Hypothyroidism and Headaches: Could Your Thyroid Be to Blame?
Hypothyroidism, also known as an underactive thyroid, is when the thyroid gland doesn’t make enough thyroid hormones. These hormones play a big role in many body processes, like energy levels and metabolism. But can hypothyroidism cause headaches?
What is Hypothyroidism?
The butterfly-shaped thyroid gland in the neck makes hormones like triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). These hormones regulate various bodily processes, including the speed of metabolism. When the thyroid is underactive, it doesn’t produce enough of these hormones. This imbalance affects many systems in the body, including the brain, which can trigger symptoms like headaches.
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
People who have hypothyroidism may have a number of signs, such as
- Always feeling tired, even after taking a break.
- Putting on weight without changing what you eat or how much you work out.
- Feeling unusually cold or sensitive to cold.
- Feeling sad, down, or hopeless.
- Thinning hair or noticeable hair loss.
- Difficulty focusing or remembering things.
- Changes in the menstrual cycle.
Headaches are also common in people with hypothyroidism. Studies show that around 30% of individuals with the condition report having headaches linked to it.
Can Hypothyroidism Cause Headaches?
Yes, hypothyroidism can cause headaches. People with an underactive thyroid are more likely to experience different types of headaches, such as migraines and tension headaches. Several factors may contribute, though the exact connection remains incompletely understood.
1. Thyroid
It was published recently in Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain that thyroid problems are strongly linked to headaches. 21% of people who already had a headache were more likely to develop hypothyroidism. For migraine patients, that number rose to 41%.
2. Poor Circulation
Hypothyroidism can affect blood circulation. Low thyroid hormone levels can slow down the heart and blood flow, including to the brain. This reduced circulation may lead to headaches. Additionally, many people with hypothyroidism also have high cholesterol, which can worsen circulation problems and increase the risk of headaches.
3. Pain Sensitivity
People with hypothyroidism may have a higher pain sensitivity. This means they might be more likely to get a headache from common triggers like stress, lack of sleep, or dehydration. Even mild triggers can cause more intense headaches in people with hypothyroidism.
4. Types of Headaches Linked to Hypothyroidism
People with hypothyroidism commonly experience the following types of headaches:
- People with hypothyroidism frequently experience tension headaches due to the frequent symptoms of muscle stiffness.
- Hormonal changes associated with hypothyroidism can also trigger more frequent or severe migraines.
- Cluster headaches, which occur in patterns, can be triggered by hormonal changes linked to hypothyroidism.
These headaches are more common in hypothyroidism patients to experience.
How to Treat Hypothyroidism Headaches
If you have hypothyroidism and suffer from thyroid headaches, it’s important to treat both the thyroid condition and the headaches for relief.
1. Thyroid Hormone Replacement Therapy
If your thyroid causes headaches, the main treatment is thyroid hormone replacement therapy. This helps restore thyroid hormone levels to normal, which may reduce or eliminate headaches caused by the condition. It’s important to work with your doctor to find the right dosage to avoid under- or over-treatment.
2. Medications for Headaches
In addition to treating hypothyroidism, you may need medications to relieve headaches. Headaches that are light to moderate can be helped by over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. If you experience migraines or severe headaches, your doctor may prescribe medications like triptans to manage them.
3. Lifestyle Changes
Changing the way you live can also help stop and deal with headaches. Try maintaining a regular sleep schedule, reducing stress, staying hydrated, and eating a balanced diet. Regular exercise can help manage both thyroid levels and headache triggers.
Hypothyroidism and Co-Existing Conditions
People with hypothyroidism may also have other conditions that can cause headaches. For instance, autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, a common cause of hypothyroidism, can also lead to headaches.
Some medications used to treat hypothyroidism or related conditions may cause headaches as a side effect. Always talk to your doctor about any new symptoms or side effects to make sure you’re receiving the best treatment.
When to See a Doctor
If you have hypothyroidism and experience frequent headaches, it’s important to consult your doctor. Your doctor can assist in determining whether your thyroid condition or other factors are causing your headaches. Managing hypothyroidism with hormone therapy often helps reduce headaches, but if they continue, your doctor may suggest other treatments or tests.
Managing Headaches Caused by Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism affects more than just energy levels and weight—it can also cause headaches. Recognizing this connection is important for better managing the condition. By treating both the thyroid imbalance and the headaches, people can improve their overall well-being. A personalized approach to treatment, including medication and lifestyle changes, can help reduce headaches and make living with hypothyroidism easier.