The thyroid gland is essential to properly regulate the body’s metabolism, but psychological and emotional stress can affect its function. Let’s see how to handle this situation to curb the problem.
- We recommend you read: “12 symptoms that alert you that your thyroid is not working well”
What is the thyroid gland?
The thyroid is a small gland located in the front of the neck, just below the Adam’s apple and above the trachea. As the endocrine gland that it is, its main functions are linked to the secretion of hormones , so that it works in coordination with many other producers of hormones distributed throughout the body (such as the adrenal glands or the pineal gland) and with the nervous system to help the person to adjust to different circumstances in a matter of seconds, in addition to participating in the development and growth of the organism.
That is, while the thyroid gland influences many areas of the human body, it is also affected by many others, and through various pathways. This is normal, because the endocrine system, based on the emission and reception of hormones in the blood and in various organs throughout the body, aims to reach “balance” situations in which the body adapts to the requirements of the body. environment and/or the stage of development and maturation of the person (it changes with age).
Specifically, the main functions of the thyroid gland have to do with :
- regulation of heart rate
- The rate of metabolism
- The ability to focus and concentrate on tasks
- The body’s sexual response
- The development and maturation of the body in general and the brain in particular
Thus, the thyroid is involved in processes that have a short-term outcome and others that have a long-term outcome (growth), but they all have something in common: they are based on a very complex network of interactions between hormones and nerve cells. . Although hormones send their “messages” more slowly than neurons (depending on blood circulation to reach their destinations), their effects are felt throughout the body, and there is practically no living cell that they do not send. you get the influence of this domino effect of these molecules. Therefore, the effects of the endocrine and nervous systems have a return on these hormone producers, which are affected by possible chemical or psychological imbalances experienced by the person.
How does stress influence thyroid problems?
With what we have seen so far, we can already intuit that there is a relationship between the psychological state and the functioning of the thyroid . And when we talk about phenomena that are both psychological and physiological, as is the case with stress, this connection is clearer.
Being very stressed, our body begins to produce a large amount of a hormone called cortisol, which seems to hinder the correct functioning of the thyroid and, in particular, modifies its production patterns of thyroid hormone. If high stress levels are maintained for a long time, this can affect the thyroid, which becomes unable to do its job. And in turn, the consequences that this has on our physical health (overweight, inflammation…) and mental health (concentration problems, hypersensitivity…) predispose us to continue being anxious or stressed, giving rise to a vicious circle.
In addition, stress is associated with impaired functioning of the adrenal glands, which secrete cortisol; In certain cases, this alteration generates a qualitative change in the functioning of the immune system, which causes our body’s defenses to attack certain cellular tissues that are in the thyroid .
Of course, it must be taken into account that in most cases in which these phenomena occur, there is either a biological predisposition to have problems with the immune system, or high stress levels must be maintained for a long time, becoming chronic. A single experience of high stress is unlikely to cause thyroid problems. After all, the physiological and psychological mechanisms behind stress are totally natural, and the fact of feeling stressed from time to time is not a bad thing in itself or something to avoid at all costs.
Now, it is clear that those who already have thyroid problems have much more to lose if they do not manage their stress problems correctly . Therefore, in cases like this it is advisable to have psychological assistance.
- We recommend you read: “The 5 types of stress (and their main causes and symptoms)”
What to do to avoid going through these alterations?
Fortunately, there are now effective medical treatments to keep thyroid problems, or at least their short-term symptoms, under control. However, the same cannot be said of stress, which requires a broader approach combining medicine and resources from the field of psychology. That is why in order to manage emotions well in general and stress in particular, it is advisable to go to a psychologist directly (the most effective option), or to try to adopt new habits that promote the correct regulation of anxiety in the day to day . Here are several tips that can help you achieve this:
- Make sure you get enough sleep and have a set sleep schedule.
- Do not consume addictive substances.
- Practice moderate exercise regularly, at least twice a week.
- Set yourself a work routine to perform better and not let time accumulate in an unproductive way.
- Eat well, following a balanced diet that provides you with all the macronutrients and vitamins you need.
- Practica Mindfulness regularmente.
- Detect your stress management behaviors that cause more problems than they solve (pulling your hair, eating without hunger…)
- We recommend you read: “8 relaxation techniques to avoid stress and anxiety”
Are you looking for professional psychological support?
If you are interested in having psychological assistance to improve your stress management skills and emotions in general, please contact me . I am a psychologist specialized in the cognitive-behavioral intervention model and I offer both face-to-face and online sessions by video call.
To the classic question “what do you do?” I always answer “basically I am a psychologist”. In fact, my academic training has revolved around the psychology of development, education and community, a field of study influenced my volunteer activities, as well as my first work experiences in personal services.
