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Real members of MyDepressionTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Among bipolar disorder colleagues here, and depression, do you get your thyroid checked. If you don't get medicines, do you get it checked?

A MyDepressionTeam Member asked a question 💭
Lemuria

There is some evidence that hypo-underactive-thyroids will not help in coping with the disorder and certainly have an impact on metabolic components of depressive disorders. I do and have for a long time. Certain medicines require monitoring and I'd be surprised if those taking medicine did not get it monitored. There are some that go on and off medicines or do not get treatment. Aside from urging you to discuss this with your MD, Id also suggest making sure you do. Apparently, it is so… read more

January 21
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Answer Summary

Members enthusiastically discussed the importance of thyroid monitoring for those managing bipolar disorder and depression, with several... Read more

Members enthusiastically discussed the importance of thyroid monitoring for those managing bipolar disorder and depression, with several sharing how untreated hypothyroidism can worsen mood symptoms and complicate treatment. Many members reported taking levothyroxine for hypothyroidism since their 50s, describing it as a game-changer that significantly improved their overall well-being and encouraged others to request thyroid testing from their doctors. A recurring theme was the value of proactive self-advocacy in medical care, with members emphasizing that while thyroid treatment won't cure bipolar disorder, identifying and addressing thyroid issues can reveal other health factors that make managing mental health conditions easier and more effective.

A MyDepressionTeam Member

It's too bad thyroids aren't fixed with coffee and chocolate

January 23
A MyDepressionTeam Member

Always looking out for the best practices

January 21
A MyDepressionTeam Member

To my knowledge, I haven't had my thyroid checked. But I do take medications that require medication monitoring.

January 21
A MyDepressionTeam Member

@A MyDepressionTeam Member, wow, John, that's kind of an eye-opening assessment and I remember when I was under Wellspan care, I had bloodwork done every 3 months. I'm going to ask my psychiatrist if she would order thyroid level bloodwork for me next appointment. Thank you!

January 21
MyDepressionTeam

Should people with depression or bipolar disorder get their thyroid checked?

Yes, getting your thyroid checked is important whether you're on medication or not. People with bipolar disorder have a higher risk of thyroid problems than the general population - about 12 percent compared to 5 percent of people without the Show Full Answer

Should people with depression or bipolar disorder get their thyroid checked?

Yes, getting your thyroid checked is important whether you're on medication or not. People with bipolar disorder have a higher risk of thyroid problems than the general population - about 12 percent compared to 5 percent of people without the condition.

Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) can make managing mood disorders more difficult because its symptoms overlap with depression:

* Tiredness and lack of energy
* Weight gain
* Difficulty concentrating
* Low mood

This overlap can make it hard to tell if symptoms are from your mood disorder or a thyroid issue, which is why regular monitoring helps ensure you're treating the right problem. Why medication monitoring matters

If you're taking lithium or other mood stabilizers, thyroid monitoring becomes even more critical. Lithium can actually trigger decreased thyroid activity, so your doctor needs to watch for this side effect.

Your doctor was right to emphasize the importance of follow-up - untreated hypothyroidism can worsen depressive symptoms and make your mood disorder harder to manage. A simple blood test can check your thyroid hormone levels, and if needed, synthetic thyroid hormone is an effective treatment.

Regular thyroid checks are part of comprehensive care for mood disorders, helping you manage both your mental and physical health together.

January 21

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