Having problems with your thyroid has the potential to result in a multitude of symptoms. Whether you experience all, some, or none of them is an entirely different matter. Because everyone’s body is different, their thyroid gland and therefore their hormones will differ greatly from one person to the next. Your thyroid is an endocrine gland in your neck, secreting two main hormones into your blood. These are needed for all of the cells and body systems to work as normal, but a thyroid condition has a knock-on effect to lots of different parts of your body’s functions and health. If you’re noticing some things are out of the ordinary, your thyroid might be having a little trouble.
In fact, a thyroid disorder or condition can in fact induce anxiety, amongst other mental and physical health problems.
What is an overactive thyroid gland?
Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid gland, secrets too much of the two hormones. This leads to an increased activity of your body cells and organs, leading to a multitude of different symptoms. For example, your mental health could begin to waver when experiencing an overactive thyroid. Nervousness, anxiety, irritability, and mood swings are all common symptoms of an overactive thyroid condition that often go unheeded or unreported. Difficulty sleeping and persistent tiredness or weakness also filter into these symptoms. Some of the more physical and bodily symptoms include sensitivity to heat, swelling in your neck, an irregular or noticeably faster heart rate, twitching or trembling, and noticeable weight loss. These are more of the tell-tale symptoms of an overactive thyroid condition, but the mental health aspects are often not paid attention to because some people fail to attribute these contributing factors.
Does an underactive thyroid gland cause anxiety?
An underactive thyroid gland has not been linked to anxiety but is has otherwise been linked to different mental health concerns. Hypothyroidism involves too little of these essential hormones being produced, leading to the cells and organs in your body slowing down. Tiredness, weight gain, and depression are therefore commonly linked to having an underactive thyroid. Being sensitive to the cold, dry skin and hair, and aching and stiff muscles are some of the more bodily symptoms associated with this condition, though the knock-on effects of mental health certainly aren’t to be ignored either.
How can I treat my thyroid condition?
If the thyroid lump becomes malignant, causes an obstruction, or causes these excess hormone imbalances, then you may find it beneficial to consider surgery. Mr Hughes provides thyroid lump removal after a detailed and thorough consultation at one of his London locations. The surgery itself involves a small incision in a lower crease in your neck, causing as little disruption to your body as possible. After the necessary part of the thyroid has been removed, the wound is closed together using sutures. These will typically be removed after a few days or otherwise dissolve naturally, and comprehensive aftercare support will be offered. Your scar, once healed, is usually hardly noticeable. Your voice may sound a little hoarse after surgery, though this is entirely normal and only temporary. If there are no complications, you can return home after a day of rest.
Your thyroid condition definitely has the ability to affect your mental health with its hormone imbalances, causing either anxiety or depression depending on the level. If your thyroid lump or hormone imbalance is impeding on your daily life and comfort, then please don’t hesitate to contact Mr Jonathan Hughes our ENT surgeon in Harley Street, London. Enquire online or call 020 3897 0667 today.