Can Thyroid Cause Headaches?
October 13, 2023 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Yes, thyroid disorders can cause headaches as one of their symptoms. The thyroid is a gland in your neck that produces hormones that regulate your body’s metabolism. When thyroid function is disrupted, it can lead to various symptoms, including headaches. Here are some ways in which thyroid disorders can be associated with headaches:
- Hypothyroidism: When the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones (a condition known as hypothyroidism), it can result in a slowdown of bodily functions, including a reduction in blood flow to the brain. This decreased blood flow may lead to headaches.
- Hyperthyroidism: On the other hand, an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) can lead to an increased heart rate and high blood pressure. These changes in cardiovascular function can cause headaches in some individuals.
- Autoimmune Thyroiditis: Conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (an autoimmune disorder causing hypothyroidism) can lead to inflammation, which might result in headaches.
- Thyroid Eye Disease: Graves’ disease, an autoimmune thyroid disorder, can lead to thyroid eye disease in some individuals. The inflammation of the eye muscles and tissues can cause eye pain and associated headaches.
It’s important to note that headaches are a relatively common symptom and can have numerous causes unrelated to thyroid disorders. If you experience persistent or severe headaches, especially if they are accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. Thyroid disorders can be diagnosed through blood tests, and appropriate treatment can be initiated to manage the condition and alleviate associated symptoms.