Brain chemistry is a huge field that is only just beginning to be understood. Thyroid issues can make you extremely tired and lethargic or, in the case of overactive thyroids, you can become nervous, restless, and irritable. Patients using T3 medication to manage their thyroid conditions might notice changes in their responsiveness to emotional triggers: things that make us sad, angry, or joyful, for example. This medication impacts the thyroid hormone levels in the body, influencing both physical and mental health.
But the thyroid also has a more direct impact on mood as one of its regular functions: it stands to reason, therefore, that changing the way your thyroid works or interfering with your brain chemistry by taking thyroid medications such as T3, will have an impact on your mood and your mental health. Let us take a look in more detail.
4 Ways How Can T3 Medication Impact Mental Health
Medication Will ‘Even You Out’
When you have thyroid issues, as mentioned above, you already have disordered mood and mental health, although you might not realize it. If your symptoms came on slowly and you had mood changes before you realized you were ill, you may just have assumed that you were responding to the vagaries of life, becoming nervous or sadder because life was throwing issues in your way. But as soon as you are on a steady medication regimen, you will find that you mood will change, stabilizing and allowing you to properly experience your emotions.
Thyroid Meds Can be Used to Treat Depression
There are currently some studies into the prescription of thyroid hormones to people who have depression but no diagnosis of thyroid imbalance. This is because, the scientists and doctors undertaking the study, rebalancing the thyroid levels of people suffering with depression can artificially boost their mood: which can be enough to encourage people with depression to try other activities that are shown to boost mood: such as preparing and eating nutritious meals, taking up regular exercise, and even keeping their homes tidy and well-organized. It is hoped that many cases of severe depression can be treated with thyroid medications, even if it is only used to ‘kick-start’ the recovery process.
Thyroid Meds Can be Used to Treat Other Conditions too!
Thyroid medications have, with great success, been trialed as add-on treatments for patients being treated for existing mental health conditions such as schizophrenia and combination happenstances such as a patient with depression becoming pregnant and displaying new and troubling symptoms, such as weight and hair loss. This add-on treatment is known as Thyroid Replacement Therapy, or TRT – and it could soon become a widely accepted additional treatment for many other conditions.
While thyroid medicines are being trialed in a wide array of fields of medicine, cost can be a drawback. In the UK, where the NHS provides free care for all their citizens, each medication used mut pass a criteria test in which its efficacy is set head-to-head with its cost. For example, T3 medication in the UK is prescribed only by clinical endocrinologists, as it is more expensive than T4, which can be prescribed by GPs. This is done to ensure that only those with the most serious needs receive the more expensive treatments, which is absolutely fair – but it can hinder doctors looking to improve the quality of life of their patients rather than merely keeping them functional.
Conclusion
Understanding the impact of thyroid function and T3 medication on mental health is crucial, not only for those directly affected by thyroid disorders but also for healthcare providers seeking effective treatments. The relationship between thyroid health and emotional well-being highlights the integral role that this small gland plays in overall mental health. Whether it’s stabilizing mood, treating depressive symptoms, or supporting mental health in conjunction with other conditions, the potential of thyroid medications like T3 is vast.
As research continues, it becomes increasingly evident that a balanced approach to thyroid health can significantly enhance the quality of life. Patients and doctors must work closely to monitor thyroid function and adjust treatments as necessary to ensure the best outcomes. For those struggling with thyroid-related mood disturbances, the proper use of T3 medication could be a transformative step towards reclaiming stability and vitality in their lives.
In conclusion, the journey through understanding and managing the effects of thyroid function on mental health is complex but filled with potential. With continued research and careful clinical practice, the integration of thyroid treatment in psychiatric care could revolutionize the approach to mental health disorders, providing new avenues for relief and recovery for countless individuals.
