Five reasons to feel tired and depressed, and none of them are the spring's fault.

The most important thing

• What are the most common causes of depression and fatigue?

• The link between symptoms of fatigue and depression and certain medical conditions

• How can we determine whether our condition requires medical attention and, if so, what kind?

• What are the specific symptoms that indicate thyroid gland dysfunction?

• The role of a healthy diet, physical activity and dietary supplements in normalising thyroid hormone levels

One of the first associations we have with spring is that of new beginnings and growth. However, at this time of year we often experience what is known as ‘spring fatigue’. We regularly use this term to justify feelings such as fatigue, mood swings and sleep disturbances. This is normal, as in spring we experience physiological changes caused by the changing seasons, the onset of allergies and shifts in our sleep cycle.

This imbalance can lead to fatigue and even mild forms of depression. These symptoms may indicate thyroid gland dysfunction. Sarita+ is a product that contributes to thyroid health and helps increase energy and muscle strength.

We highlight the signs of thyroid gland problems and the role of a healthy diet, regular physical activity and the potential benefits of supplementing with products such as Sarita+ in maintaining healthy and normal thyroid function during the transition to different seasons.

The most common causes of depression and fatigue

Very often, as spring approaches, our mood changes and we sometimes feel the burden of depression and fatigue. In most cases, we rarely understand the reasons why this happens. There is a great deal of data in the scientific literature showing that this is normal. Experts urge us to pay attention to these conditions, because when they become chronic, their impact on health can be serious. The factors contributing to these chronic conditions have also been identified [1]:

• Change in circadian rhythms: The switch from winter to daylight saving time disrupts our biological clock, mainly due to the longer days. We have difficulty falling asleep and our sleep quality is poor. All these conditions lead to lethargy and a loss of energy [2].

• Seasonal Affective Disorders and Stress: Seasonal Affective Disorders (SAD) are characterised by recurrent depressive symptoms with the changing of the seasons. They include depression, loss of interest or pleasure, changes in appetite or body weight, sleep disturbances, fatigue and difficulties with concentration. They are caused by changes in circadian rhythms and hormonal balance, as well as changes in neurotransmitter and stress hormone synthesis.

• Seasonal allergies: Only a small percentage of people experience spring without allergies. Most people are sensitive to pollen, which causes nasal discharge accompanied by sneezing and itchy eyes. All these symptoms contribute to feelings of fatigue and irritability, a lack of concentration and various forms of depression.

• Dehydration: Water plays an important role in many bodily functions, such as regulating body temperature and transporting nutrients to our body’s cells. Dehydration, especially during the warmer months, can cause fatigue, fuzzy thinking and mood swings. 

• Hormonal imbalance: The increased duration of sunlight in spring reduces the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone, which often leads to symptoms of insomnia and fatigue. Various studies show that seasonal changes and light levels can also affect thyroid function. Therefore, the thyroid gland requires attention during the seasons when the days become longer [3].

The link between symptoms of fatigue and depression and certain illnesses

The onset of symptoms of fatigue and depression is also associated with various diseases that pose a real challenge for those who suffer from them [4].

• Chronic diseases: Chronic diseases such as multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis can significantly reduce sleep quality. Patients feel tired during the day, which is exacerbated by reduced mobility and leads to the emergence of depressive symptoms [5].

• Mental disorders: Fatigue and changes in mood, thinking and behaviour also affect people with more severe mental disorders, such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

•  Thyroid dysfunction: The thyroid gland plays a key role in regulating metabolism through the production of thyroid hormones. Disorders in its function can lead to various medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. In the first case, thyroid function is reduced and it produces fewer thyroid hormones. Common symptoms include fatigue, lethargy, difficulty concentrating and even depression.

Generally, it is very difficult to establish a precise link between symptoms of fatigue and depression and a specific illness. The most important step in treatment is to identify the underlying causes of these symptoms.

