Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Oct 27: Prolonged emotional stress can affect sleep, energy levels, metabolism and hormonal balance, potentially influencing immune health in people susceptible to autoimmune conditions, medical experts say.
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. Although chronic stress is not an established direct cause of the condition, it may influence symptoms and disease progression in some individuals.
When a person experiences stress, the body activates its natural stress response, releasing hormones such as cortisol to help manage challenges. While this response is normal, prolonged stress can affect sleep, mood, metabolism and energy levels. Cortisol patterns may also change, although the effects vary from person to person.
Dr Vineeta Singh Tandon, senior consultant in internal medicine at ISIC Multispeciality Hospital, explained that chronic stress and changes in cortisol levels may influence immune regulation. In people with a genetic susceptibility to autoimmune diseases, these changes could contribute to an existing imbalance.
However, stress does not automatically trigger Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and researchers have not established a direct causal relationship.
Dr Sneha Kothari, consultant endocrinologist at Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, noted that prolonged stress may contribute to the onset or worsening of symptoms in susceptible individuals. She emphasised that autoimmune diseases develop through a combination of factors, including genetic susceptibility and environmental influences, and cannot be attributed to a single emotional experience.
Persistent fatigue, difficulty concentrating, mood changes and unexplained weight fluctuations may occur with chronic stress but can also indicate an underlying thyroid problem.
Dr Tandon said symptoms such as unusual tiredness, unexplained weight changes, increased sensitivity to cold, hair loss and persistent mood changes warrant medical evaluation. Since these symptoms can have several causes, doctors may recommend thyroid function tests and other assessments based on a person's symptoms and medical history.
Experts caution that stress should not be assumed to be the sole explanation for such symptoms, as doing so could delay diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Regular physical activity, adequate sleep, a balanced diet and relaxation techniques may help manage stress and support overall well-being. Yoga and meditation may also benefit some individuals.
However, stress management cannot replace medical treatment for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. When the condition causes low thyroid hormone levels, doctors may prescribe hormone replacement therapy, commonly levothyroxine, along with regular monitoring.
Medical experts emphasise that the goal is not to eliminate every stressful experience but to manage stress effectively while ensuring that any underlying thyroid condition receives appropriate medical care.