Can Hypothyroidism Cause Anxiety? Understanding Its Impact on Mental Health

Lately, you may have noticed feeling more tired than normal. You might feel tense or overwhelmed and struggle to relax, even when there is no obvious reason to be anxious. Your heart could race, you might have trouble sleeping, or you just don’t feel like yourself. You may even avoid social situations or find it hard to focus on things that used to come easily.

At first, you might think it’s just stress, especially since life has been tough lately. But if these feelings stick around or get worse, you may start to wonder if something else is happening. If you have hypothyroidism, you might even ask yourself: Can hypothyroidism cause anxiety?

The link between your thyroid and mental health is more complex than it seems. Thyroid hormones affect many parts of your body, including mood, energy, sleep, and brain function. Learning how hypothyroidism can lead to anxiety and knowing the symptoms can help you decide when to get support and what steps to take to feel better.

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Hypothyroidism can be linked to anxiety and other changes in mood or mental health. Although anxiety is not usually a main symptom of an underactive thyroid, some people with hypothyroidism may feel nervous, worried, irritable, or uneasy.

Nearly five out of every 100 Americans suffer from hypothyroidism, while nearly 30% of Americans struggle with anxiety at some point in their lives.

Due to the nature of thyroid imbalances, anxiety and hypothyroidism often go hand-in-hand. Changes in thyroid hormone levels can affect processes throughout the body, including those involved in mood, energy, sleep, and brain function. As a result, some people with hypothyroidism may experience changes in their mental health, including feelings of anxiety or nervousness.

Understanding how thyroid hormones may influence the brain and nervous system can help explain why these symptoms sometimes occur together.

If you have hypothyroidism and are dealing with anxiety, fatigue, sleep problems, or other symptoms, Dr. Donna Sergi at HealthierU can help you see how your thyroid might be affecting your mood, energy, and overall health. Schedule a consultation today to find out more.

Thyroid hormones play an important role in the creation and regulation of neurotransmitters, including serotonin, which helps regulate mood, sleep, and other functions throughout the body. Because thyroid hormones can influence mood and brain function, hypothyroidism can cause depression and anxiety in some people.

Serotonin is a naturally occurring neurotransmitter that carries signals between the nerve cells throughout your body. Low serotonin levels are linked to anxiety, depression, and mood disorders. 

If your thyroid is not working as it should, changes in thyroid hormone levels can affect how your brain and nervous system work. This can lead to mood changes and, for some people, feelings of anxiety or nervousness.

And if you didn't previously know your thyroid wasn't functioning correctly, feelings of anxiousness may be heightened by discovering that you have a thyroid disorder. Learning that your symptoms may have an underlying physical cause can be unsettling, particularly when you're already dealing with changes in your mood and energy levels.

Anxiety associated with thyroid imbalances can feel much like other forms of anxiety. If you're experiencing anxiety along with hypothyroidism, your symptoms may include:

• Muscle tension
• Feeling “on edge” 
• Racing heart
• Difficulty sleeping
• Irritability 
• Poor concentration 
• Changes in appetite
• Difficulty breathing
• Changes in bowel habits
• Sweating 
• Nervousness 
• Tremors 
  

Sometimes, the best way to curb anxious thoughts is to get your body moving. 



Research has shown that regular exercise can help reduce stress and anxiety, while staying physically active may also improve mood and sleep.

If you have hypothyroidism, consider starting with low-impact forms of exercise, especially if fatigue or low energy makes more intense activity difficult. Some options include:

• Walking
• Pilates
• Tai chi
• Gentle yoga
• Stretching

If you have been inactive, start slowly and gradually increase the duration or intensity of your workouts as your body adjusts. Choosing activities you enjoy can also make it easier to stay active consistently.

Visiting a counselor is another proven way to deal with anxiety caused by thyroid imbalance. 

Different types of therapy can help you better understand why you are having anxious feelings and help you develop effective strategies for coping with them.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), for example, can help you learn different ways of thinking about anxiety-causing situations and give you tools for reacting to them in healthy ways. It may be just what you need to:

• Help you uncover the underlying causes of your anxiety
• Learn how to relax; and 
• See situations in new, less frightening ways
  

Mindfulness and meditation are two other proven ways to counter your anxiety-producing thoughts. 

Regularly engaging in these practices may help you focus on what passes through your mind and empower you to observe your thoughts without immediately reacting to them. Over time, this can help you develop healthier ways of responding to anxious thoughts and feelings. 

Consider trying

• Yoga
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Guided imagery
• Breath awareness meditation
  

Hypothyroidism can cause severe anxiety in some people. If your anxiety is significant enough, your healthcare provider may talk with you about medication. If you think you might benefit from medication, there are several options to choose from, depending on your symptoms.

A few of the more common anxiety medications that might be recommended include:

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
• Escitalopram (Lexapro)
• Fluoxetine (Prozac)
• Paroxetine (Paxil)
• Sertraline (Zoloft)
• Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) 
• Desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq)
• Duloxetine (Cymbalta, Drizalma, Irenka)
• Levomilnacipran (Fetzima)
• Milnacipran (Savella)
• Venlafaxine (Effexor)
• Benzodiazepines 
• Alprazolam (Xanax)
• Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
• Clonazepam (Klonopin)
• Diazepam (Valium)
• Lorazepam (Ativan)
• Tricyclic antidepressants 
• Clomipramine (Anafranil)
• Imipramine (Tofranil)
  

Often, people who are struggling with anxiety tend to isolate themselves from their loved ones or stop participating in their favorite activities. But withdrawing from the people and activities you enjoy can sometimes make anxiety feel worse.

