Can stress impact the thyroid?

When I was a teenager, about 10 years ago, I had thyroid issues.  I went back and forth from hypo- to hyper.  Over the course of a few years I was told by specialists that I had Hashimoto's and Graves Disease. I have been off medication for about 6 years and my thyroid levels were normal during that time. Recently, I have been having some problems though.  Most of my thyroid levels are normal, but I have really high anti-TPO antibody levels. I am being seen by a doctor, and am in the process of getting a bunch of tests done.  

I was just wondering-- Can stress and anxiety impact the thyroid and these antibody levels? I have been under a great deal of stress lately at work, and I am curious if that could be part of the cause.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

Stress can increase autoimmune attacks on the thyroid.  It is not unusual to have high TPO antibodies and normal thyroid function; in these cases, treatment is not always needed.