Isolating the cause of depression can be a difficult task, while an in depth interview can reveal if mental factors such as trauma is the cause, other physiological reasons resulting in the condition can be difficult to diagnose. A hormone fluctuation or deficiency is a common culprit for the malady. One gland that is responsible for regulating some of the vital hormones in the body is the thyroid gland. Thyroid and depression have commonly been linked due to the symptoms associated with thyroid problems and depression. Thyroid issues can also cause symptoms that are similar in anxiety as well. the easiest way to find out if depression and thyroid issues are present is by having blood work done to test your levels of TSH and prolactin. Depending on the results, the levels can be regulated by simply having a dose of pills for a period of time.
Low thyroid function is supplemented with pills. There are two components responsible for this. most doctors provide pills to fix the condition by administering pills for one component, however there is evidence to suggest that having pills for simply one of the components can result in thyroid depression. For this reason to prevent thyroid and depression issues, both components should be administered as pills.
Based on this information, if a patient diagnosed with depression is taking pills to treat thyroid problems, blood work should be taken to find out how the TSH and prolactin levels stand to find out if the person is having the right dose of the pill. If TSH levels are normal, dosage of one component is reduced (T4) and a mild dose of the other component (T3) is administered. It is important to prescribe a mild dose as excess can result in various unpleasant side effects such as palpitation, shakiness and other symptoms. The levels should be evaluated and dosages revised periodically such as once a month. Over time, the patient may have to continue with the pills permanently to prevent adverse effects of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism where a full checkup is made every year.
Interestingly research suggests that regulating and altering the levels of the hormones related to thyroid function is as effective as antidepressants. Antidepressants are usually prescribed to increase serotonin levels. This indicates that there is a closer connection to thyroid and depression than medical professionals give credit for. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, be sure to have your thyroid hormone levels checked as well.