Research has shown that staying connected socially can help you become more insulated and resilient to stress in the future.

If you find yourself dealing with anxiety alongside hypothyroidism, do your best to regularly spend time with your friends and family. And if they bring you joy, try to stay involved in your normal activities.

Spending time with others can cultivate feelings of togetherness, help relieve stress, provide laughter, and decrease loneliness.

While each person is different, and some people experience social anxiety, staying connected to your community and maintaining as normal a routine as possible may help you manage your anxious feelings.



If you have anxiety, you may struggle with trying to manage worrisome and intrusive thoughts.

Journaling is one way to help you cope with anxiety by allowing you to externalize what is going on in your brain. It enables you to put those thoughts into words and then set them aside rather than letting them continue to bounce around in your head.

Journaling can also help you see the big picture beyond the anxiety and may be instrumental in recognizing patterns in your thoughts and feelings.

Taking time to engage in regular journaling can have long-term benefits by helping reduce anxiety, depression, and other negative feelings.

Keeping track of your personal life and thoughts can also be beneficial if you choose to have counseling. It can help both you and your therapist zero in on what's causing your anxiety and what seems to help you feel better.

What you eat really can make a difference when it comes to managing anxiety and supporting your overall health.

People struggling with anxiety may notice changes in their appetite. But failing to consume enough calories can add to feelings of stress and discomfort caused by hunger.

It can also make it more difficult to get the essential vitamins and nutrients your body needs to support brain function and overall well-being. These include:

• Antioxidants 
• Protein 
• Vitamin B-6
• Magnesium
• Vitamin D
• Iron
• Omega-3
• Zinc
• Antioxidants
• Selenium

Certain foods may help support brain function and overall well-being, including:

• Eggs
• Salmon
• Green tea
• Dark chocolate
• Complex carbohydrates

On the other hand, certain foods and beverages may aggravate symptoms of anxiety for some people. Consider limiting:

• Caffeine
• Processed foods
• Sugar
• Alcohol
  

If the combination of hypothyroidism and anxiety becomes too difficult to manage on your own, it is time to speak with a healthcare practitioner.

The symptoms to watch for include:

• Inability to get out of bed
• Lack of motivation
• Inability to perform job duties
• No longer enjoying former hobbies
• Thoughts of harm

A healthcare practitioner can work with you to evaluate your symptoms and monitor both your thyroid health and anxiety. They can also help determine whether additional treatment or support may be appropriate. For healthcare support in Brooklyn, visit HealthierU and learn more about our location, hours, and services.

How Do I Know If My Thyroid Is Causing My Anxiety?

It is not always easy to know what is causing your symptoms. If you have new or worsening anxiety along with signs that could be linked to hypothyroidism, it is a good idea to speak with a healthcare provider. Some symptoms to look out for include:

• Fatigue or low energy
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feeling unusually cold
• Changes in weight
• Difficulty sleeping
• Feeling nervous or on edge
• Irritability
• Muscle tension
• Changes in appetite
• Racing heart

A healthcare provider can look at your symptoms, medical history, and thyroid blood test results to see if an underactive thyroid might be causing your anxiety. If your thyroid is part of the problem, treating it may help you feel better.

Can Hypothyroidism Cause Anxiety and Panic Attacks?

Hypothyroidism can sometimes lead to anxiety symptoms, but panic attacks can happen for many reasons. When your thyroid function changes, it can affect your mood, energy, sleep, and nervous system. This may cause or worsen anxiety for some people.

If you have frequent panic attacks along with signs of hypothyroidism, talk to a healthcare provider. They can check your thyroid and look for other reasons for your symptoms, then help you find the right treatment or support.

Can Treating Hypothyroidism Help With Anxiety?

Yes. If your anxiety is related to hypothyroidism, treating the thyroid imbalance can help your symptoms. Most people feel better once their thyroid hormone levels are back in the normal range with treatment.

But anxiety can have other causes, and some people still have symptoms even when their thyroid levels are well controlled. If your anxiety continues, talk to your healthcare provider to see if you might need more support.

 How Long Does Anxiety Last After Treating Hypothyroidism?

If your anxiety is linked to hypothyroidism, you might start to feel better as your thyroid hormone levels get back to normal. In a recent case report, anxiety symptoms were almost gone by the fourth week of levothyroxine treatment. Still, everyone is different, so it may take longer for some people to feel better, and sometimes anxiety can continue even after thyroid levels are stable.

If you still feel anxious after your thyroid is under control, talk to your healthcare provider. They can help figure out if something else is causing your anxiety or if you might need more support.

If you're looking for hypothyroidism treatment in Brooklyn, HealthierU offers a holistic approach centered on personalized nutrition and lifestyle guidance. Dr. Donna Sergi helps patients improve their health with personalized nutrition and lifestyle advice. With decades of experience in holistic health, she works closely with each person to understand their symptoms and find ways to support their whole body.



HealthierU provides several holistic services to help you feel your best, such as:

• Nutrition consultations that fit your personal health and wellness goals
• Holistic nutrition guidance to help you make informed choices about the foods you eat
• Lifestyle guidance focused on supporting healthy habits and overall well-being
• Holistic chiropractic care to support your body's health and function

If you're experiencing anxiety alongside hypothyroidism, addressing your nutrition and lifestyle may be an important part of supporting your overall well-being. Dr. Sergi can help you explore a personalized approach based on your individual needs and health goals.

Book a nutrition consultation at HealthierU today!