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Thyroid & Causes of Depression

Your thyroid is a gland that produces hormones. When it is not making enough hormones your body functions slow down. Depression is one symptom of this condition.

  1. Thyroid Gland

    • The thyroid gland, located in your neck above the collarbone, is an endocrine gland that makes the hormones that regulate the metabolism. Endocrine glands make hormones and secrete them into the bloodstream.

    Hormones

    • The two main hormones that the thyroid produces are thyroxine and triiodothyronine, according to the Mayo Clinic.

    Metabolism

    • Your metabolism affects the speed of your body functions. All of your internal organs are controlled by your metabolism. When your thyroid slows down, this is called hypothyroidism.

    Depression

    • An underactive thyroid will start to make you feel sluggish and tired. After awhile you may begin to feel depressed, and you might gain weight. All of the symptoms of hypothyroidism can come and go over time.

    Heredity

    • Thyroid disorders are often hereditary, so if your mother or aunt has it you may, also. Hypothyroidism may be caused by Hashimoto's disease, which is an autoimmune disease that attacks the thyroid.

    Blood Test

    • Your doctor can do a blood test to see if your thyroid is producing enough of the hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine. If you are not, you will be prescribed medication to take over the function of these hormones.

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References

  • Photo Credit "Karissa" is Copyrighted by Flickr user: Tina Keller (Tina Keller) under the Creative Commons Attribution license.

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