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Related Concept Videos

Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis01:37

Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis

The response to stress—be it physical or psychological, acute or chronic—involves activation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis. The HPA axis is part of the neuroendocrine system because it involves both neuronal and hormonal communication. Its function is to regulate homeostatic systems—metabolic, cardiovascular, and immune—providing the necessary means to respond to a stressor.
Physiological Foundation of Stress01:24

Physiological Foundation of Stress

Stress triggers a coordinated physiological response involving the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This dual activation ensures that the body is prepared for both immediate and prolonged stress management. The process begins with the perception of a stressor. This initial phase activates the SNS, leading to the rapid release of adrenaline (epinephrine) from the adrenal glands.
Role of the Sympathetic Nervous System
Adrenaline triggers the...
Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer01:19

Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer

Chronic stress has been linked to both the onset and progression of serious health conditions, including Type 2 diabetes and cancer. Type 2 diabetes, a widespread chronic illness, is closely associated with obesity and insulin resistance, both of which often worsen under stress. Studies indicate that men experiencing high levels of chronic stress face a 45% higher risk of developing diabetes compared to those with minimal stress. Stress triggers physiological responses that elevate blood...
Functions of Thyroid Hormones01:18

Functions of Thyroid Hormones

The thyroid hormone (TH) plays a pivotal role in the intricate orchestration of physiological processes, exerting profound effects on development, metabolism, and homeostasis throughout different life stages.
TH is indispensable for the normal development and maturation of the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems during fetal and childhood growth. It facilitates bone mineral turnover and regulates protein synthesis in developing tissues, contributing significantly to overall growth and...
Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle01:27

Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle

Stress is a multifaceted response to events perceived as challenging or threatening, highlighting physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral reactions. Physically, stress can lead to fatigue, sleep disruptions, and various health issues such as frequent colds, chest pains, and nausea. Emotionally, it can manifest as anxiety, depression, irritability, and anger triggered by both minor and major life events. Cognitively, it may result in difficulty in concentration, memory, and...
Hypothyroidism II: Pathophysiology01:23

Hypothyroidism II: Pathophysiology

Hypothyroidism is a disorder characterized by insufficient production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, energy balance, and multiple organ systems.TypesHypothyroidism is classified based on the level of dysfunction. Primary hypothyroidism results from intrinsic thyroid gland dysfunction, causing reduced hormone production despite normal or increased stimulation. Secondary hypothyroidism arises from inadequate thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) secretion by the pituitary. Tertiary...

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Updated: Jul 1, 2026

The Trier Social Stress Test Protocol for Inducing Psychological Stress
09:39

The Trier Social Stress Test Protocol for Inducing Psychological Stress

Published on: October 19, 2011

The influence of stress and cortisol on thyroid dysfunction.

Marcin Gierach1,2, Roman Junik3

  • 1Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Bydgoszcz, Poland, Poland. marcin_gierach@wp.pl.

Endokrynologia Polska
|June 30, 2026
PubMed
Summary

Chronic stress and elevated cortisol disrupt thyroid function by altering hormone metabolism and immune responses. Managing stress may improve thyroid health, especially in autoimmune conditions.

Keywords:
autoimmune diseasescortisolstressthyroid gland

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Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Immunology
  • Stress Physiology

Background:

  • Chronic stress sustains activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to elevated cortisol.
  • Cortisol impacts the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis, thyroid hormone metabolism, and immune function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current evidence on how stress and cortisol influence thyroid function.
  • To discuss effects on the HPT axis, peripheral metabolism, and autoimmunity.
  • To explore potential clinical implications and therapeutic strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature search of clinical, population-based, and experimental studies from the last decade.
  • Focused on associations between psychological stress, cortisol, thyroid dysregulation, deiodinase activity, and autoimmune thyroid disease.
  • Summarized mechanistic pathways and therapeutic perspectives.

Main Results:

  • Cortisol suppresses TRH and TSH, disrupts TSH circadian rhythm, and alters deiodinase activity (↓D1/↓D2, ↑D3), reducing T3 and increasing rT3.
  • These changes contribute to subclinical hypothyroidism and non-thyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS).
  • Chronic stress impairs immune homeostasis, increasing susceptibility to autoimmune thyroid diseases like Hashimoto's and Graves'.

Conclusions:

  • Stress and cortisol significantly affect thyroid regulation via endocrine, metabolic, and immunological pathways.
  • Assessing chronic stress and HPA axis activity can enhance thyroid disorder diagnosis.
  • Stress-reduction interventions and micronutrient optimization may complement standard thyroid therapy, particularly for autoimmune thyroid disease.