How Stress Can Impact Your Thyroid And How To Manage It

The Impact of Chronic Stress on Your Cortisol and Thyroid Health Plus How to Manage It With Functional Medicine

The adrenal glands and thyroid gland have a connection, but it’s not a straightforward cause-and-effect relationship that you might expect. In fact, current research even suggests it’s more about how they both respond to chronic stress that connects them.

You see, both the adrenals and thyroid play important roles in producing hormones that help us deal with stress, maintain metabolism, and support digestion. However, when we face constant or chronic stress – whether from within ourselves or external sources – our bodies prioritize producing stress hormones over the raw materials needed for other essential hormones.

Managing stress is vital for the well-being of the adrenal and thyroid glands and the broader endocrine system. (1) And this is what connects the two.

In this blog, I will explore the relationship between adrenal and thyroid health and how chronic stress connects the two. Plus, I’ll share some practical, functional medicine tips to help enhance your adrenal and thyroid function.

The Relationship Between Adrenals and Thyroid

Think of the adrenal and thyroid glands as distant relatives – they’re connected but not inseparable. Both are hormone-producing powerhouses that play roles in our body’s endocrine system.

They also share ties to the brain’s hypothalamus and pituitary gland, releasing hormones like corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and thyroid releasing hormone (TRH) and stimulating hormones such as adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), respectively. These hormones then kick off a chain reaction, prompting the adrenals to release cortisol (a stress hormone) and the thyroid to release thyroid hormone.

We call this hormone relay the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis.

Here’s the twist: the adrenals and thyroid don’t directly tell each other what to do. Research suggests that when the HPA axis (involving the adrenals) goes haywire – either overproducing or underproducing cortisol – it can impact the HPT axis (the one involving the thyroid), leading to lower cortisol and thyroid hormone levels. (2)

In simpler terms, it’s like a dance where one misstep can affect the whole routine. Stress, the trigger for the HPA axis (physical or mental stress), seems to choreograph this performance. So, it’s more accurate to say that stress influences thyroid health, with the adrenal glands supporting it.

Stress, HPA Axis Dysfunction, and the Impact on Thyroid Health

Let’s break this down a little further: Chronic stress messes with our hormones, throwing things like thyroid and adrenal hormones off balance.

Studies have found that when chronic stress interferes with the HPA axis (the stress response system), it can impact all the hormones, including the ones in the thyroid system. (3) The research identified that maintaining a persistent stress response can result in a diminished production of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and a disruption in the conversion of T4 to T3, likely attributable to excess cortisol, the stress hormone.

But remember, cortisol isn’t inherently a “bad” hormone; it serves vital functions such as regulating blood sugar levels, contributing to the cortisol awakening response (CAR) in the morning, and aids in the process of falling asleep at night. However, the intricate balance can be disrupted by chronic stress, impacting hormones like those in the thyroid and adrenal glands.

So, rather than solely attributing thyroid issues to adrenal health, the crux lies in mitigating chronic stress, essentially disengaging the stress overload influencing both the adrenals and the thyroid network.

The Impact of Cortisol on Adrenals and Thyroid Function

Cortisol, known as the “stress hormone,” surges during intense moments as part of our fight-or-flight response. Yet, it’s not limited to dangerous situations; it’s active throughout the day, peaking in the morning for an energy boost and dipping at night to promote sleep.

Functions of cortisol include:

Regulating blood pressure
Suppressing the immune system
Boosting blood glucose for energy
Influencing fat breakdown and storage

However, when cortisol levels become erratic or remain consistently high, problems can occur. Chronic stress, a culprit behind repeated cortisol spikes, can lead to symptoms such as: (4)

Diminished bone and muscle integrity
Persistent fatigue
Emotional distress, including depression
Pain perception changes
Impaired memory function
Orthostatic hypotension challenges
Compromised pupillary light reflex
Increased inflammatory response
Decreased immunity

Correcting cortisol levels for improved adrenal and thyroid health hinges on identifying the root cause and whether cortisol is too high or low. However, understanding cortisol and thyroid interactions can be tricky.

