Anxiety is a common thing that can happen to anyone of any age. There is a rise in anxiety cases lately due to the pandemic situation and lockdown. But if you believe that is the only reason behind your anxiety, we must tell you that it is not. There are several causing factors for anxiety and it can get triggered due to either of them. The newest factor as found by researchers is inflammation in the thyroid gland.
How are thyroid gland and anxiety related to each other?
As we all know, hormonal fluctuations can cause an array of internal health problems. Psychological issues like stress, anxiety and other disorders are also triggered by hormones. Most commonly, these are linked with cortisol, the stress hormone. But scientists have found that thyroxine hormone produced by the thyroid gland can also cause anxiety. By examining the function of the thyroid gland, the risk of anxiety disorder can be determined. Thyroid inflammation can cause anxiety attacks but not panic attacks.
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What does the research say?
According to researchers, inflammation in the thyroid gland can potentially cause anxiety. This is because thyroid functions are linked to anxiety disorders and inflammation in the thyroid gland is an underlying risk factor for anxiety and other psychiatric disorders. The thyroid gland produces thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) hormones that regulate many functions. Autoimmune inflammation in the gland is possible and some symptoms may indicate.
To find the connection, researchers investigated thyroid functions in over 50 people who suffered anxiety and panic attacks. They found that most of the patients with anxiety had noticeable inflammation in the thyroid gland. Upon giving medications for thyroid inflammation, their anxiety levels also dropped.
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Dr. Juliya Onofriichuk from Kyiv City Clinical Hospital, Ukraine says, “These findings indicate that the endocrine system may play an important role in anxiety. Doctors should also consider the thyroid gland and the rest of the endocrine system, as well as the nervous system when examining patients with anxiety."
Thus, anxiety can also be caused due to hormonal imbalance and inflammation in the body. If you suffer from anxiety for longer periods, consult a psychiatrist.
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