NeuroStar® TMS Therapy
FDA-cleared, non-medication depression treatment
Why Am I So Tired? The Thyroid and Depression
If you find yourself reaching for an extra cup of coffee or pining for a nap between Zoom calls, you can often point to the reason: an early wake-up time, a series of especially busy days, or maybe even a late-night Netflix binge. But if you're not feeling refreshed after a good night's sleep, there may be something else causing your tiredness and lack of energy. If your fatigue is paired with a persistent low mood, depression is one possible explanation, but it's not the only one. Issues with the thyroid gland can also cause tiredness and low mood. Hypothyroidism is a common contributing factor in mood changes, especially among women and older adults. Hypothyroidism and depression can also have a significant overlap in symptoms, and both require medical attention, so it's important to see a doctor for an evaluation if you're experiencing symptoms of one or both.
What Is the Thyroid?
The thyroid is a shield-shaped gland in the front of the neck, just behind the Adam's apple. It releases hormones that affect every cell of the body. The thyroid contributes to several bodily functions, including telling the body how to use calories, regulating body temperature, speeding up and slowing down heart rate, helping muscles contract, regulating how fast food moves through the digestive system, and managing how quickly cells regenerate. When the thyroid stops working as it should, typically due to factors such as medications, age, genetics, or autoimmune disease, it can cause a host of problems related to body functions and sense of well-being, including mental health.
The Thyroid and Depression
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid is not secreting enough hormones, which can result in a number of symptoms that overlap with those of depression, including:
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Low mood
- Difficulty concentrating
These symptoms are so similar to those of depression that they often lead people to believe they have Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) instead. But while the presentation of a depressive episode caused by hypothyroidism and one cased by MDD may be the same, the diagnoses are different; with hypothyroidism, the depressive episode is related to low serum thyroid hormone levels, but with MDD, the direct cause is unknown. In addition, the effects of hypothyroidism can worsen pre-existing depression. There are other symptoms of hypothyroidism that don't overlap with depression, such as constipation, feeling cold all the time, stiff muscles, cramping, and hair loss. Being aware of the symptoms of hypothyroidism and depression can enable you to paint a more complete picture of your condition for your doctor so they can help you get the treatment and care you need.
The Impact of Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism, on the other hand, is when the thyroid produces too much thyroid hormone. In a lot of ways, it's the opposite of hypothyroidism. Instead of causing a slow metabolism, hyperthyroidism can cause the metabolism to operate too quickly, making it difficult to gain and retain weight. Instead of feeling depressed, you may feel anxious or nervous with hyperthyroidism. You might also experience heart palpitations, difficulties with sleeping or tolerating heat, and muscle weakness. Anxiety is the most common mental health concern caused by hyperthyroidism, with 60% of hyperthyroidism patients reporting it. However, hyperthyroidism can also occasionally cause depressive symptoms, especially among elderly people. People with hyperthyroidism can also develop a large thyroid, or goiter, in the neck. It may also lead to Grave's ophthalmopathy, which causes the eyes to bulge out of their sockets. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's important to contact your doctor for further evaluation.
Diagnosis and Treatment
The good news is that the diagnosis of thyroid conditions is relatively simple, typically consisting of a blood test. From there, treatment is also fairly straightfoward, though it is usually life-long and may require regular checkups to ensure that the dosage is appropriate. Treating thyroid conditions can effectively moderate depressive symptoms caused by the thyroid and prevent other health problems associated with thyroid issues. In addition, thyroid disease treatments are sometimes used alongside antidepressant medications as mood boosters, even when a blood test shows normal thyroid function, according to Harvard Medical School. The potential relationship between the thyroid and depression underlines the importance of a comprehensive physical exam for fully addressing your symptoms. It's a classic case of a sound body contributing to a sound mind.
If you are seeking relief from depression symptoms, remain persistent in your search. Thyroid medications, antidepressants, and non-drug treatments like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) have all been shown to improve quality of life for people with depression. Talk to your doctor about which treatment option may be the best fit for you.
Let's see if we might be a good fit
Take our short quiz to see if TMS therapy or nasal esketamine could be right for you
Share this post
We're Better Together
Subscribe for mental health, self-care, and TMS therapy and nasal esketamine updates for those affected by treatment-resistant depression or OCD.
Contact Us
By providing your email address, you are consenting to receive blog updates from Greenbrook TMS Inc. You may unsubscribe from these alerts at any time by following the “unsubscribe” link at the bottom of email alerts. At Greenbrook TMS Inc. we take the privacy and security of your personal information seriously. To learn more about how we protect your personal information, please refer to our Privacy Policy.
You might also like
Kelly’s Journey as a Senior Behavioral Health Technician at Greenbrook Mental Wellness Centers
By: Mitchell Whigham, PA-C Physician Assistant, Greenbrook Mental Wellness Centers
By: Mitchell Whigham, PA-C Physician Assistant, Greenbrook Mental Wellness Centers
By: Joe Morales Manager of Regional Operations, Greenbrook Mental Wellness Centers