Specific symptoms indicating increased or decreased thyroid gland function

The thyroid gland controls vital processes in the human body, such as the regulation of metabolism, the functioning of many organs and energy production. Improper functioning of the gland causes a range of symptoms, including fatigue, lethargy, difficulty concentrating and even depression. Although some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are similar and overlap, there are differences that can be very useful for making an accurate diagnosis and subsequent treatment [6].

• Hyperthyroidism: Specific symptoms include weight loss, increased appetite, muscle weakness, excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) and sleep disturbances. A feeling of lack of energy and inadequacy is also a major symptom to watch out for.

• Hypothyroidism: Indicative symptoms include hair loss, weight gain, memory problems, dry skin, cold extremities, constipation and irregular menstrual cycles in women. In many cases there is a feeling of constant nervousness and inner anxiety. There is unexplained fatigue.

Recognising these specific symptoms provides an advantage for early diagnosis. In cases of persistent symptoms, blood tests are strongly recommended to accurately determine thyroid hormone levels. This leads to appropriate therapy for further treatment.

Once symptoms appear, when should we consult a specialist?

Caught up in the fast pace of life, we neglect and ignore the symptoms of fatigue and depression. We attribute them to our lifestyle and stress. We don’t heed our body’s signals. However, we must bear in mind that when these symptoms persist, it is very important to seek professional help.

There are various strategies for coping with chronic stress, fatigue and seasonal depression. They are generally classified as psychological and medical. The former include therapies such as cognitive-behavioural, psychosomatic and other psychological approaches. They help with psychosomatic conditions such as fatigue, depression and lethargy [7].

However, when these symptoms are accompanied by physiological changes in our body, such as constipation, poor skin condition, and weight problems, which are often associated with hypothyroidism, it is important to consult a doctor. Blood tests are the quickest way to detect possible physiological disorders. In this case, several approaches should be combined to ensure a comprehensive plan for improving health and successful treatment.

How to normalise thyroid hormone levels

The health of the body, including the thyroid gland, which is an essential part of the endocrine system and the largest endocrine gland in the body, responsible for producing hormones necessary for metabolic health, growth and development, requires specific approaches for prevention and prophylaxis. Specialists recommend following a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and dietary supplements known to normalise thyroid function.

Healthy and balanced diet: Foods such as oysters, seafood, legumes and dairy products are rich in trace elements like selenium and zinc, which support the normal function of the thyroid gland. In recent years, scientific research has also focused on the role of certain fruits and vegetables in thyroid function. For example, spinach is known for its high concentration of iodine, vitamins A and K. Research shows that consuming spinach can improve thyroid function and help maintain optimal levels of thyroid hormones. 

Broccoli is rich in folic acid and vitamin C, which are also important for thyroid health. Among fruits, apricots are a source of vitamin A, which is extremely important for thyroid function. Apples are also rich in fibre and vitamin C. Pineapple is a source of bromelain, an enzyme that aids digestion, but also plays an important role in maintaining thyroid health.

Fermented foods, such as yoghurt and fermented vegetables, have a beneficial effect on the thyroid gland. Their benefits range from maintaining a healthy gut microbiota and supporting normal thyroid function to strengthening the immune system [8].

Regular physical activity: Aerobic exercises such as walking, jogging or swimming effectively alleviate the symptoms of conditions associated with thyroid gland dysfunction. In this context, strength training accelerates metabolism and also has a beneficial effect. 

Dietary supplements: In today’s lifestyle, a healthy diet is often compromised by a lack of foods rich in essential micronutrients and vitamins. Very often these deficiencies have negative effects on our physiology and health. Therefore, there is great interest in new and effective supplements that can address specific deficiencies. 

In the context of hypothyroidism and symptoms of depression, fatigue and lethargy, Sarita+ is a natural source of health. The product is designed to support normal thyroid function in cases of hypothyroidism. Its active ingredients help increase thyroid hormone production and balance the body’s physiological and psychological processes.

