Expert Advice
Acella Pharmaceuticals, LLC., is partnering with Helene Zahn-Chilberg, MA, LCMHC, to bring greater awareness to the importance of thyroid care and education. This post is sponsored by Acella Pharmaceuticals and should not be construed as medical advice. Please talk to your doctor about your individual medical situation.
Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or health care provider before beginning any exercise, fitness, diet or nutrition routine.
Often, the mental health impacts of hypothyroidism may be overlooked or unrecognized as a symptom of the condition. Our topic today is an important one from my point of view. It is really about the interplay of our physical health and mental health.
There are many health issues that can impact what we may experience as mental health symptoms. It is estimated that 5% of the general population is diagnosed with hypothyroidism, while an estimated additional 5% remains undiagnosed.1 As a result, hypothyroidism is a common influencing factor on emotional symptoms.
As part of the diagnostic process as a mental health professional, I frequently encourage my clients to think of themselves as a whole organism and about the interplay of physical and mental. I encourage clients to get a physical exam and consider that their physical health may impact their mental health.
If you are experiencing any of the following mental health symptoms it’s important to report these to your healthcare practitioner:
• Mood Swings • Anxiety • Depression • Brain Fog • Forgetfulness • General Reduced Tolerance to Daily Stresses
You may want to download this helpful guide to review possible symptoms you may be experiencing:
Get the Discussion Guide>>When discussing mindfulness and wholeness, it is important to consider how this interplay affects greater wellness. When mental health issues are experienced as part of a health diagnosis, it is not uncommon for the physical symptoms to receive more attention from physicians. As a result, the emotional impact of hypothyroidism is often downplayed or overlooked.
This does not mean that the patient is experiencing those symptoms any less than the physical symptoms.
I often encourage my clients to have a physical and consider if a health issue is affecting their mental health. Working with our health care providers in a holistic fashion is one of the ways we can stay in charge of our health.
When making efforts to heal and restore balance and wellness, it is important to consider changes to various areas for the most optimal result. Pairing medical care, nutrition, physical activity, and supporting your emotional well-being with intellectual stimulation, social or spiritual support, and even therapeutic services can make the greatest impact toward healing.
I encourage you to have a conversation with your health care provider about any emotional symptoms of your hypothyroidism. Be open and discuss progress, setbacks and changes you are experiencing, and engage with additional services if they will support you on your journey. Health care partnerships can make a difference in reaching your health target. As always, I support you on your journey toward greater health and well-being.
REFERENCES: 1. Chiovato, L., Magri, F., & Carlé, A. (2019). Hypothyroidism in Context: Where We've Been and Where We're Going. Advances in therapy, 36(Suppl 2), 47–58. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12325-019-01080-8
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INDICATIONS & IMPORTANT RISK INFORMATION INCLUDING BLACK BOX
WARNING
Important Risk Information
Drugs with thyroid hormone activity, alone or together with other therapeutic agents, have been used for the treatment of obesity. In euthyroid patients, doses within the range of daily hormonal requirements are ineffective for weight reduction. Larger doses may produce serious or even life-threatening manifestations of toxicity, particularly when given in association with sympathomimetic amines such as those used for their anorectic effects.
- NP Thyroid® is contraindicated in patients with uncorrected adrenal insufficiency, untreated thyrotoxicosis, and hypersensitivity to any component of the product.
- In the elderly and in patients with cardiovascular disease, NP Thyroid® should be used with greater caution than younger patients or those without cardiovascular disease.
- Use of NP Thyroid® in patients with diabetes mellitus or adrenal cortical insufficiency may worsen the intensity of their symptoms.
- The therapy of myxedema coma requires simultaneous administration of glucocorticoids.
- Concomitant use of NP Thyroid® with oral anticoagulants alters the sensitivity of oral anticoagulants. Prothrombin time should be closely monitored in thyroid-treated patients on oral anticoagulants.
- In infants, excessive doses of NP Thyroid® may produce craniosynostosis.
- Partial loss of hair may be experienced by children in the first few months of therapy but is usually transient.
- Adverse reactions associated with NP Thyroid® therapy are primarily those of hyperthyroidism due to therapeutic overdosage.
- Many drugs and some laboratory tests may alter the therapeutic response to NP Thyroid®. In addition, thyroid hormones and thyroid status have varied effects on the pharmacokinetics and actions of other drugs. Administer at least 4 hours before or after drugs that are known to interfere with absorption. Evaluate the need for dose adjustments when regularly administering within one hour of certain foods that may affect absorption.
- NP Thyroid® should not be discontinued during pregnancy, and hypothyroidism diagnosed during pregnancy should be promptly treated.
Indication
NP Thyroid® (thyroid tablets, USP) is a prescription medicine that is used to treat a condition called hypothyroidism from any cause, except for cases of temporary hypothyroidism, which is usually associated with an inflammation of the thyroid (thyroiditis). It is meant to replace or supplement a hormone that is usually made by your thyroid gland.
NP Thyroid® is also used in the treatment and prevention of normal functioning thyroid goiters, such as thyroid nodules, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, multinodular goiter, and in the management of thyroid cancer.