Did you know that chronic stress can negatively impact thyroid function? When the body encounters any stressor (physiological, emotional, environmental), the adrenal gland produces the hormone cortisol. Cortisol works to optimize and adapt the body’s internal environment so it can adequately respond to various stressors. Cortisol raises blood sugar, reduces inflammation, slows digestion, and increases heart rate. Excess cortisol can also cause symptoms such as anxiety, fatigue, poor sleep, and weight gain. All of this can wreak havoc on your thyroid health. Fortunately, there is something you can do about it, because once the “threat” is gone, cortisol levels will return back to normal.
But first, what cortisol?
Cortisol is a steroid hormone primarily produced during times of stress. Chronic stress can lead to chronically elevated cortisol levels which can cause thyroid dysfunction.
3 ways excess cortisol impacts thyroid health:
- The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is a critical communication system between the hypothalamus, pituitary, and adrenal glands. Usually, the pituitary gland will produce TSH to stimulate thyroid hormone production. Excess cortisol can suppress the HPA axis, resulting in decreased TSH production and decreased T4 & T3 production.
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Receptors for thyroid hormones are located on various tissues throughout the entire body. These receptors are where thyroid hormones are absorbed to be used. Excess cortisol can decrease cellular sensitivity to thyroid hormones and reduce the absorption of thyroid hormones.
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The inactive form of thyroid hormone “T4” must be converted to the active form “T3” to be used. Excess cortisol can decrease the conversion of T4 to T3, leading to symptoms of hypothyroidism such as fatigue, weight gain, poor concentration, constipation, decreased heart rate, and more.
10 stress relief activities
Implementing daily stress management techniques can help you gain better control over your cortisol levels and support thyroid health. SLOW DOWN and take some time for yourself every day.
- Read for pleasure
- Take a hot bath
- Call a supportive friend or family member
- Make a gratitude list
- Move your body (walking, yoga, exercise)
- Practice deep breathing
- Journal your thoughts
- Take a break from your phone and social media
- Pray or meditate
- Lie down and rest or nap
Don’t miss your daily stress management activity. Print out our list so you never run out of a stress relief idea.
We hope you enjoyed this blog post, “How Stress Affects Your Thyroid (And What You Can Do About It).” Which stress relief activities do you plan on incorporating into your daily routine?
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