Bi-Polar and thyroid

This article examines the proposed/theoretical associations between bi-polar disorder and abnormalities of the HPT axis, especially in rapid cycling bi polar and mixed states. It makes for an interesting read.

Ex:

"Mixed affective states have also been associated with reduced thyroid functioning in certain studies. In a study of first-episode manic and mixed types of bipolar disorder, 33% of the patients in mixed episodes had elevated TSH levels, in comparison with 7% of patients experiencing pure mania [71]. In similar vein, Chang et al. [72] found significantly lower T4 levels and elevated TSH levels in patients with mixed mania, compared with those with pure mania. These differences were not associated with exposure to lithium. Others have reported that patients with mixed states have a higher rate of positive anti-thyroid antibody titres, than other unipolar or bipolar subgroups, apparently unrelated to lithium treatment [73,)"

Ex: 2

One of the key recent developments in this area has been the research evidence suggesting that HPT abnormalities may be a potential endophenotypes for bipolar disorder. Vonk et al. [149] compared the prevalence of thyroperoxidase antibodies among 22 monozygotic twins and 29 dizygotic twins with bipolar disorder, with 35 healthy control twins. Antibody titres were positive in 27% of the twins with bipolar disorder, compared to only 16% in healthy control twins. The authors proposed that autoimmune thyroiditis (with raised antibody titres as markers) could be an endophenotype for bipolar disorder and could be related to the genetic vulnerability to develop bipolar disorder. In another study, a significantly higher prevalence of thyroperoxidase antibody titres was predominantly found in daughters of parents with bipolar disorder, compared to the female high school and young adult comparisons [150]. Therefore, children of parents with bipolar disorder were found to be more vulnerable to develop thyroid autoimmunity, independently of their vulnerability to develop psychiatric disorders. Coincidentally, recent studies have found HPT abnormalities among children with severe affective, behavioural, and cognitive impairments, who could be a part of the broad behavioural phenotype of bipolar disorder [151].

To read the entire article click the link below.

http://www.hindawi.com/journals/jtr/2011/306367/

Seems logical that mood problems may be caused or amplified by malfunctions in the thyroid. I'm currently taking an enzyme by Endo-met laboratories for improving thyroid and adrenal gland functions. It made a significant improvement in my overall mood stability. Good post.

- Ian

I am curious, what enzyme is this?

HaxX wrote:I am curious, what enzyme is this?

I take 6 supplements, which are Endo AC, Thym-Adren, Paramin, Enzaid, SBF Formula, and Limcomin. The Endo Met Laboratories website has details of what is in each of these. The thyroid, Thymus, and adrenal glands are affected by these supplements.

I have problems with my thyriod and I took hormonal medicnes for about 5 years... Now i am not on meds anymore and I don't know if it is just me or, moods became worse since that...

Thyroid hormone affects the production and metabolism of several different neurotransmitters and hormones, including testosterone, progesterone, aldosterone, estrogen, cortisol and adrenaline amonge others.
Many people with low thyroid function have elevated adrenaline wich can cause panic attacks, nighmares, racing heart and a boosted fight or flight response, and low T3 which can correspond with depression.

If you feel worse after stopping thyroid hormone it is an idicator that you may need to get back on them. Most hypothyroidism is caused by an autoimmune condition that does not easily resolve itself and doesnt go away on its own. Lithium, which is given to many with bi-polar can wreak havoc on your thyroid and parathyroid glands.
Please find a knowlegable doctor who will work with your symptoms and monitor your thyroid hormone levels.
If you are getting proper treatment for your thyroid I am sure you will feel better.

Good find. Every thyroid test I've had has come back normal, but isn't it possible that since I cycle so fast, my thyroid could be fluctuating in and out of normal ranges?

It feels like pure adrenaline and angst when I get wound up, but it's kinda fun.

Many labs and doctors use outdated ranges, you may want to double check your lab results online. There is a controversy over what normal is, although it is common for persons with normal values to be symptomatic and may benefit from thyroid hormone supplementation, you may also want parathyroid hormone and blood calcium checked. Parathyroid disease cause similar physical and behavioral symptoms.