Is there any link between thyroid and pineal gland?

[Maryah85]

Has anyone got a pineal cyst and underactive thyroid? Is it linked?

[radd]

Maryah85

We know the thyroid gland secretes hormones T4 & T3. The pineal gland produces serotonin & then melatonin from light sensitive cells connected through neural pathways to our retina.

In a spiritual sense the pineal gland is known as our third eye as just like our eyes it senses/sees light & darkness. Melatonin also stimulates the immune system and anti-inflammatory mediators through the thalamus gland.

The two glands are connected in the sense of being part of the endocrine system and no hormone works in isolation, but do not directly influence one another such as the hypothalamus- pituitary-thyroid-do.

The pineal gland is more connected to the part of the hypothalamus that controls our circadian rhythm. I believe small cysts on the pineal are as common as also found on the thyroid gland, and usually asymptomatic. How big is your cyst?

[HashiFedUp in reply to radd]

Interesting. you certainly have a lot of knowledge. might there be a connection - thyroid and serotonin? As so many thyroid patients suffer depression/anxiety?

[radd in reply to HashiFedUp]

HashiFedUp,

Oh yes, well, that's a big subject.

Thyroid patients may experience all symptoms; physical, emotional and mental, but regarding neurological changes it’s tricky to make a direct connection because brain chemistry is so immensely complicated & altered by multifactorial influences, from childhood experiences to present day diet, economic status, other health conditions, etc. They claim billions of chemical reactions are responsible for our mood, perceptions, how we experience life and adopt resilience.

However, research has shown having depression negatively effects the deiodinase actions (enzymes that determine cellular activity or deactivation of thyroid hormone) such as a blunted TSH response to TRH stimulation meaning a dysfunctional thyroid signalling system and diminished thyroid hormone levels.

There are also completely different deiodinase patterns in the pituitary than in peripheral tissues, evidencing that thyroid hormones hold large influence on brain function, and more T3 receptors in the brain than anywhere else on the body. The fact T3 is a neurotransmitter as well as a hormone means there’s a guaranteed amount of brain chemistry alteration should levels be wrong.

When I started on T3 meds I literally had pops and fizzes in my head for about two years, like effevescent bubbles going off. Some members have experienced pressure in their head. My own theory is the cell receptors are being saturated after so many years of T3 starvation. I also had depression, although it states low mood on my medical record. Whatever, I cried every day and wouldn't/couldn't get out of bed for a year. It was finally alleviated by adding HRT. Work that one out! 😁

5-HTP is an amino acid that works in the brain & nervous system to produce serotonin. The serotonin system has been given prominence regarding mood regulation with drugs such as the tricyclic antidepressants, SSRIs, MAO inhibitors and lithium , and in research hypothyroid people have shown reduced 5-HT responsiveness that reverses when thyroid hormones optimise. Also, the longer inadequate thyroid hormones levels have been experienced the longer it takes for 5-HT receptors to sensitise.

If you think you are low on seratonin/melatonin, have you tried supplementing 5-HTP?

[HashiFedUp in reply to radd]

It feels like the chicken and egg scenario. Which came first… thyroid dysfunction or depression?! I think stress makes any auto immune disease worse but i do believe that thyroid dysfunction is largely overlooked when GPs face depressed exhausted anxious patients!

[Maryah85 in reply to radd]

Thanks for your help and information! Interesting about 5 htp