Quick version
- Polyneuropathy involves nerve damage that often causes numbness, tingling, muscle weakness or balance problems – mainly in the hands and feet.
- The thyroid gland affects metabolism and the nervous system via the hormones T3 and T4.
- Hypothyroidism (underfunction) can lead to nerve damage and polyneuropathy symptoms if not treated in time.
- Hyperthyroidism (overfunction) can also affect muscles and nerves, but in a different way.
- Autoimmune thyroid diseases such as Hashimoto's and Graves' are common causes and can increase the risk of nerve inflammation.
- Correct treatment, for example with Levaxin, can in some cases improve nerve function.
- In case of nerve symptoms and suspicion of a thyroid disorder, it is wise to test TSH, T3 and T4 via blood test.
What is polyneuropathy?
Polyneuropathy is a condition in which several nerves in the body are damaged or do not function as they should. This can lead to several different symptoms such as:
- Numbness or tingling - mainly in the feet and hands
- Loss of sensation
- Muscle pain or weakness
- Balance problems
The symptoms of polyneuropathy often develop slowly and can be both troublesome and difficult to interpret.
The thyroid gland controls metabolism - and affects the nervous system
The thyroid gland produces hormones such as T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine), which are crucial for the body's metabolism. When the hormonal balance is disrupted – for example, in hypothyroidism – the function of the nerves is also affected. In long-term and untreated hypothyroidism, nerve conduction can decrease, which in some cases can lead to polyneuropathy symptoms.
Common connections between thyroid disorders and nerve damage:- Hypothyroidism can cause slow nerve signaling, muscle fatigue and sometimes even numbness in the extremities.
- Hyperthyroidism can lead to muscle weakness and fine motor difficulties.
- Autoimmune disease is a common background in many people with thyroid disease, which can also increase the risk of nerve inflammation.
Can it be treated?
If the symptoms of polyneuropathy are due to an untreated thyroid disorder, the right treatment, (for example, Levaxin for hypothyroidism), can improve nerve function. However, it is important to get a correct diagnosis in time – the sooner a possible hypothyroidism is treated, the better the chance that the nerves will recover.
How to gain insight into your thyroid health
If you experience numbness, tingling or muscle weakness that does not go away – especially if you also feel tired, cold or have gained weight – you should test your thyroid values. A simple blood test can provide answers to how your thyroid is doing, read more and order thyroid test here.
