Active Thyroid May Raise Risk of Depression in Older Individuals

According to research published in the Endocrine Society’s Journal of Clinical Endocrinology, when older individual’s thyroid glands are more active than average, it may be a risk factor for depression. It addition to its role as a metabolism regulator, the thyroid gland can also influence mental health. Past research has found links between an increased risk of depression to both over- and underactive thyroid glands. During the study, to determine how active the thyroid gland was, researchers measured levels of the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which is the body’s signal to the thyroid to release more hormones. When TSH levels are low, this suggests the thyroid gland is active and producing plenty of thyroid hormones. Participants included in the study displayed no depression symptoms at the first visit, however researchers found that older individuals with thyroid activity at the high end of the normal range were more likely to have depression symptoms over the course of an eight-year period, compared to individuals who had less thyroid activity within the normal range. The results of the study provide insight into the powerful effects thyroid activity can have on emotions and mental health. To read more, click here.