When someone develops depression, the brain usually
becomes the focus of attention. However, other organs can be the source of the
problem as well. A common example is when the thyroid gland produces too little
hormone — a condition known as hypothyroidism.
Nearly 10 million Americans suffer from hypothyroidism.
The condition is much more common in women than in men, and becomes more
prevalent with age. As many as one in five women will develop hypothyroidism by
age 60.
Although researchers are not entirely sure why there is a
link between hypothyroidism and depression, it is likely that some people are
taking antidepressants when they should really be taking thyroid medication.
Dr. Ridha Arem, in his book, “The Thyroid Solution: A
Mind Body Program for Beating Depression and Regaining Your Emotional and
Physical Health”, states:
Scientists now
consider thyroid hormone one of the major “players” in brain chemistry
disorders. And as with any brain chemical disorder, until treated correctly,
thyroid hormone imbalance has serious effects on the patient’s emotions and
behavior.
Hypothyroidism and
Depression
Although hypothyroidism and depression are distinct
diseases, they are interconnected in many people's lives. Sometimes depression
is the first indication that a person's thyroid is underactive (hypothyroid).
If your doctor has diagnosed you with hypothyroidism,
this means that your thyroid (a butterfly-shaped gland in the lower part of the
neck) is secreting insufficient amounts of thyroid hormone, which, in turn,
could interfere with the functioning of virtually every organ, tissue, and cell
in the body. However, because of an overlap of some symptoms of hypothyroidism
and depression, doctors and patients may overlook the possibility that a
depressed patient could actually have an underactive thyroid as well. In those
cases, the person's depressive symptoms could be caused by hypothyroidism
itself.
If you have hypothyroidism, you may have symptoms of
fatigue, lethargy, difficulty concentrating, and excessive sleepiness that may
lead to feelings of depression and the extreme sadness and despair that can
accompany it. At the same time, you could have other symptoms commonly
associated with an underactive thyroid, mentioned below.
Testing and
Diagnosing
So what is thorough testing? In Depression & Your
Thyroid, Gary S. Ross, M.D. lays out a systematic guide for testing and
diagnosis. The first step is to figure out if you have any of the symptoms of
low thyroid and to discuss this with your doctor. These are some of the signs
of thyroid dysfunction, while you may experience only a few of these.
* Fatigue
* Puffy face or swelling in front of the neck
* Oversensitivity to cold
* Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
* Tingling or numbness in hands and legs
* Joint or muscle pain or cramps
* Constipation
* Hair loss
* Dry skin
* Darkening of the skin
* Weight gain
* Difficulty breathing
* Low blood pressure
* Low body temperature
* A slower heart rate
* Slow pulse
* Slow reflexes
* Hoarseness of the voice
* Infertility or repeated miscarriages
Next, your doctor should conduct a physical examination,
which will include checking your blood pressure, pulse, reflexes and thyroid
gland. In people with low thyroid, blood pressure and pulse are low and
reflexes are sluggish. Ross notes that during your physical exam, your thyroid
gland tends to be normal.
Because people with low thyroid typically get cold easily
and have a low temperature, Ross suggests keeping a record of your temperature
every morning for five days. Keep a thermometer by your bed and check it before
getting up or moving.
The first round of tests should include: Free T3; free
T4; TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone); antiperoxidase antibody and
antithyroglobulin antibody.
The second round of tests includes a 24-hour urine sample
for T3 and T4 hormones. Sometimes the tests will include a TBII or
thyroid-binding inhibitory immunoglobulin, but it is not typically ordered.
Doctors usually perform the third round of tests to confirm
positively that a person has hypothyroidism. They may look at adrenal function,
male and female hormones, virus and bacterial infections, intestinal parasites,
molds, food sensitivities, minerals, toxic metals, liver, coagulation,
antioxidants, amino acids and organic acids. Whether you have any of these
tests will depend on your symptoms and the previous tests.
Some of these tests are more accurate than others; and
all tests have their limitations. This is why it is important to pay particular
attention to your day-to-day symptoms. Ross writes:
No blood test can
completely and accurately reveal how much of the thyroid hormones is actually
reaching the cells, entering the cells, and successfully turning on
energy-producing biochemistry of the cells. This is why it is vital to develop
an awareness of the subtleties of your physical, mental and emotional symptoms.
Then, you put your whole picture together with all of the information gleaned
from your tests to determine whether a clinical trial of thyroid medication is
warranted.
