This article is compiled by Sanjana Varma, a freelance writer at Proactive For Her.
When your thyroid hormone produced by thyroid glands is too high, you may suffer from what is known as hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism presents as asymptomatic in most cases. In some cases, an overactive thyroid gland can lead to severe anxiety or even possible panic attacks.
Understanding Your Anxiety
Hyperthyroid patients sometimes exhibit an anxiety disorder. You should understand that anxiety is your body’s normal way of reacting to changes. If this happens on a large scale, affecting your life and decisions, then you need help. Blood tests are used to diagnose hyperthyroidism. When you are diagnosed with anxiety disorder, your practitioner asks you to check your thyroid level. Hyperthyroidism is not a rare condition and can be the cause of your anxiety. It is important to consult your doctor and get an accurate diagnosis of your anxiety. Your anxiety may still have developed for reasons unrelated to your thyroid hormone.
How hyperthyroidism causes anxiety
In hyperthyroidism, a hyperactive thyroid gland produces more hormone than is needed for your body’s sympathetic nervous system. This causes a heightened sensitivity and reaction to stimuli. Normal situations of daily stress can cause you to hit the panic button. This also leads to irritability, excessive sweating, and trembling of hands. In extreme cases, anxiety caused by hyperthyroidism leads to insomnia (inability to sleep). It is hard to distinguish the difference between anxiety caused due to stressful situations and anxiety caused by hyperthyroidism. The best way is to get yourself medically checked. If you experience anxiety daily, feel excessively nervous in daily situations, and often get irritated for small reasons, don’t blame yourself. It might just be your thyroid.
Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is the result of hormonal imbalance. This affects many important body functions including that of your heart and brain. These symptoms can worsen your anxiety levels.
Some major symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:
- Sudden and drastic weight loss
- Irregular periods
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Insomnia
- Osteoporosis (brittle bones)
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Heart palpitations
- Swelling in the neck
- Hair loss/ baldness
Anxiety as a Symptom of Hyperthyroidism
Anxiety can develop separately or as a result of hyperthyroidism. Many studies have been conducted in this area, but a clear distinction has not been drawn with regards to the cause of anxiety.
The symptoms of anxiety may present as:
- Nervous tremors/shaking
- Sleeplessness
- Heart palpitations/racing heart
- Sweating
- Irritability
- Weight loss
- Swollen eye muscles
- Hair loss
- Fatigue
Fighting your anxiety and your hyperthyroidism
There are many very safe ways of managing an overactive thyroid, with the help of lifestyle changes and the suggested mode of treatment by your doctor. It is hard to say if your anxiety can be stopped from recurring. The best way is to find ways to manage your anxiety.
Here are some ways to combat anxiety:
- Take some time to disconnect yourself from gadget use and the outside world: True that your career and personal life rely heavily on your phone connection, but you must switch it off for at least a few hours daily. This includes mealtimes and at bedtime.
- Try to incorporate exercise in your daily routine: Exercise helps you stay fit and also feel good. Exercise releases ‘endorphins’, the feel-good hormone, into your bloodstream. This helps to fight the effects of anxiety.
- Avoid a build-up of emotions and find the proper channels to express them: Never keep your fears bottled up inside. Expressing yourself to a friend, family member or to therapist will help ease the stress and reduce panic attacks.
- Learn to prioritize and enjoy time with yourself: Even finding half an hour of peace and quiet helps to calm the mind and improve health. Developing a hobby like dance or art will help channel your anxiety.
- Join support groups: Community healing has numerous benefits, it might be helpful to work with others experiencing similar problems. This can help you feel less alone in navigating the stress and strain of everyday life.
- Therapy sessions: One on one therapy session with a mental health practitioner can help you reach your best state of mental health.. Although it may seem time-consuming, it is a very effective form of treatment.
- Practice Mindfulness: A form of therapeutic approach that helps you focus on the present moment. The method is tailored to suit your personality. This includes openness and non-judgment about the experience.
- Yoga: Learning yoga is the best gift you can give yourself. Practising yoga has many benefits, it can help you control your mind and body. Breathing exercises and asanas may help you clear your mind of anxiety and promote harmony in your life.
Final Thoughts
Thyroid problems often run in families and if family members are unwell they should be encouraged to discuss with their own GP whether thyroid testing is warranted. Anxiety may develop without hyperthyroidism, it is still anxiety. The earlier the diagnosis, the better the outcome.
Your emotional and mental health problems should improve as your thyroid condition stabilises, and the long-term prospect is good. Some people may take time to recover and that is normal as well. Consult your doctor for more information. Understand that this condition can be controlled. Don’t let fear hold you back from living your life fully.
Disclaimer- This information is provided for educational purposes and should not be construed as medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare practitioners before undertaking any changes in your diet or adding supplements.
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