Knowing the differences between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism is important so as not to confuse these two conditions. They have certain similarities, but they actually have quite a few differences. Do you want to know them? Keep reading!
The differences between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism
Although there are several differences between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, none is as representative as the one related to the production of thyroid hormones.
It happens that in hypothyroidism the thyroid gland is characterized by producing a very low amount of thyroid hormones. On the contrary, when you have hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland produces an excessive amount of thyroid hormones.
However, the cause of both conditions is the same. In both diseases, the origin of the anomaly is found in a dysfunction of the thyroid gland . Next, we will see what each of these conditions consists of.
Hypothyroidism
Most cases of hypothyroidism are caused by a condition called Hashimoto's thyroiditis. This is characterized by attacking the immune system and thus the thyroid gland. When this happens, the thyroid gland becomes inflamed and its normal function is compromised.
However , Hashimoto's thyroiditis is not the only cause of this condition . At other times it can occur due to a deficiency in the body's iodine levels; the presence of an infection in the thyroid gland; radiation therapy to the neck or head; side effects of some medications; surgical removal of the thyroid gland; pituitary adenoma or thyroid cancer.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is one of the most typical consequences of Graves' disease. This is because this disease causes the body to produce antibodies that increase the production of thyroid hormones .
In other cases, it is caused by benign tumors in the thyroid gland, the application of certain treatments based on thyroid hormones, infections or excessive consumption of iodine .
Differences between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism according to their symptoms
Beyond the differences between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism already mentioned, we can find even more in the symptoms that each disease produces, which are totally opposite.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism
When you have hypothyroidism there is a deficiency in the amount of thyroid hormones produced by the body. This makes the body begin to perform its natural tasks in a slower way. Consequently, people often experience sudden weight gain , as abnormal fluid retention occurs.
Also, it is common to experience a constant feeling of fatigue and drowsiness. People develop a special sensitivity to cold and can have memory and concentration problems .
It is also possible to find superficial symptoms. It is common for the skin to thicken and become dry . Also, the nails can become brittle and the person could start to have hair loss.
With regard to symptoms on a psychological level, people may become irritable or suffer from depression . On the other hand, irregularities in the menstrual cycle, infertility problems, blurred vision and constipation are also typical symptoms.
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism
In the case of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, we find a substantial difference compared to the symptoms of hypothyroidism. We no longer speak of a low production of hormones, but of an excessive production of thyroid hormones.
Consequently, the metabolism speeds up and causes anxiety, sweating, increased appetite, palpitations, disturbed sleep cycles, nervousness, loss of muscle strength, sudden weight loss, tremors in the hands, diarrhea and swelling of the eyelids.
However, there are also some symptoms typical of hypothyroidism such as vision problems, brittle and fine hair and irregularities in the menstrual cycle.
What is the treatment for hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism?
The treatments for both diseases are also very different. Next we will describe the treatment of each of the pathologies .
Hypothyroidism treatment
In this case, the treatment consists of the consumption of thyroid hormones, so as to compensate for the low production of them by the body.
Hyperthyroidism treatment
For hyperthyroidism there are several drug treatments . All are aimed at regulating the amount of typhoid hormones produced by the body, so that it can be limited or blocked.
In most cases, drug treatments can be enough to normalize the functioning of the thyroid gland. However, in the most severe cases this might not be enough, so it would be necessary to remove the thyroid gland or destroy it by treatment with radioactive iodine.
When the person is subjected to these last two treatments, they will suffer from hypothyroidism in a chronic way, so they will need to consume thyroid hormones permanently .
References
- Sanitas. (sf). Differences between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism . Retrieved September 27, 2020, from https://www.sanitas.es/sanitas/seguros/es/particulares/biblioteca-de-salud/prevencion-salud/hipotiroidismo-hipertiroidismo/index.html
- Torres, RM (2020, March 15). Main differences between hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism . 65 and over – The diary of the elderly. https://www.65ymas.com/salud/preventive-medicine/difference-entre-hyperthyroidism-e-hipotiroidismo_3064_102.html
- The newspaper. (2019, May 5). Difference between hyper and hypothyroidism: how to identify them by their symptoms . ElDiario.es. https://www.eldiario.es/consumoclaro/cuidarse/hiper-hipotiroidismo-identificarlos_1_1571448.html