Again, even if your results come back “normal,” you still
might have thyroid problems, and a comprehensive evaluation is necessary.
Author and patient advocate Mary Shomon notes the importance of never accepting
that your results are “normal” in this piece. She writes:
I hear from many
thyroid patients who say, “My thyroid tests were ‘normal’ but I still think I
have a thyroid problem.” And, my first question is, what was normal according
to your doctor? As a thyroid patient who wants to feel well, you’re going to
have to accept — and I know this can be frustrating– that you will have to
become more knowledgeable, assertive and empowered when it comes to your
health. And one of the most important steps is no longer relying on the phone
call from the doctor’s office saying “Your thyroid tests came back normal.” Or
the “Blood Test Results Summary” form letter in the mail that has “Thyroid,
Urinalysis, Cholesterol, etc.” with little check marks indicating “OK” next to
them. You need to know the actual numbers — actually, you need to have a hard
copy of the actual lab results, and keep a file of them* — and you need to know
what those numbers mean. Many people are not aware that for 10 years,
physicians have not even been able to agree as to what is considered “normal”
for the thyroid stimulating hormone – TSH – test. And beyond that, there are
other issues, including normal TSH but abnormal T4/T3 — these are the actual
thyroid hormones in the bloodstream — or normal TSH/T4/T3 but elevated
antibodies — that can diagnose thyroid conditions.
Causes of
hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism often develops because of some underlying
disease or because a medical treatment impairs thyroid function.
* Autoimmune disorders.
The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto's
thyroiditis, a chronic autoimmune disorder in which white blood cells make
antibodies that attack and gradually disable the thyroid gland. Another
autoimmune condition, atrophic thyroiditis, shrinks the thyroid. Either of
these conditions significantly reduces thyroid hormone production.
* Surgery.
Partial or complete removal of the thyroid gland —
whether for the treatment of thyroid cancer, an overactive thyroid
(hyperthyroidism, the opposite of hypothyroidism), or some other problem —
permanently decreases or eliminates thyroid hormone production, depending on
how much of the gland is removed.
* Radiation.
Another treatment for an overactive thyroid, radioactive
iodine, may disable the gland, causing permanent hypothyroidism. Likewise,
radiation treatment for Hodgkin's disease, lymphoma, or cancers of the head and
neck may have the same effect.
* Damage to the pituitary gland.
A tumor, radiation, or surgery may damage the pituitary
gland, thus impairing its ability to produce and release TSH. Without this
chemical signal, hormone production in the thyroid may fall.
* Medications.
Some medications —
including the mood stabilizer lithium — can suppress thyroid hormone
production.
* Other causes.
An infection, pregnancy, or other conditions may cause a
temporary inflammation of the thyroid gland (thyroiditis). This may trigger a
brief period of hyperthyroidism, followed by hypothyroidism. In some cases, the
thyroid never fully recovers and hypothyroidism becomes permanent.
Treating
hypothyroidism
Treatment usually involves taking a medication once a day
to restore thyroid hormone levels to normal. Several options exist.
Levothyroxine
The most commonly prescribed drug is a purified form of
synthetic T4, levothyroxine (Levothroid, Synthroid, others). Levothyroxine
works in the same way natural thyroid hormone does, provides stable levels of
hormone, and is well absorbed.
All brands are equally effective, but each brand or
generic formulation contains slight variations of ingredients that may affect
the amount of drug in the blood. The issue is not one of quality, because
generic drugs undergo the same potency tests that brand-name drugs do. Instead,
the problem is that pharmacies may substitute one generic for another.
Therefore it is important to consult with your doctor if, for any reason, you
receive a new brand.
Clinicians determine the initial dose of levothyroxine
based on a patient's weight, age, severity of hypothyroidism, and other medical
conditions or medications. In older people, for example, raising thyroid
hormone levels too quickly may place stress on the heart — so clinicians
usually begin with a low dose and increase it gradually. All people metabolize
drugs in different ways, making the same dose more effective in one person than
another. Certain medications — such as the mood stabilizer carbamazepine
(Tegretol) and the antidepressant sertraline (Zoloft) — may reduce the
effectiveness of levothyroxine. Given all these factors, clinicians order
periodic blood tests to monitor how effective a thyroid medication is for each
individual, and make adjustments based on the results.
