The thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland found at the base of the front of the neck, has a crucial impact on the general health of any person. Your thyroid gland is responsible for proper body functioning by controlling all aspects of body metabolism. The thyroid secretes hormones which help in maintaining brain functioning, heart performance and how muscles perform their tasks as well as ensuring proper energy use by the body.
Similarities and differences
Both Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism both affect this gland. However, they have opposite effects on the body. In case something goes wrong with the gland leading to hypothyroidism or overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) the result will be a slowed down or revved up metabolism. With the two conditions affecting thyroid in different ways, distinct symptoms will be experienced.
The main difference between Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism relates to hormone levels. In hypothyroidism, the gland doesn’t secrete enough thyroid hormone for proper body functioning while in hyperthyroidism there is an increased hormone production.
Hashimoto’s disease is the primary cause of hypothyroidism. This condition attacks the immune system making antibodies that destroy thyroid cells and thereby affecting the secretion of enough thyroid hormone. The condition is common as it affects roughly 4.6% of Americans! Though this condition is said to have no cure, proper medication can help treat and manage it since the medication helps to improve the body’s thyroid function and restore the hormone levels which then translates to better quality and healthy life.
On the other hand, the primary cause of hyperthyroidism is Grave’s disease, a condition that results in an enlarged thyroid gland (goiter) and inflammation that makes the eyes to appear like they are enlarged.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism compared to those of hyperthyroidism
Since the two conditions exhibit an opposite effect on the thyroid, the signs are likely to be different between the two.
|
Hypothyroidism |
Hyperthyroidism |
|
Metabolism is slowed down |
Faster metabolism |
|
The heart rate becomes slower than normal |
Revved up body functions |
|
Less heat production |
Sweating |
|
The sluggishness of the intestinal tract |
Feeling hot |
|
Fatigue |
Sleep problems |
|
Dry hair |
Racing thoughts |
|
Dry skin |
Elevated heart rate |
|
Memory loss and forgetfulness |
Weight loss |
|
Weight gain |
Menstrual problems |
|
Constipation |
Anxiety, irritability, and nervousness |
|
Muscle cramps |
Loose bowel |
|
Depression |
Forgetfulness |
|
Decreased periods |
Difficulties focusing on one task |
|
Goiter (swelling of the front of the neck) |
Fatigue |
Both of these conditions can be very harmful to the body hence the need to consult with your professional healthcare provider as soon as you experience any of the symptoms outlined above. The healthcare professional will perform tests to determine thyroid hormone levels and recommend the best treatment based on the results of the tests.
References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/hypothyroidism/hypothyroidism-vs-hyperthyroidism#1
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases/hypothyroidism
http://www.thyroid.org/hypothyroidism/
https://www.piedmont.org/living-better/the-difference-between-hypothyroidism-and-hyperthyroidism
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