Contrary to the belief that high cortisol means low thyroid hormones, studies show a positive connection – when cortisol rises, so does TSH, impacting thyroid function. (5) In a nutshell, keeping cortisol in check positively influences both adrenal and thyroid issues.

Controlling Cortisol for Adrenal and Thyroid Well-being

Boosting the well-being of your adrenals and thyroid isn’t just about directly targeting those glands. It’s essential to recognize that stress isn’t solely mental or emotional. Your body perceives various forms of stress – from physical stress like extreme exercise to physiological stress involving biochemical imbalances, pathogens (such as viral infections and mold), gut dysbiosis, and chronic inflammation. These factors collectively disrupt cortisol levels, influencing the delicate balance of your adrenals and thyroid health.

Let’s look more in depth at other things that can shake up cortisol levels and impact the health of your adrenals and thyroid health.

Gut Health

Gut health plays a crucial role in thyroid and cortisol balance. Pathogens (fungus, mold, bacteria, viruses) in the gut (chronic infections) can stress the body, causing cortisol spikes. Digestive issues can be linked to poor nutrient absorption and/or leaky gut, which further cause dysregulation of the HPA axis.

A simple step you can try is to add a probiotic from each category (multispecies, S. boulardii, and soil-based) to your daily routine. This may not only improve gut symptoms but can also address hypothyroid symptoms. (6)

Nutrition

Insufficient calorie intake can strain the HPA axis, impacting cortisol levels. One study found that caloric restriction actually increased cortisol, suggesting that adequate calories can help with thyroid symptoms. (7)

On a side note, intermittent fasting is not calorie restriction, but a narrowing of your eating window. When done correctly, it should not cause a stress response.

If you’ve been following a low-carb or keto diet, consider increasing healthy carbs and monitoring for symptom improvements.

Extreme Exercise Regimes

Regular physical activity is generally considered beneficial, but pushing the body to extremes through intense and prolonged exercise can trigger an excessive release of cortisol. The body perceives intense exercise as a stressor, increasing the demand for cortisol to manage the physiological response associated with strenuous activity.

The Impact of Chronic Stress

Chronic stress, whether physical (e.g., extreme exercise), physiological (e.g., chronic infections), or mental/emotional, affects cortisol, adrenals, and thyroid health. Identifying and addressing chronic stressors is crucial to symptom improvement. This may involve acquiring more stress-handling nutrients or adjusting your perspective on work and relationships.

Try incorporating a stress-relieving technique into your daily routine, be it meditation, walking, exercise, journaling, or any calming activity that suits you.

Adrenal-Supporting Herbs for Thyroid Health

Adaptogenic herbs can also offer additional adrenal support by directly or indirectly improving the stress response, assisting both adrenal function and thyroid health.

Ashwagandha is the only adaptogenic herb with clinical trials supporting its benefits for thyroid health. (8) However, other herbs may improve stress responses, which ultimately may help enhance thyroid function.

Rhodiola
Holy Basil
Eleuthero Root
Licorice Root
Schisandra
Adaptogenic Mushroom Blends (e.g., Reishi, Cordyceps, Lion’s Mane)

Remember that individual responses to herbs can vary, and I recommend consulting with your functional medicine provider, especially if you have specific health concerns or are taking medications. Additionally, incorporating these herbs into a holistic approach that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management techniques can contribute to overall well-being and thyroid health.

Take Control of Your Thyroid Health with Denver Holistic Medicine

Remember that knowledge and support are your strongest allies in your quest for optimal thyroid health.

We’ve explored the impacts of stress on your adrenal and thyroid health and three great ways to start controlling your cortisol. Now, it’s your opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Are you ready to explore personalized solutions and discover the support you deserve? Don’t wait any longer!

Schedule a free 15-minute consultation with Denver Sports and Holistic Medicine to embark on your path to a healthier, more vibrant life.

Your health journey is unique, and we’re here to empower you every step of the way.

Let’s begin your transformation today!

Resources

1. PubMed

2. PubMed

3. NCBI

4. PubMed

5. PubMed

6. PubMed

7. PubMed