Depression: Can it have any link with thyroid?

Thyroids problems like hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are associated with depression. The thyroid glands situated in front of the larynx, secretes hormones like T3 and T4. Hypothyroidism occurs when the levels of T3 and T4 are not sufficient. This could be caused due to defects in the thyroid gland, pituitary or hypothalamus.

This condition can cause symptoms like weakness, fatigue, constipation, weight gain, depression, joint and muscle pain, brittle hair and nails. If you feel tired and depressed, your doctor may recommend a thyroid hormone level test which will help identify any abnormalities in the levels of your thyroid hormones. If you are diagnosed with hypothyroidism, medications like levothyroxine will help balance out hormone levels and ease depression. Hyperthyroidism is a condition where the thyroid glands are hyperactive.

This condition can also cause symptoms like insomnia, weight gain, weight loss, anxiety, changes in appetite, depression. Hyperthyroidism can be remedies by medications, radioactive iodine or surgery. Once hormone levels even out, the patient feels less depressed and overall well being improves. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism overlap with that of depression. This in itself shows that there is a direct correlation between thyroid hormone levels and depression.