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Is alcohol bad for hypothyroidism?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I noticed that, after drinking alcohol, I feel exhausted and weak, after a week. I also have pain behind my eyes and a constant headache. I am curious if it is related to the thyroid or something else. Does alcohol affect patients with hypothyroidism?

please help.
Answered by Dr. Shaikh Sadaf

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shaikh Sadaf is a Specialist in Diabetology and Endocrinology dedicated to providing comprehensive care for patients with hormonal and metabolic disorders. With two decades of clinical experience, she is skilled in managing diabetes, thyroid conditions, and a wide range of endocrine issues. Having trained internationally and earned prestigious memberships from leading medical colleges, Dr. Sadaf combines global expertise with a compassionate, patient-centered approach. She focuses on personalized treatment, preventive care, and long-term wellness to help patients achieve better health outcomes.

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Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I just read your query.

Yes, alcohol does affect people who have hypothyroidism. It affects the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis and causes suppression of the thyroid gland in a normal individual. But in those who already have a hypo-functioning thyroid gland, the effects can be more damaging. It has been reported to cause direct suppression of thyroid function by cellular toxicity, and indirect suppression by blunting thyrotropin-releasing hormone response.

As for your symptoms, I suggest you get liver function test, renal function test, complete lipid profile, and complete blood count done. You must have your blood sugar and blood pressure checked whenever you experience these symptoms again.

I hope I have answered your question.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At May 10, 2017
Reviewed At June 5, 2026

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shaikh Sadaf is a Specialist in Diabetology and Endocrinology dedicated to providing comprehensive care for patients with hormonal and metabolic disorders. With two decades of clinical experience, she is skilled in managing diabetes, thyroid conditions, and a wide range of endocrine issues. Having trained internationally and earned prestigious memberships from leading medical colleges, Dr. Sadaf combines global expertise with a compassionate, patient-centered approach. She focuses on personalized treatment, preventive care, and long-term wellness to help patients achieve better health outcomes.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Shaikh Sadaf
Dr. Shaikh Sadaf

Endocrinology

Consult this doctor

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shaikh Sadaf is a Specialist in Diabetology and Endocrinology dedicated to providing comprehensive care for patients with hormonal and metabolic disorders. With two decades of clinical experience, she is skilled in managing diabetes, thyroid conditions, and a wide range of endocrine issues. Having trained internationally and earned prestigious memberships from leading medical colleges, Dr. Sadaf combines global expertise with a compassionate, patient-centered approach. She focuses on personalized treatment, preventive care, and long-term wellness to help patients achieve better health outcomes.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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