Sarita+ contains the amino acid L-tyrosine, extracts of ashwagandha and ginseng, zinc, selenium and vitamin D3, which work synergistically to support optimal thyroid function. This comprehensive formula provides full support for individuals with hypothyroid conditions, improving their quality of life.

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CHZV

Is there a direct link between spring depression and the thyroid gland?

• There is no evidence to confirm a direct link between spring depression and thyroid gland problems. The literature shows that feelings of sadness are caused by changes in our biological clock as a result of reduced production of melatonin, the sleep hormone. However, in cases of hyperthyroidism it is possible to experience persistent symptoms of depression or anxiety.

How can we distinguish springtime drowsiness from the symptoms of thyroid dysfunction?

• The main difference lies in the duration of the symptoms. Spring fatigue usually disappears quickly and is associated with allergies and changes in sleep patterns. Symptoms of thyroid dysfunction, on the other hand, are more long-lasting and are accompanied by changes in body weight and mood. Other symptoms that indicate thyroid dysfunction are often present as well.

When should we seek help for symptoms of fatigue and depression?

•  If the symptoms are exclusively psychological, then cognitive-behavioural and other psychological approaches may be useful. If the symptoms include physiological changes, such as those associated with thyroid dysfunction, you should consult a doctor.

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Sources:

• https://www.portneuf.org/the-mental-effects-of-daylight-savings-and-circadian-rhythm#:~:text=Every spring we move house, it helps you wake up naturally
• https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/s/seasonal-affective-disorder-or-sad.html
•  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK500006/
• https://magazine.medlineplus.gov/article/hypothyroidism-vs-hyperthyroidism-whats-the-difference

References:

1. Nussbaumer-Streit, B., Pjrek, E., Kien, C. et al. Implementation of prevention of seasonal affective disorders from the perspective of patients and physicians – a qualitative study. BMC Psychiatry 18, 372 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-018-1951-0me. The success of implementing SAD prevention does not depend solely on patients’ willingness, but is also influenced by external factors. Increasing awareness of Bipolar Disorder among general practitioners and improving access to mental health support could help patients find appropriate help more quickly. To better guide the selection of optimal treatment, comparative research is needed on the effectiveness of treatments for preventing new episodes in patients with a history of SAD, as well as clinical practice guidelines for SAD.

2. Potter, G. D., Skene, D. J., Arendt, J., Cade, J. E., Grant, P. J., & Hardie, L. J. (2016). Circadian Rhythm and Sleep Disorders: Causes, Metabolic Consequences, and Countermeasures. Endocrine Reviews, 37(6), 584–608. https://doi.org/10.1210/er.2016-1083 A large proportion of the world’s population is at an increased risk of circadian rhythm and sleep disruption caused by environmental factors, and a minority of individuals are also genetically predisposed to circadian imbalance and sleep disorders. The consequences of circadian rhythm and sleep disruption are profound and include a multitude of metabolic consequences, some of which may be exacerbated by adverse effects on food choice. If left untreated, the harmful effects of such a disruption will continue to cause widespread health problems; therefore, it will be important to implement the numerous behavioural and pharmaceutical interventions that can help to restore circadian alignment and improve sleep.

3. Babic Leko, M., Gunjača, I., Pleić, N., & Zemunik, T. (2021). Environmental factors affecting the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone and thyroid hormones. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(12), 6521. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22126521 Vitamin D. Vitamin D exerts its effect by binding to the vitamin D receptor (VDR) [168]. It is mainly synthesised in the skin upon exposure to sunlight (95%), with only a small amount being ingested through food (5%) [169]. VDRs are detected in the pituitary gland and it is thought that, in addition to other pituitary hormones [170,171,172], vitamin D also regulates the secretion of TSH [173]. Furthermore, VDR have also been found in cultured rat thyrocytes [174]. The reduction in TSH levels at high vitamin D levels is thought to be the result of increased thyroid hormone levels (which is a result of the stimulating effect of vitamin D on thyrocytes) [175]. Many studies have shown an association between vitamin D deficiency and autoimmune thyroid diseases [176,177,178,179,180].