Other options
Liothyronine (Cytomel), a synthetic version of T3, is
eliminated from the system faster than T4, so levels fluctuate more. Another
option is liotrix (Thyrolar), which combines both T3 and T4 in one pill. Both
of these drugs may require more careful dosing to avoid raising thyroid hormone
levels too far. Yet some people respond better to these medications.
Combining
antidepressants and thyroid medications
Thyroid medications are sometimes added to antidepressant
treatment to improve mood — even when thyroid function is normal. Clinicians
usually recommend liothyronine (T3 hormone) to augment antidepressant therapy,
but in some cases they recommend levothyroxine (T4). One theory is that thyroid
drugs act in concert with antidepressants in the brain. Another idea is that
thyroid pills boost chemical activity in the brain, improving mood and
concentration.
The Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression
(STAR*D) study evaluated the combination of T3 thyroid hormone and
antidepressants in people who had not improved after two previous treatments.
About 25% of those taking T3 thyroid hormone saw additional improvement in
their symptoms.
Treating
Hypothyroidism Naturally
Making dietary changes is your first line of defense in
treating hypothyroidism. Many people with hypothyroidism experience crippling
fatigue and brain fog, which prompts reaching for non-nutritional forms of
energy like sugar and caffeine.
1. Just say no to the dietary bungee cord. Greatly reduce
or eliminate caffeine and sugar, including refined carbohydrates like flour,
which the body treats like sugar. Make grain-based carbohydrates lesser of a
focus, eating non-starchy vegetables to your heart’s content.
2. Up the protein. Protein transports thyroid hormone to
all your tissues and enjoying it at each meal can help normalize thyroid
function. Proteins include nuts and nut butters; quinoa; hormone- and
antibiotic-free animal products (organic, grass-fed meats, eggs, and
sustainably-farmed fish); and legumes.
3. Get fat. Fat is your friend and cholesterol is the
precursor to hormonal pathways; if you are getting insufficient fat and
cholesterol, you could be exacerbating hormonal imbalance, which includes thyroid
hormones. Natural, healthful fats include olive oil; ghee; avocados; flax
seeds; fish; nuts and nut butters; hormone- and antibiotic-free full fat
cheese, yogurt, and cottage cheese (yes, full fat, not skim); and coconut milk
products.
4. Nutrient-up. While nutritional deficiencies may not be
the cause of hypothyroidism, not having enough of these micronutrients and
minerals can aggravate symptoms: vitamin D, iron, omega-3 fatty acids,
selenium, zinc, copper, vitamin A, the B vitamins, and iodine.
5. Go 100% gluten-free. The molecular composition of
thyroid tissue is almost identical to that of gluten. Eating gluten can
increase the autoimmune attack on your thyroid.
6. Be mindful of goitrogens, which are foods that can
interfere with thyroid function. Goitrogens include broccoli, Brussels sprouts,
cabbage, cauliflower, kale, kohlrabi, rutabaga, turnips, millet, spinach,
strawberries, peaches, watercress, peanuts, radishes, and soybeans. Does it
mean that you can never eat these foods? No, because cooking inactivates
goitrogenic compounds and eating radishes and watercress in moderation is not
going to be a deal-breaker.
7. Go for the glutathione. Glutathione is a powerful
antioxidant that strengthens the immune system. It can boost your body’s
ability to modulate and regulate the immune system, dampen autoimmune
flare-ups, and protect and heal thyroid tissue.
While few foods contain glutathione, there are foods that
help the body produce glutathione: asparagus, broccoli, peaches, avocado,
spinach, garlic, squash, grapefruit, and raw eggs. A plant substance found in
broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage, (those goitrogens), helps replenish
glutathione stores.
8. Do a gut check. A whopping 20 percent of thyroid
function depends on a sufficient supply of healthy gut bacteria, so it is best
to supplement with probiotics (friendly intestinal bacteria).
9. Address silent inflammation with whole foods
nutrition. Systemic inflammation and autoimmunity often go hand-in-hand.
10. Address adrenal fatigue. There is an intimate
connection between your thyroid and adrenal glands and it is uncommon to have
hypothyroidism without some level of adrenal fatigue. The thyroid and adrenals
are like Frick and Frack – so tightly in cahoots that it is not effective to
address one without the other.
11. Look at your stressors and practice relaxation. The
thyroid is a very sensitive gland and is exceptionally reactive to the stress
response.
12. Ask for the thyroid collar. The thyroid is sensitive
to radiation, so next time you are getting an x-ray at the dentist, ask for the
thyroid collar.
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