Recently many studies have revealed the connection between frequent headaches and thyroid. However, headaches are a very common health issue all over the world.
You may have heard either one type of headache or the other, including migraines, sinus headaches, and stress headaches. Thyroid headache (typically migraine) adds to this list.
Does the thyroid cause headaches? Recent research has proved a link between the two health conditions. According to research by the International Headache Society, 30 percent of hyperthyroid patients experience headaches, specifically migraines.
Many patients reported that the headaches minimized after they received the treatment for their health condition, i.e., hyperthyroidism.
Frequent Headaches? Get Your Thyroid Tested
Do you frequently experience headaches? As if that weren’t awful enough, you may also be more susceptible to hypothyroidism, a common medical condition that, among other extremely unpleasant symptoms, can result in mood swings and weight gain.
One of the largest and longest investigations provides the greatest evidence for a connection between headaches and thyroid.
Researchers from the University of Cincinnati discovered that those with headaches had a 21% higher chance of receiving a hypothyroidism diagnosis than those without.
Anyone with a diagnosis of migraines, cluster headaches, or tension headaches or who admitted to taking headache medication was invited to join the group. Particularly for migraineurs, the elevated risk increased to 41%.
Hypothyroidism develops when the body cannot produce enough thyroid hormone for normal function. It can impact women’s menstrual cycles, emotions, weight, energy levels, and focus, and even induce constipation and hair loss.
Women are 5-8 times more likely to receive a diagnosis for the illness, which is thought to impact roughly 2% of the population.
Researchers examined data from 8,412 persons interviewed and tracked for an average of 12 years to examine the potential connection between headaches and thyroid issues. The findings were released online in Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain.
There are many reasons why headaches and thyroid are correlated. One theory is that recurring headaches cause a hyperactive immune system, which leaves the body more susceptible to thyroid disease.
Additionally, the onset of a thyroid issue and ensuing low thyroid hormone levels can aggravate and intensify headaches.
Headaches and Thyroid
Studies indicate that headaches and thyroid, especially migraines, may be related. According to studies, headaches and hypothyroidism go hand in hand. As a result, those more prone to headaches and migraines may be more susceptible to hypothyroidism, and hypothyroidism may worsen these conditions.
More study is required to comprehend the possible connection to autoimmune illness fully. As a side effect of thyroid disease symptoms, headaches may occur.
For instance, headaches and thyroid exhaustion may be brought on by prolonged sleep problems associated with autoimmune hyperthyroidism. Headaches can also be caused by ongoing weariness and weak muscles. Headaches could be a sign of both anxiety and depression.
Suppose there is no known explanation for a headache. Hypothyroidism may be to blame because the condition causes a decrease in the production of hormones that control blood pressure and metabolism, which can develop into headaches.
Some medical professionals assert that thyroid abnormalities may be a risk factor for headache disorders. This is conceivable because chronic headaches create a constant immunological response that makes you more susceptible to thyroid gland problems.
It is very important to see your doctor and get your thyroid levels checked if you experience frequent headaches. Your thyroid hormone levels are measured by a super easy thyroid test provided by HG Analytics to identify any anomalies or thyroid malfunction.
Headache & Thyroid Symptoms
The International Headache Society classified headaches and thyroid symptoms as follows:
- Diagnosed with hyperthyroidism
- Pain in the temples of the forehead
- Hyperthyroidism-induced migraine
- Headaches increase with time
- Headaches become less frequent if hyperthyroidism is treated
Thyroid Gland & Hyperthyroidism
The thyroid, i.e., a butterfly-shaped gland, creates hormones that control the body’s metabolism. A doctor diagnoses hypothyroidism when the thyroid does not generate enough of these hormones.
Numerous symptoms, including weariness, depression, and weight gain, might be brought on by it. A neurological disease, migraines.
Among other symptoms, it can induce headaches that range from mild to severe and sensory problems. Only one side of the head may be painful.
Treatment of Thyroid Headache
Although there is no known treatment for thyroid headaches (migraines), it is possible to control symptoms and reduce the likelihood of attacks.
Medication that imitates the hormone produced by your thyroid can be used to treat hypothyroidism.
Resting and consuming enough water are two of the most crucial things you should do when experiencing a migraine attack.
Many people discover that lying in a calm, dark environment prevents their pain from worsening because of loud noises or bright lights.
According to certain studies, Levothyroxine therapy for hypothyroidism may also reduce headaches and migraine episodes.
This study focuses a lot on subclinical hypothyroidism. This indicates that although your thyroid hormone levels are low, hypothyroidism has not yet been diagnosed.
Conclusion
Both headaches and thyroid are frequent chronic illnesses. Although the specific cause is unknown, research suggests that people having frequent headaches and migraines are more prone than the general population to acquiring hypothyroidism.
This indicates that migraine and hypothyroidism are frequent co-occurring diseases and that migraine may increase the likelihood of developing hypothyroidism. Levothyroxine, a thyroid medication, may occasionally help decrease migraine symptoms. However, high doses of the medication are also linked to more thyroid headaches.
Consult your doctor if you frequently get migraine attacks and are worried about your potential for hypothyroidism. Your thyroid health can be checked with a quick blood test.
At HG Analytics, we provide diagnostic and screening tests to assist people in gaining a comprehensive understanding of their health. Get in touch with us for more details on thyroid test advantages immediately.
More information related to thyroid:
- Thymus Vs. Thyroid – What’s the Difference?
- Can Stress Cause Thyroid Issues or Hyperthyroidism?
- What Is The Normal Size Of A Thyroid? How To Know The Exact Size?
- Diffuse Thyroid Disease: Causes & Diagnosis
- Signs And Symptoms Of Parathyroid Disease
- Thyroid Ultrasound – An Inside Look At Your Health
- 7 Early Warning Signs Of Thyroid Problems
