How Stress Affects Your ThyroidStress is something that most people experience on a regular basis. Of course there are the obvious causes of stress that come from everyday situations, like driving in traffic, financial problems, having a busy schedule, job loss, relationship problems, etc. However, there are also the less well-known causes of stress that have the exact same impact on the body and result in it reacting in exactly the same way. These include: large fluctuations in blood sugar, gut problems (irritable bowel syndrome, coeliac disease, intestinal hyperpermeability, etc.), food intolerances, autoimmune problems, inflammation, infection, and environmental toxins.
![]() With any type of stress that disturbs the body's homeostasis (balance), the body responds by secreting hormones from the adrenal glands, such as cortisol, adrenalin, and noradrenalin as well as cytokines (small proteins released from various cells) that affect inflammation and cellular function. These hormones and cytokines play important roles within the body, particularly when it comes to the functioning of the thyroid gland. In this article we will examine how stress affects your thyroid gland and what you can do to ensure its impact is limited.
Disrupts the HPA axisThere is a complex interaction that occurs between the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, and the adrenal glands (HPA axis). It regulates a range of functions in the body including, temperature, digestion, immune function, metabolism, and the functioning of various organs/ glands, including the thyroid gland.Studies show that cortisol as well as certain inflammatory cytokines, produced in response to stress, affect the HPA axis by decreasing the production of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH is responsible for the stimulating the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones. Therefore, a reduction in its production also results in a corresponding reduction in thyroid hormone output.
Reduced conversion of T4 to T3T4 (thyroxine) is considered to be the 'inactive' thyroid hormone while T3 (triodothyronine) is the 'active' form. Only 15-20% of the T3 circulating in the blood stream is produced in the thyroid gland. The rest gets converted from T4 in peripheral tissues of the body, particularly the liver, kidneys and gut.The process of converting T4 into T3 requires an enzyme, 5'-deiodinase. Unfortunately though, inflammatory cytokines resulting from stress, inhibit the conversion of T4 into T3. It also results in a greater conversion of T4 into reverse T3 (rT3), which blocks T3 receptors in cell membranes, inhibiting its effects in cells.
Increased risk of autoimmunity![]() When these important barriers are damaged large proteins and antigens are able to pass through and enter the body. This invokes an immune system reaction in order to protect the body. If it happens repeatedly then an autoimmune condition, like Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, may result.
Thyroid hormone resistanceIn order for thyroid hormones to be effective they need to bind with receptors on cell membranes. However, inflammation, which may result from stress, reduces thyroid receptor sensitivity on cell membranes. This means that even though production of thyroid hormones may be sufficient and conversion of T4 into T3 may be adequate, if the T3 is unable to bind to cell receptors then it is unable to stimulate the cell to respond accordingly.
Excessive levels of Thyroid Binding Globulin (TBG)Cortisol is one of the primary stress hormones. If its levels remain elevated in the body for an extended period of time it decreases the liver's ability to remove excessive oestrogens from the blood stream, and therefore the body.A high level of oestrogen in the body, which may also be caused by birth control pills and/ or hormone replacement therapy, is associated with elevated levels of thyroid binding globulin (TBG). TBG is a protein that carries thyroid hormones around the body. When the thyroid hormones, both T4 and T3, are bound to TBG they are inactive. Therefore, lowering stress will enable the liver to be able remove the excess oestrogen from the body and therefore lower the TBG levels.
How to reduce stress and improve your thyroid gland's functioning:There are many steps you can take in order to reduce your stress levels and the impact it has on your body, and particularly your delicate thyroid gland.![]()
Your thyroid gland plays such an important role in the overall health of your body. Unfortunately though, in today's society stress is something that few people can avoid. Therefore, it is essential that everyone takes the steps necessary to minimise their stress levels as much as possible and reduces its impact on their body. Click here to return to Please Add Your Comments Here!Thank you for taking the time to comment on this article. Here is the complete list of thyroid articles:Can You Get Off Thyroid Medication?T3 and T4 Thyroid Hormones Thyroid Disease Caused By Inflammation 5 Common Thyroid Problems The Ideal Thyroid Diet For You Thyroid Diet Foods and Nutrients The Importance of a Healthy Thyroid Gland What Causes Thyroid Disease Symptoms? Do You Have Low Thyroid Symptoms? Alternative Thyroid Treatments How Stress Affects Your Thyroid What is Hashimoto Thyroiditis? Reverse T3- The Hidden Cause of Thyroid Problems Should You Use a Thyroid Supplement? The Causes of Thyroid Problems Underactive Thyroid and Nutritional Deficiencies |
Recommended ReadingRecommended ProductFree ReportSubscribers to the
|
||
[?] Subscribe To This Site
|
|||
Copyright© Quick Weight Loss Principles 2009-2017. |