Headaches: The New Thyroid Risk?

If you have chronic headaches, new research shows that you are more likely to suffer from hypothyroidism as well. If this is all too familiar to you, take heart. This study sheds some interesting light on potential causes of hypothyroidism. It also gives us some indicators on our overall health and a possible precursor to a thyroid condition that can be addressed before other symptoms arise.

A study published in the journal Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain concluded that there was a significant increase in one’s risk of developing hypothyroidism with a history of a headaches. The most significant thyroid risk was seen in people who suffered from migraine headaches. The researchers also identified other risk factors for hypothyroidism including being female, advancing age, obesity, and certain medications. While some risk factors are unavoidable, the connection between headaches and thyroid issues gives us insight into some potential triggers to thyroid disorder.

Other studies have demonstrated the connection between headaches and hypothyroidism before, but this study was different because there was a large sample size and subjects were followed for an average of 12 years. They also had their thyroid function measured at different times during the study versus at just one point in time. While it still does not show causation, it does solidify the real link between headaches and thyroid issues.

What is the Connection?
Researchers are not certain how these two disorders influence one another; however, there are several theories they have explored. Women are more likely to suffer from both headaches and hypothyroidism. Estrogen, which also elevates in obesity, is a possible cause for both issues. Women are also more likely to have both autoimmune and thyroid conditions. They estimate that approximately 90% of thyroid conditions are autoimmune related. This correlation shows another possibility being inflammation in the immune system. Headaches activate inflammatory immune responses that could, at least in part, lead to an autoimmune thyroid response.

Manage Your Headaches, Improve Your Thyroid
Headaches can be caused by a variety of triggers including hormonal imbalances, toxicity, inflammation, immune issues and others. Recurring headaches, of any type, indicate underlying issues in your overall health systems. If you suffer from ongoing headaches, it is important to look for the root causes and work on solving those issues. It is likely that fixing the system that is out of balance or stressed will improve your overall health including your thyroid function.
Some of the best nutrients to help address many of the causes of headaches include magnesium, arabinogalactan, milk thistle extract (silymarin), curcumin, and bromelain. For sinus headaches, oregano oil and quercetin offer extra support.

Protect Your Thyroid
Those who do suffer from headaches or migraines will also want to add nutrients that protect the thyroid. Ensure sufficient intake of iodine, selenium, iron, zinc, vitamins A, C and B12. Quercetin is an immune system modulator that can help to tone down an immune system reaction.

The Bottom Line
If you have chronic headaches or the occasional migraine, your thyroid could also be screaming for help. While researchers have yet to establish the exact connection between the two, they understand there is a link. It is important to look at your overall health, resolve stressors and add extra nutrition to help protect your thyroid. Do what you can today to prevent long-term issues. Don’t wait until it is too late!