Depressed? Be Sure to Have Your Thyroid Levels Checked!

Symptoms of low thyroid hormones often include depression and fatigue; however, very few people with depression have their thyroid hormones checked.

The thyroid, a major part of the body’s endocrine system, mainly regulates the heart and respiratory rates by sending out messenger hormones. Located around the voice box and windpipe (larynx and trachea, respectively), the thyroid produces the hormones T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine). Every cell in the body depends upon adequate levels of these hormones. Too little of these messenger hormones result in hypothyroidism. When too much is produced, the result is hyperthyroidism.

Hypothyroidism is linked to depression and fatigue among other symptoms. It’s important to note that even a small thyroid hormone imbalance can set the stage for depression. But luckily, patients often emerge from depression and regain their energy when hypothyroidism is treated.

Lesser Known Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Memory and concentration problems
• Low libido
• Fatigue

Because symptoms of hypothyroidism can seem vague and unrelated, as many as 50% of people who have this condition are never diagnosed. In addition, the test most commonly used to diagnose thyroid imbalances—the TSH, or thyroid-stimulating hormone test is often inaccurate.

In The Breakthrough Depression Solution, I explain why tests measuring T3 and T4 levels in the blood provide much greater accuracy than the TSH test in diagnosing hypothyroidism.

I recommend that anyone who suffers from depression have their T3 and T4 levels checked and corrected, if necessary. If your thyroid hormones are too low, you WILL feel renewed energy, better mental focus, and perhaps relief from depression once it is treated!