When the thyroid is imbalanced, men
often experience mood disorders
Summary:
There are several causes of thyroid problems, but usually, it is due to an autoimmune response – this is when your body’s immune system goes into self-destruct mode, attacking the thyroid, thinking it is a foreign body. This attack causes the thyroid to slow the production of thyroid hormones, and symptoms may develop. It is common for thyroid problems to be hereditary, so if a family member suffers from hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, there is a chance you will too. Notably, the most common disorder is an underactive thyroid which is often easy to correct using medications.
Grave’s disease and chronic thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis) are autoimmune diseases of the thyroid gland. The cause of grave’s disease is when TSH receptors located on the thyroid gland react to an antibody known as TSH receptor antibody (TRAb). This antibody causes an increase in the thyroid hormone T4 and T4. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the exact opposite. Thyroid function slows due to a TSH stimulation-blocking antibody (TSBAb) which blocks the action of TSH hormone and subsequently damages and causes shrinkage to the thyroid gland.
When the thyroid isn’t working efficiently, people often develop mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. These types of mood disorders are common for those with either an underactive or overactive thyroid.
Hypothyroidism, in particular, can affect your ability to ‘think straight,’ affecting your mood and often causing depression. Reduced thyroid hormones cause reduced cognitive reasoning, and mental processing slows down. Over time this constant reduction in hormones can cause depression and even symptoms of dementia. Studies show [2] that psychiatric symptoms and disorders frequently occur in patients with thyroid dysfunction.
Studies [3] support theories that dysfunction in the hypothalamus-pituitary thyroid axis (HPT) can lead to depression. This neuroendocrine system is triggered by a chain reaction of events starting in the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus’s primary role is to link the nervous system to the endocrine system via the pituitary gland.
The hypothalamus releases thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), signaling the pituitary gland to produce thyroid-stimulating hormones, which then tells the thyroid to release T3, T4, and calcitonin. The thyroid hormones are then taken around the body in the blood to do their work. However, problems can occur anywhere along this pathway, ultimately decreasing thyroid hormone production and causing symptoms of depression.
Even slight changes in thyroid hormone levels can also negatively impact the area of the brain called the hippocampus. The hippocampus is involved in your ability to learn and to maintain memory function. The hippocampus is rich in thyroid hormone receptors involved in learning and memory. Evidence shows [4] this area of the brain even shrinks if thyroid hormones are lacking.
Any chemical change caused by a hormone imbalance can cause mood disorder symptoms, including:
People usually associate hyperthyroidism with anxiety, nervous tendencies, and erratic behavior. Many don’t realize that anxiety is also a common symptom of hypothyroidism. Studies [5] show that people are twice as likely to suffer from anxiety if they have hypothyroidism than those without the condition and that thyroid disorders cause nearly a third of all anxiety disorders.
If you have an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), common mood-related symptoms include:
If you have an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), mood-related symptoms can include:
Common antidepressant drugs such as many SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) reduce [6] thyroid hormone production. Other drugs such as lithium, a common medication for those with bipolar, significantly reduce levels, preventing the production of T3 and T4. Those taking lithium are far more likely to develop hypothyroidism. Interestingly, studies also show that 28% of those with bipolar disorder already have hypothyroidism, showing the close link between the thyroid and depression.
With most antidepressant medications once stopped, thyroid function usually returns to normal unless the patient has clinical hypothyroidism.
It’s common for men to suffer from low thyroid and low testosterone in tandem. The symptoms are very similar, and here at Male Excel, we test thyroid hormones and testosterone levels to make sure we can offer the most effective treatment possible.
Much the same as testosterone, thyroid levels naturally decline with age, so the older you become, the less ‘protection’ you get from your hormones. Your mood can suffer, and depression can follow. The best form of defense is to optimize your hormone levels to avoid any decline in the first place. If you already have low thyroid and testosterone, it’s still possible to optimize levels to restore the balance. The benefits of thyroid treatment, along with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), can give you that boost in mood you may desperately need.
Our at-home test kit is the best way to check if thyroid medication and BHRT could help optimize your hormone levels. We check free T3, which is the best indicator of thyroid health, testosterone, DHEA’s, estradiol, and PSA (prostate-specific androgen), all the most essential hormones for overall optimal health.
Internal and external factors can cause mood disorders. By optimizing your hormones and leading an active, healthy lifestyle, you will fuel your body. You will give yourself all it needs to rejuvenate your mental state of mind and your physical appearance.
It’s time to replenish your hormone levels and start living a happier, healthier life.
Wondering if you may be suffering from low thyroid levels? Take a free hormone assessment to see if hormone replacement therapy can help.
HRT stands for hormone replacement therapy. Hormone levels are tested and medications are administered to help hormones such as testosterone and thyroid reach their optimum levels.
TRT stands for testosterone replacement therapy. Testosterone is given to combat decreasing levels in men. This is to fight the usual signs and symptoms of aging such as fatigue, weight gain, loss of libido, and muscle loss.
We offer a daily injectable Testosterone Cypionate or a twice-daily Lipoderm cream. Both are bioidentical. We also prescribe Triclozene (Clomiphene Citrate) for men, which can help improve several aspects of male health, including low testosterone levels, hormone ratios and sperm production.
The benefits of HRT are extensive but include the following: healthy heart and blood, less fat, more muscle, stronger bones, improved libido, better sleep, improved memory, spatial ability and mental reasoning, improved mood, and better sex.
You can start your HRT journey by filling out our simple online hormone assessment here.
On average it takes approximately 7 business days from ordering your test kit to receiving your results. This is obviously dependent on how quickly you complete and return the test via free return postage. Once we have received your results, a dedicated medical provider will review this along with your online assessment to create your personalized treatment plan.
This is a very difficult question because there is no definitive answer. Everybody is biologically different and responds to the treatment differently. For detailed information, click here.
The test indicates whether you will benefit from this treatment and what your current hormone levels are. We can then know the proper medication to get your testosterone and thyroid to their optimum levels.
Our blood spot test measures 5 key hormone levels. It offers distinct advantages over traditional testing methods because it eliminates the need for a blood draw – saving patients time and money. Our blood spot test is a simple to use test that is done in the comfort of your own home. It involves a finger prick and 12 drops of blood dropped onto a card. We include free return postage with your test for your convenience.
Yes. HRT is safe when monitored by a licensed medical provider. This is why we require yearly testing and symptoms assessment every 2 months.
The treatment is effective for as long as you take it. Once you stop taking HRT your levels will return to the levels they were previously.
You will be charged $99 for the hormone test kit upon your order. Once approved for treatment, you will be charged every other month for your medication. You also will be charged a Medical Membership per month, which allows you to schedule unlimited consultations with your Male Excel medical provider.
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