Does anyone have experience with thyroid disease and ocd? I had to go to the hospital in 2017 for ocd and it was there that it was discovered that I have autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto’s causing hypothyroidism). My Mom had her thyroid removed at 32 but probably had thyroid issues dating back before that age. My ocd became severe about halfway through high school. I remember having to literally leave class to check to make sure that my belongings in my locker hadn’t been stolen during the time that I had been in class. I hit puberty at the right time and correctly hit all other markers. The endocrinologist said that an endo surgeon would remove the thyroid for different reasons, and I have one of them: nodules. I’m kind of hoping that they take it out due to my familial history of autoimmune disease. I just keep hoping there’s a way to rid myself of distress and intrusive thoughts. It’s pretty messed up that I’m hoping to have part of my body removed but I have this gut feeling that my thyroid could be fucking with everything. I’m not sure if I’d feel any different if my Mom didn’t have thyroid cancer, but that gives me hope that it’s not all my fault. The intrusive thoughts have become less frequent since starting thyroid hormone therapy. But they still come and go and it causes comorbid depression. Sucks. Anyone else with similar experiences and/or thought processes? I also had a cortisol test done today to see how well my body tolerates stress. Upon blood testing, the endocrinologist discovered that I my cortisol was super low in the AM. It’s supposed to be the opposite in the AM. If the same holds true after my cortisol test today, then it’s a problem that has to be addressed with more immunosuppressant medicine. I also take 150mg Zoloft. I don’t notice much from it, but I take it.

AndrewSmith

Date posted: 5y

How did you know you had thyroid disease what were the symptoms

KarlSchif

Date posted: 5y

My ocd was so severe that I began to lose touch with reality as I struggled to convince myself that I hadn’t hit someone with my car while driving. Blood tests in the hospital revealed Hashimoto’s disease.

ocdillustrated

Date posted: 5y

I haven't read any research connecting thyroid disease and OCD. That doesn't mean there isn't a link in your symptoms though. I guess you'll have to wait and see how it pans out

M1133

Date posted: 1y

@ocdillustrated “Research from 2020 suggests a link between thyroid dysfunction and mental health disorders, including OCD. Changes in thyroid hormone levels can affect neurotransmitter activity in the brain, potentially leading to mood and anxiety disorders such as OCD.” https://www.healthline.com/health/hypothyroidism/hypothyroidism-and-ocd

Pure O

Date posted: 5y

I've got Hashimoto's disease and my OCD symptoms often get worse when the medication I take is not the correct dosis. My endocrinologist checks my TSH levels every three months to see if the dosis has to be adjusted

KarlSchif

Date posted: 5y

I’ve noticed similar. I was switched to synthroid a few months ago because they deemed that the levo wasn’t absorbing properly. They (endo) said synthroid has better absorption. I’ve been rather sedentary these past few years so I need to get moving more again. The ocd scares me tho!

KarlSchif

Date posted: 5y

Also I don’t really fall into deep sleep anymore. It’s interrupted. Could be due to lack of exercise and not eating enough during the day. I got that fear of gaining weight.

Pure O

Date posted: 5y

I do quite a lot of exercise but the same happens with my sleep. I wake up many times and sometimes ocd takes over my head and I can't fall asleep again

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