Do thyroid issues cause dark circles?

Author: Joanny Hirthe V  |  Last update: Thursday, January 8, 2026

An underactive thyroid, known as hypothyroidism, can lead to many symptoms, including fatigue, weight gain, and dark circles under the eyes. The condition can slow metabolism, leading to fluid retention and puffy, swollen tissues around the eyes.

Can thyroid problems cause dark circles under eyes?

Thyroid conditions—both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism—can cause under-eye bags or circles. Managing these conditions will often help improve your eyes' appearance.

What is your body lacking when you have dark circles?

Iron Deficiency

Dark circles under the eyes can be caused by anemia, which makes the skin look pale and the area around the eyes look darker. The most common cause of anemia is from not getting enough iron in the diet to make the right amount of red blood cells the body needs.

What do eyes look like with thyroid disease?

What is thyroid eye disease (TED)? TED is an autoimmune disease in which the eye muscles and fatty tissue behind the eye become inflamed. This inflammation can push the eyes forward (“staring” or “bulging”) or cause the eyes and eyelids to become red and swollen.

What illness causes dark circles around the eyes?

Some of the most common causes of dark circles under the eyes are:
  • Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
  • Contact dermatitis.
  • Fatigue.
  • Genetics.
  • Rubbing or scratching your eyes.
  • Skin changes that happen with aging.
  • Changes in skin color. ...
  • Sun exposure.

Doctor explains 8 SKIN SIGNS linked with HYPOTHYROIDISM (aka underactive thyroid)

What autoimmune disease causes dark circles under eyes?

There are several types of lupus, including systemic lupus erythematosus — the most common type — and cutaneous lupus erythematosus, which affects only the skin. If you suspect a connection between the dark circles under your eyes and your lupus diagnosis, you could be right.

What organ is associated with dark circles?

It is possible, though, for the appearance of darker skin in the area under the eyes to arise from an existing health problem. This can include asthma, allergies, poor circulation, hormonal shifts, malnutrition, anemia and diseases that affect the liver or kidneys.

What are 3 signs of thyroid eye disease?

Symptoms of thyroid eye disease include:
  • A dry or gritty feeling (like sand) in your eyes.
  • Blurry vision.
  • Bulging eyes that seem to stare.
  • Double vision.
  • Eye pain or pressure.
  • Red, swollen eyes.
  • Sensitivity to light.
  • Swollen eyelids.

What are the 20 signs of thyroid problems?

Here are the signs that your thyroid is off when it has abnormally high levels of thyroid hormones.
  • Nervousness and Anxiousness. ...
  • Increased Heart Rate (Plus Palpitations) ...
  • Increased Sweating. ...
  • Unintentional Weight Loss. ...
  • More Bowel Movements. ...
  • Goiter. ...
  • Weak Nails and Thinning Hair. ...
  • Sensitive Skin and Skin Discoloration.

What is the one thing you should be eating for your thyroid every morning?

1. Traditional Eggs or Egg Muffin Cups. Eggs are a great source of not only iodine but also selenium, another crucial nutrient for thyroid health. Pastured eggs contain more nutrients than conventional eggs.

What vitamin gets rid of dark circles?

What Vitamin is Good for Dark Circles Under Eyes? The short answer is vitamin E and A. The former a group of vitamins that contain antioxidant effects and is beneficial to the skin. There is no way you haven't heard of its ability to fight off free radicals, the ones that make us get sick and age faster.

Why am I getting too much dark circles?

Dark circles under the eyes happen when the skin beneath both eyes becomes darker than usual. Dark circles under the eyes are usually more noticeable when you're tired. Other lifestyle factors that may contribute to dark circles under the eyes are smoking, drinking too much alcohol and stress.

What deficiency causes dark circles?

Iron deficiency is the leading cause of dark circles and while it requires you to work on your nutrition and lifestyle, once your dark circles appear, it's not possible to get rid of them just through these changes.

Where do you itch with thyroid problems?

Where might a person itch with thyroid problems? Itching can occur anywhere on the body, but often occurs in crevices such as the armpits, elbows, and groin.

What are signs that your thyroid is out of whack?

Symptoms
  • Tiredness.
  • More sensitivity to cold.
  • Constipation.
  • Dry skin.
  • Weight gain.
  • Puffy face.
  • Hoarse voice.
  • Coarse hair and skin.

Which vitamin is not good for the thyroid?

Iodine in particular is really tricky to navigate. In those with thyroid disorders, iodine can be low or high. However, taking an iodine supplement (without your doctor's recommendation) can impact your thyroid negatively. Do not start an iodine supplement without discussing with your doctor first.

What is the thyroid belly shape?

The thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped gland in the neck, just in front of the windpipe (trachea).

What do eyes look like with thyroid?

Bulging eyes (exophthalmos) could be a sign of a problem with your thyroid gland. It can be treated, but get it checked quickly as your vision can be affected.

Which fruit is not good for the thyroid?

Citrus fruits, such as oranges, grapefruits, and lemons, may be beneficial in many ways, but they can sometimes interfere with thyroid medication. These fruits contain compounds that can interact with thyroid hormone replacement medications, potentially reducing their effectiveness.

What vitamins help thyroid eyes?

demonstrated in a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial, the therapeutic benefit of selenium supplementation in TED. In that study, selenium administration significantly improved quality of life, reduced ocular involvement and slowed progression of the disease in patients with mild TED.

What health problems cause dark circles?

Dark circles can be a sign of tiredness and a lack of sleep. Some other causes of dark circles under the eyes may include allergies, thyroid conditions, and older age. Dark circles under the eyes may look purple or blue to dark brown or black, depending on skin color.

What cancers cause dark circles under eyes?

The most common signs and symptoms of neuroblastoma include:
  • a lump in the abdomen.
  • a feeling of fullness or swelling in the abdomen.
  • bulging of the eyes.
  • dark circles around the eyes.
  • bone pain.
  • low levels of all 3 types of blood cells (called pancytopenia)
  • lumps or bumps in the skin that are sometimes blue.
  • diarrhea.

What hormone causes dark circles under eyes?

Growth hormone deficiencies contribute to the loss of elasticity of this tissue. Dark circles under the eyes may be related to cortisol deficiency.

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