If you’ve been feeling anxious, low, or emotionally off and can’t quite explain why, it may not be just stress or life circumstances. It could be your thyroid.
The thyroid is a small gland in the neck that produces hormones controlling energy, mood, and brain function. When the thyroid is out of balance, the brain often is too. That’s why mood issues like anxiety and depression are common signs of both hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).
With hypothyroidism, you may feel:
- Depressed or emotionally flat
- Low energy and motivation
- Brain fog or memory issues
- A sense of heaviness or hopelessness
With hyperthyroidism, symptoms may include:
- Anxiety or nervousness
- Racing thoughts
- Trouble sleeping
- Mood swings or irritability
Unfortunately, these symptoms are often misdiagnosed or brushed off. Many people are prescribed antidepressants or anti-anxiety meds without ever having their thyroid thoroughly checked.
In standard care, thyroid testing often includes only TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone). But TSH alone doesn’t tell the full story. A person can have “normal” TSH levels but still have thyroid dysfunction, especially if there’s an underlying autoimmune issue like Hashimoto’s.
This is why functional medicine takes a broader, deeper approach. It looks at the full thyroid panel, as well as gut health, nutrient levels, inflammation, and hormone balance. These factors all play a role in how the brain and body communicate.
By addressing the root causes of thyroid dysfunction, it’s possible to reduce or eliminate mood-related symptoms without needing to rely on medications long-term.
A customized plan may include:
- Nutrition to reduce inflammation and support brain health
- Stress management and sleep support
- Nutrients like selenium, zinc, and B vitamins
- Identifying and removing autoimmune triggers
If you’ve been struggling with anxiety or depression and feel like something deeper is going on, don’t ignore it. The root cause could be your thyroid, and the right testing and support from a functional wellness practitioner can make all the difference.
If you’ve been told your labs are “normal” but you still feel anxious, depressed, or not like yourself, don’t settle for surface answers. A deeper look at your thyroid could reveal what’s really going on, and give you a clear path toward healing, balance, and feeling like you again.