4. Malhi GS, Mann JJ. Depression. Lancet. 24 November 2018;392(10161):2299-2312. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(18)31948-2. Electronic publication 2 November 2018. Major depression is a common disorder that severely impairs psychosocial functioning and reduces quality of life. In 2008, the WHO ranked major depression third among the leading causes of disability worldwide and predicted that by 2030 it would rank first.1 In practice, its detection, diagnosis and treatment often present a challenge for clinicians due to its varied manifestations, unpredictable course and prognosis, as well as its variable response to treatment.

5. Chmielewski, G., Majewski, M. S., Kuna, J., Mikiewicz, M., & Krajewska-Włodarczyk, M. (2023). Fatigue in inflammatory joint diseases. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(15), 12040. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241512040me. Fatigue is a common symptom in various rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. It is characterised by a subjective and persistent feeling of general exhaustion or tiredness, which affects the patient’s quality of life and exacerbates disability. The nature of fatigue is multifactorial, encompassing physiological, psychological and social factors, and although the exact cause of inflammatory joint diseases is not fully understood, it is believed that several factors contribute to its development. Despite its high prevalence and importance, this symptom is often underestimated in clinical practice.

6. Selim Shahjada, Mustari Marufa, Khan Taushik Ahmed, Kamrul-Hasan ABM. 2024. Approach to the management of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism in Bangladesh: a national survey from the physicians’ perspective, Frontiers in Endocrinology, 14; DOI=10.3389/fendo.2023.1322335. Of these disorders, hypothyroidism, whether subclinical or overt, is the most common, particularly in women. Hypothyroidism initially manifests as an increase in serum TSH concentration, along with normal free T4 and triiodothyronine concentrations (T3) in the serum (subclinical hypothyroidism), followed by a decrease in the serum concentration of free T4. On the other hand, the main biochemical abnormality in hyperthyroidism is initially a suppressed TSH concentration, along with a normal total serum T4 concentration (subclinical hyperthyroidism), followed by an increase in the total serum T4 concentration (manifest hyperthyroidism).

7. Nakao, M., Shirotsuki, K., & Sugaya, N. (2021). Cognitive-behavioural therapy for managing mental health and stress-related disorders: the latest advances in techniques and technologies. Biopsychosocial Medicine, 15(1), 16. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13030-021-00219-ws (Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for Managing Mental Health and Stress-Related Disorders). Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps individuals to eliminate the avoidance and safety-seeking behaviours that prevent the self-correction of faulty beliefs, thereby facilitating stress management to reduce stress-related disorders and improve mental health. This review assessed the efficacy of CBT under stressful conditions in clinical and general populations and identified recent advances in CBT-related techniques.

8. Babiker, A., Alavi, A., Al Atavi, M. and Al Alwan, I. (2020). The role of micronutrients in thyroid dysfunction. Sudanese Journal of Paediatrics, 20(1), 13–19. https://doi.org/10.24911/SJP.106-1587138942. Thyroid hormones are essential for normal growth and development in children. Nutritional factors are closely linked to thyroid gland dysfunction due to a deviation from the gland’s normal physiology. Iodine deficiency, a main component of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4), is one of the most common causes of hypothyroidism in children and adults worldwide. Other micronutrients, such as vegetables from the Brassicaceae (cruciferous) family, millet, soya products, and cassava, are also considered causes of thyroid dysfunction. Environmental factors, namely the contamination of water with goitrogens, can also contribute to the aetiology of goitre in some endemic areas. Nutritional recommendations and avoiding an excessive dietary intake of goitrogens are part of the food safety guidelines that should be established, particularly in endemic areas.