World Thyroid Day 2025: Can thyroid cause headache?

On the base of your neck, you’ll discover a small gland formed like a butterfly. It could be small, however it performs a essential function in regulating metabolism. That’s thyroid for you. A dysfunction of this gland won’t solely influence your weight, but additionally have an effect on your sleep patterns and your general well being. Whereas weight acquire or weight reduction, fatigue and hair loss are among the frequent signs of thyroid issues like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, you might also have a headache. On World Thyroid Day, which is noticed on Could 25, allow us to let you know extra about thyroid headache and the right way to get aid.

What’s a thyroid headache?

A thyroid headache refers to recurring complications which may be linked to thyroid dysfunction, notably hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or, in some circumstances, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). “Whereas complications are usually not probably the most distinguished thyroid symptom, they’re a identified secondary symptom on account of hormonal imbalances affecting neurological operate, blood stress, and irritation,” says endocrinologist Dr Dheeraj Kapoor. Whereas for some folks, it could be a day by day prevalence, for others, it could not occur in any respect.

What does a thyroid headache really feel like?

Folks with a thyroid headache could really feel a uninteresting, pressure-like or throbbing sensation of their head. It will probably final for half an hour or proceed feeling it for a number of days. “In hypothyroidism, it could really feel extra like tension-type complications. In hyperthyroidism, it could really feel extra intense or migraine-like, typically accompanied by anxiousness, palpitations, or mild sensitivity on account of overstimulation of the nervous system,” shares the knowledgeable.

Which all thyroid circumstances could cause a headache?

Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are the frequent sorts of thyroid issues hat can doubtlessly trigger complications. Right here’s how headache and these two sorts of thyroid issues could also be related:

• Hypothyroidism: It’s typically related to signs like fatigue and low moods, however a thyroid headache can also be potential. About 30 % of individuals with hypothyroidism have a headache, as per a examine printed within the Inside Drugs journal. “The metabolic slowing related to decrease thyroid hormone ranges can generally contribute to complications. The modifications in blood circulate or nerve operate associated to the hypothyroid state may play a job,” says Dr Kapoor.
• Hyperthyroidism: Typically linked to nervousness, anxiousness and sleeping issues, this situation may trigger complications, as per analysis printed in Remedȳus. The overactive metabolic state and elevated sympathetic nervous system exercise in hyperthyroidism may set off a headache. The thyroid headache is likely to be related to feeling tense and even experiencing palpitations.

Migraine and thyroid headache

The signs of migraine, a well being situation that may result in nausea, temper modifications and fatigue, typically embrace throbbing ache often on one aspect of the top. There could also be an affiliation between complications, migraine and hypothyroidism, in response to analysis printed within the Headache journal. “Hormonal imbalances attributable to thyroid issues can affect mind chemistry, ache notion and irritation, all of that are related to migraine improvement,” says Dr Kapoor.

Find out how to handle a thyroid headache?

Managing the underlying thyroid situation reasonably than particularly addressing the thyroid headache is necessary. Right here’s what to do:

1. Relaxation

In case you get a thyroid headache, depart all the pieces and simply lie down in a quiet and darkish room to get some aid. The episodes of headache may also be handled by usually getting massages. However test along with your physician earlier than going for a head therapeutic massage.

2. Comply with your physician’s recommendation

Taking prescribed treatment constantly, and never lacking doses, sticking to advisable way of life modifications, and usually going for check-ups to observe hormone ranges are necessary to stabilise your thyroid. Because the thyroid operate normalises, any associated signs, together with a thyroid headache, could enhance.

3. Eat wholesome meals

“Having iodine-rich meals like eggs, dairy merchandise, tuna and iodised salt is important when you have hypothyroidism, but additionally devour a typically nutritious diet that’s good in your general well-being,” says the knowledgeable. Making certain correct diet may also help handle varied signs, doubtlessly together with thyroid headache.

4. Handle stress

Getting burdened on a regular basis can exacerbate the signs. Observe stress-reducing strategies like yoga, meditation, journaling, listening to music, deep respiratory, and mild train to assist handle signs akin to complications.

5. Handle migraine triggers

If in case you have migraine in addition to a thyroid dysfunction, keep away from frequent migraine triggers like stress, sleep disturbances and dehydration. Managing these triggers can forestall recurrent assaults of throbbing ache notably on one aspect of the top.

6. Medicines

“For instant aid from a thyroid headache, think about commonplace over-the-counter ache relievers like ibuprofen, however these can solely deal with the symptom, not the underlying trigger,” says the knowledgeable. Your foremost focus must be on regulating your thyroid.

Thyroid headache could also be one of many signs of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Managing these circumstances by checking with the physician, maintaining a healthy diet and managing stress may also help to take care of their signs, together with complications.