Thyroid disease: How does it affect your mood?

Can thyroid disease affect your mood?

No Name / Washington

Answer

Thyroid disease can cause emotional disturbances. Although some researchers doubt whether mild thyroid problems affect mood, most studies show that thyroid disease can cause anxiety or depression.

If you have hyperthyroidism, you may experience unusual nervousness, restlessness, anxiety and irritability. On the opposite end of the spectrum, if you have hypothyroidism, you may experience fatigue and depression ranging from mild to severe.

In some people, anxiety or depression may be due to thyroid disease. However, it is very unlikely that emotional symptoms would be the only evidence of thyroid disease. Thyroid disease is usually associated with signs and symptoms such as weight gain or loss, sensitivity to hot or cold, bowel movement changes and menstrual irregularities.

If thyroid disease is the culprit, treatment of the underlying thyroid problem usually helps. Depending on the cause, thyroid disease may be treated with drugs, radiation, or, rarely, surgery.

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