Sustained stress and trauma have been implicated in the pathogenesis of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.
While we all know that a certain level of day to day stress in normal, prolonged stress results in activation of the brain (specifically, the hypothalamus and the pituitary) signalling down to the adrenals and thyroid that there is a problem. Prolonged stress also results in redirection of the immune response contributing to the development of autoimmunity as well as impaired gut barrier function and dysbiosis of the gut microbiome (an overgrowth of beneficial bacteria versus pathogenic).
For these reasons, if we are looking at dealing with the underlying driver or the ‘root cause’ of an autoimmune condition like Hashimoto’s, then we need to look at modifying the stress response.
What does the research say?
An 8-week randomised controlled trial involving 60 women with Hashimoto’s prescribed a stress reducing intervention observed a statistically significant decrease in anti-thyroglobulin antibodies as well as an improvement in mood (anxiety, depression) as well as perceived stress compared to the control group, highlighting that stress management can beneficially alter thyroid function.
Individuals were provided 8 weekly sessions of lifestyle modification and stress management, including diaphragmatic breathing, cognitive reconstruction, guided imagery, diet adjustments compared to standard care. Changes in anti-TPO Abs and TSH were not statistically significant between the groups. The improvement in mood, stress and decrease in TGAbs highlights the efficacy of stress management as a tool for management of Hashimotos.
Thoughts:
If you have Hashimotos, what potential stressors could be driving up your antibodies?
What are some ways you can help your body adapt to any stressors it may be under?
