Faculty Sponsor

Jana Stedman, PA-C

College

Nursing

Department/Program

Valpariso University MSPA Program

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Symposium Date

Summer 7-26-2023

Abstract

Objectives: Describe the relationship between anxiety and depression, hypothyroidism, and hormonal contraceptives use. Establish plausible treatment options for anxiety and depression that is tailored for patients also diagnosed with hypothyroidism who are utilizing hormonal contraceptives. Methods: Review databases for sources regarding pathophysiological connections between hypothyroidism with anxiety and depression, hypothyroidism and contraceptive use, and contraceptive use with anxiety and depression. Review sources that discuss treatment options for anxiety and depression. Results: Untreated hypothyroidism results in increased levels of depressive symptoms and decreased quality of life, both of which improve after treatment with thyroid hormone replacement. Hormonal contraceptives alter thyroid hormone levels in the body which can have direct and indirect effects on thyroid function and mental health. Patients on hormonal contraceptives have mixed results on the development or worsening of mental health symptoms. Conclusions: Thyroid function is affected by hormonal contraceptives which can affect a patient’s psychological conditions. Therefore, management for anxiety and depression in this population should be unique to each patient. Special consideration should be paid by the provider and future research should be devoted to evaluating patients’ comorbidities, polypharmacy, and risk factors when determining a treatment regimen for patients with hypothyroidism and anxiety/depression who are utilizing hormonal contraceptives.

Keywords: hypothyroidism, anxiety, depression, hormonal contraceptives, side-effects, risk factors, treatment efficacy

Biographical Information about Author(s)

Michaela Ronk has a special interest in Emergency Medicine and plans on working in this field of medicine. She is a student member of professional organizations such as Indiana Academy of Physician Assistants (IAPA) and the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA), as well as the Valparaiso University Physician Assistant Student Society (VUPASS). She will be presenting on “Management of Anxiety and Depression in patients with Hypothyroidism and on hormonal contraceptives” because she has a special interest in exploring the relationship between anxiety/depression, hypothyroidism, and hormonal contraceptives and determining potential strong management regimens based on these relationships.

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