The Connection Between
Thyroid Hormones and
Mental Health

Mental Health Effects Vary According to the Type of Disorder

The exact effects on a person’s mood depend on the type of thyroid disorder they’re experiencing:

• Underactive Thyroid (Hypothyroidism) – People with hypothyroidism may have problems with extreme tiredness that persist even with sufficient rest. Depression issues can also occur.

• Overactive Thyroid (Hyperthyroidism) – With hyperthyroidism, a person may experience worry and anxiety, as well as being prone to irritability.

Additionally, hypothyroidism can cause problems with cognition. This includes issues with concentration, diminished mental alertness, and lack of short-term memory.

How Are These Mental Health Issues Treated?

The first step to getting help for any thyroid disorder is receiving an accurate diagnosis. In addition to the above mental health effects, people with under or overactive thyroids may experience the following physical symptoms:

• Altered menstrual cycles
• Unintended weight gain or loss
• Sensitivity to high and low temperatures
• Changes in bowel movements

After diagnosis, your treatment will depend on the type of thyroid disorder you have. When it comes to underactive thyroids, hormone therapy can support healthy bodily function by replacing the hormones that would normally be produced by the gland. As for hyperthyroidism, treatments include medication, radioactive iodine therapy, and surgery. These treatments can stop physical symptoms, but they can also improve mental health and mood in people with thyroid conditions.