Whenever we are feeling extremely down, we often attribute it to mental health problems, particularly depression. However, many fail to consider the possibility that the culprit behind their mental and emotional struggles might be their thyroid. Yes. You read that right. Maaaring magdulot ng mga pagbabago sa ating mental health ang pagkakaroon ng sakit sa thyroid.
The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located in our neck. Ang primary function nito ay ang pag-produce ng hormones na tinatawag na triiodothyronine o T3 at thyroxine o T4. These hormones regulate metabolism, which in turn affects our overall bodily functions including our brain, kung kaya’t maaaring magkaroon ito ng malaking epekto sa ating mental health. The two most common psychological manifestations of thyroid diseases are anxiety and depression. In general, anxiety is more often found in hyperthyroid (overactive thyroid) patients, but they can still show depressive symptoms. On the other hand, depression is more commonly linked with hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).
Hypothyroidism and Depression
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. This condition slows down many of the body’s functions, katulad na lamang ng ating metabolism at brain activity, kung kaya’t nakakaranas ng mga sintomas tulad ng pagkapagod, pagtaas ng timbang, panghihina, at depresyon ang mga indibidwal na mayroong hypothyroidism.
Even though a link between hypothyroidism and depression has long been established, the mechanisms behind this connection are still not clear. However, existing research suggests that thyroid hormones are essential to maintaining a balanced brain chemistry. Low levels of thyroid hormones affect brain metabolism, and this can lead to issues with neurotransmitters (the brain’s chemical messengers). Ang mga komplikasyon na ito na dulot ng hypothyroidism ang nagreresulta sa depresyon.
How to treat thyroid depression?
If you are struggling with thyroid-related depression, you need a comprehensive approach that will address both the thyroid disorder and the depressive symptoms. Kung sa tingin mo ay dulot ng thyroid ang iyong nararamdamang depresyon, mainam na magpakonsulta muna sa doktor upang makakuha ng tamang diagnosis at maplano nang mabuti ang iyong gamutan.
The standard treatment for hypothyroidism is thyroid hormone replacement therapy. This is done by taking a drug called levothyroxine which is meant to replace the thyroid hormones that your body does not produce. This will help normalize thyroid hormone levels and alleviate both the physical and depressive symptoms associated with hypothyroidism.
Mahalaga rin na direktang matugunan ang depresyon na kaakibat ng hypothyroidism. This entails getting help from mental health professionals who can provide the support you need. Depending on the severity of your depressive symptoms, your doctor may also prescribe antidepressants. In relation to this, natagpuan din sa ilang mga pag-aaral na nadadagdagan ng levothyroxine ang bisa ng antidepressants sa mga kaso ng thyroid-related depression.
Kung ikaw ay nangangailangan ng todo aruga para sa iyong thyroid problems and depression, MedChoice has the solution for you. For hypothyroidism, MedChoice offers Thydin®, a levothyroxine tablet which is available in the following dosage strengths: 12.5 mcg tablet, 25 mcg tablet, 50 mcg tablet, 100 mcg tablet, and 150 mcg tablet. Carbimazole (Neomerdin®), Thiamazole/Methimazole (Tapdin®), and Propranolol HCl (Indirin®) which are used for hyperthyroid conditions, are also available at MedChoice.
For more information about our thyroid medications and how they can help, visit our Thyroid Diseases page.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to substitute professional expertise. Ask your doctor or healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
References:
Hage, Mirella P. and Azar, Sami T. (2012). The Link between Thyroid Function and Depression. Retrieved August 10, 2024, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3246784/#B1.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (n.d.). Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid). Retrieved August 9, 2024, from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases/hypothyroidism
National Institute of Mental Health (n.d.). Depression. Retrieved August 10, 2024, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression.
Nuguru, Surya P. et al. (2022). Hypothyroidism and Depression: A Narrative Review. Retrieved August 10, 2024, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9392461/.
Watson, Kathryn (2019). What’s the Link Between Thyroid Conditions and Depression? Retrieved August 10, 2024, from https://www.healthline.com/health/thyroid-and-depression.
WebMD Editorial Contributors (2023). Depression, the Thyroid, and Hormones. Retrieved August 9, 2024, from https://www.webmd.com/depression/depression-the-thyroid-and-hormones.