left untreated, hypothyroidism, combined with stress, can impair mental functioning. Hence, it is advised that whether one has thyroid or not, it is important to keep stress under control.

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Thyroid problems are usually caused by physical stress. This is called thyroid storm in medical language. It is also called a thyrotoxic storm and hyperthyroid storm. This is a serious condition that occurs in people who have untreated hypothyroidism and Graves' disease.

Thyroid storm can also be caused by infection, heart attack, physical stress such as childbirth and diabetes, or hypothyroidism treatment such as surgery and radioactive iodine therapy. Thyroid storm is a serious problem, which requires immediate medical help. Symptoms of thyroid storm are -

• High fever
• Profuse sweating
• Irregular heartbeat
• Feeling anxious and nervous
• Body movement
• Vomiting and nausea
• Epileptic seizures
• State of confusion

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To manage stress with thyroid it is important to keep the following things in mind -

• Try to remove the problem going on in your mind by writing a diary or talking to someone close to you.
• Learning to manage time.
• Have positive thinking and behavior.
• Accepting that some things are not in our hands.
• Exercising daily.
• Eating the right diet, which includes less sugar, caffeine, and alcohol consumption.
• Get enough sleep
• Carve out time each day to relax.

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Thyroid can be caused by stress, it has not been proven yet, but it is sure that if the thyroid is not treated, it can strengthen the mental balance when combined with stress. Therefore, it is important to focus on keeping stress under control.

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