The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland found within the neck. It produces hormones which regulate development, metabolism, and growth. The thyroid gland is a source of various health issues including the increase in weight, fatigue, and depression. Alcoholism has been shown to cause harm to many organs of the body. It’s therefore no surprise that alcohol could also harm the thyroid gland.
Alcohol and thyroid hormones
The thyroid gland produces two main hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and the hormone thyroxine (T4). These hormones regulate metabolism, energy production along with heart rate and body temperature. Alcohol consumption may interfere with the normal release and production of these hormones. This can lead to thyroid dysfunction.
One way in which alcohol can affect the thyroid gland is by slowing down the conversion of T4 to T3. The thyroid gland makes T4, which is the inactive thyroid hormone. It must be converted to its active form, T3 to fulfill its function inside the body. Alcohol consumption can alter this conversion process and lead to a drop in T3 and an increase in T4 levels. This could lead to an illness known as hypothyroidism subclinical that is where the thyroid gland is not producing enough T3 despite normal T4 levels.
Alcohol and thyroid diseases
Autoimmune Thyroid Disease is a condition in which the immune system is able to attack the thyroid gland, which results in inflammation and damage. Hashimoto thyroiditis, as well as Graves disease are two well-known autoimmune thyroid disorders. Both of these conditions are associated with alcoholism.
Alcohol consumption may cause an immune response which could result in Hashimoto thyroiditis. This condition can cause the thyroid gland to be damaged and inflamed which results in a decrease in the production of thyroid hormones. Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is often accompanied by fatigue, depression and weight gain.
Graves disease, however, is characterized by an over production of thyroid hormone because of an overactive thyroid. Drinking alcohol can increase the symptoms of Graves’ disease and cause complications such as heart problems and osteoporosis.
Iodine and Alcohol Deficiency
Iodine is a mineral that is essential to the body and needs in order to produce thyroid hormones. If there isn’t enough iodine in the body, the thyroid gland is unable to produce enough thyroid hormones. This leads to hypothyroidism. Alcohol can cause problems with the absorption and use of iodine within the body. This results in the thyroid disorder.
Drug interactions and alcohol
Most often, thyroid hormones like liothyronine and liothyroxine are prescribed to sufferers of thyroid issues. Drinking alcohol can impede the effectiveness and absorption of these medications, which could lead to inadequate treatment of thyroid disorders. Additionally, alcohol may negatively interact with other drugs used to treat thyroid disorders, such as anti-thyroid or beta-blockers.
The effects of alcohol abuse can be detrimental to thyroid health. It can disrupt the production and conversion of thyroid hormones, trigger autoimmune reactions and interfere with the absorption of iodine and negatively interact with thyroid medication. It is essential to speak with an experienced medical professional if are struggling with alcoholism and experiencing thyroid dysfunction symptoms. It is possible to examine your thyroid’s function and then recommended treatment like lifestyle modifications and addiction programs. With the proper treatment and management it is possible to recover the health of your thyroid and beat alcohol addiction.
Alcohol is linked to several negative health outcomes including thyroid disorders. According to studies, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to hypothyroidism or graves’s disease. In smaller amounts, alcohol can also affect the body’s ability absorb certain thyroid medication. The centers for the prevention and treatment of diseases suggest that alcohol consumption be done in moderate amounts. Alcohol can worsen symptoms of thyroid diseases, such as depression and fatigue. Even small amounts can affect medication effectiveness and cause health issues. Knowing how alcohol affects thyroid health can help you make educated decisions. Your long-term health is your primary concern!
For more information, click complications of alcoholism and hypothyroidism