People often face difficulties in finding the difference between things with similar names. If you are also among those who confuse hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism conditions of thyroid, then this article is for you!
A little difference between the spellings and pronunciation of these diseases, usually, confuses people and they believe that no difference exists between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. But in reality, both diseases have no similarities except for they are related to the thyroid.
Before exploring hypothyroidism vs hyperthyroidism, it is important to completely know about the thyroid, affected by these conditions. The endocrine system has a part in front of your neck, this part is the thyroid also known as a gland.
This gland controls hormones in the body and these hormones perform many functions. For instance, they metabolize fats and proteins and keep the blood pressure and temperature at normal levels.
If the thyroid does not work effectively, many health problems occur. Thyroid problems are, sometimes, common in families because they pass on. In addition to passing on from one generation to another, thyroid diseases are more common in women.
Qualified endocrinologists from Ammar Medical Complex say that we are not certain why these diseases are more common in women. Autoimmune responses can sometimes cause thyroid disorders in women, but it does not always happen.
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Hypothyroidism VS Hyperthyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a totally different disease from hyperthyroidism. What are the differences that exist between them; let’s take a detailed look!
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism affects individuals when the thyroid gland does not make hormones in enough amounts to function well. As mentioned above, the production of hormones has a link with metabolism. If the production is slow or low, it will slow the metabolism.
A decrease in metabolism means that extra fats and minerals are building up in the body. This build-up will eventually cause weight gain.
Causes of Hypothyroidism
A number of reasons can affect the functioning of the thyroid. This effect will reduce the ability of the thyroid to produce enough hormones. The possible reasons or causes of hypothyroidism can be the following:
- Several medications such as lithium
- Autoimmune disorders
- Radiation therapies
- Abnormal levels of iodine in the body
- Pregnancy
- Congenital problems
- Damage to the pituitary gland
- Surgeries to remove the thyroid gland
What will be the solution if hypothyroidism affects?
Many people seek the answer to the above-mentioned question. The American Thyroid Association explains that no complete treatment is available for this condition. But endocrinologists recommend medications to bring an improvement in the functioning of the thyroid. If the functioning improves, there will be a restoration in hormone levels.
Additionally, the use of a specific diet can also help in the process of recovering from hypothyroidism. This diet may increase the effectiveness of medications.
Hyperthyroidism
You probably have gotten the idea about hyperthyroidism after reading about hypothyroidism. Because hypothyroidism is quite opposite of hyperthyroidism.
The name of this disease is suggesting that when the thyroid is overactive and is producing too many hormones, then hyperthyroidism affects. Due to this health condition, a patient can experience different symptoms such as anxiety, a fast heartbeat, a sudden reduction in weight loss, etc.
Causes of Hyperthyroidism
The following reasons can cause hyperthyroidism:
- Graves’ disease
- Development of some tumors in the ovaries
- High consumption of foods that contain iodine
- Noncancerous growth of the thyroid gland
- Viral infections that cause thyroid swelling
- The use of medications
What are the treatment options available for hyperthyroidism?
The best and most qualified endocrinologists recommend that anti-thyroid medications are an effective treatment. These medications make the thyroid gland slowly produce hormones. A development in hormones appears within weeks to months.
Other effective treatment options against hyperthyroidism are radioiodine therapy. This therapy shrinks the size of the tumor and shows effectiveness within months. Radioiodine therapy makes your gland underactive and helps in controlling the levels of hormones.
Difference between Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism
The key difference between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism is symptoms. As mentioned earlier, hypothyroidism causes lower levels of thyroid hormones in the body. Therefore, the symptoms, due to these low levels, reduce a decrease in metabolism.
The common signs of hypothyroidism are a tumor in the hand, tiredness, weakness in the muscles, sleeping problems, weight loss, and nervousness. Other symptoms can include brittle skin, irritation, or less frequent periods.
Hyperthyroidism also causes different signs. As you know, this health condition causes an increase in hormone levels; therefore, a patient always feels energized and may experience weight loss. Other symptoms of hyperthyroidism can cause dry skin, anxiousness, forgetfulness, etc.
Some common questions about hypothyroidism vs hyperthyroidism that people want to know in detail are mentioned below.
FAQs
Some common questions about hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are the following:
Hypothyroidism vs hyperthyroidism, which is a worse health condition?
In some way, we can say that hypothyroidism is worse than hyperthyroidism. The American Thyroid Association says that it can’t be completely cured. While the use of certain medications can effectively control hyperthyroidism within weeks or months. However, both diseases can be dangerous if the patient doesn’t get treatment on time.
Is high TSH hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism?
TSH stands for thyroid stimulating hormone. It is responsible for triggering the thyroid to release hormones. Usually, thyroid-stimulating hormones indicate hypothyroidism. A doctor may recommend a TSH test to measure the amount of thyroid-stimulating hormone in the blood.
Can hypothyroidism go away?
Endocrinologists always recommend medications to control this health condition. Because hypothyroidism is not curable. This health condition affects people for a lifetime.
What are the causes of hypothyroidism?
Autoimmune disorders, radiation therapies, pregnancy, surgeries to remove the thyroid gland, and congenital problems are some common causes of hypothyroidism.
Do vitamins help in overcoming hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism?
Vitamins, especially vitamin B, are essential in maintaining the functioning of the thyroid. During these health conditions, an endocrinologist may recommend some vitamins to effectively overcome them.
The Final Words!
Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism mostly have different causes and symptoms. The treatment options for these conditions also vary. Therefore, mixing one with the other can cause problems in the process of recovery.
