Hypothyroid vs Hyperthyroid: Causes, Symptoms and What's The Difference?

The thyroid is a small gland in the neck in a human’s body. However, it plays a crucial role in regulating your energy levels, metabolism, and overall health. Any interruption in its function can lead to thyroid problems like hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

Thyroid disorders are common throughout the world. It affects 20 million people in the USA and 42 million individuals in India. Hypothyroidism relates to lower hormone levels due to the underactive thyroid gland while hyperthyroidism means overactive thyroid gland and excess hormone production. Both are manageable through diet, medicine, and lifestyle modifications.  

In this post on hypothyroid vs hyperthroid, learn about:

What Is Thyroid?

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped small gland. It is located at the base of the neck, usually below Adam’s apple. Even being small in size, it plays a pivotal role in controlling energy levels, growth, metabolism, and mood through its produced hormones, particularly T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine).

The pituitary gland, which releases TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) to boost the production of thyroid hormones, controls the thyroid function. When there are any disruptions in this balance, you could have either overactive or underactive thyroid condition.

According to CDS, the USA has around 20 million people with thyroid problems. In India, approximately 42 million people suffer from thyroid disorders like goitre and hyperthyroidism.

What Is Hypothyroidism?

It happens to you when your thyroid gland is unable to produce enough hormones. As a result, your metabolism goes down, which leads you to have fatigue, cold intolerance, weight gain, and depression.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Initially, this thyroid problem shows no visible signs . With time, it starts showing symptoms. Common hypothyroidism symptoms include:

• Constant lethargy or fatigue
• Cold intolerance
• Dry skin
• Constipation
• Unwanted weight gain
• Puffy face
• Hair loss or hair thinning
• Mood swings or depression
• Brain fog/memory problem
• Heavy periods or irregular menstrual cycles
• Hoarseness
• Goitre
• Slow heart rate

Causes of Hypothyroidism

• Hypothyroidism occurs due to a bad lifestyle or several underlying conditions. Here are common hypothyroidism causes: 
• Autoimmune disorders - The immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
• Iodine deficiency - means low iodine.
• Thyroid surgery or radiation - causes disruptions in hormone production.
• Medications - Medicines like amiodarone and lithium can interrupt thyroid function. 
• Congenital hypothyroidism - prevalence from birth due to a defective or missing thyroid gland.
• Pituitary disorders - in a very rare case, a poor-functioning pituitary gland might fail to produce the required TSH.

What Is Hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism occurs when your body produces excess thyroid hormones. This health condition speeds up metabolism and can lead you to have palpations, weight loss, heat intolerance, anxiety, and sleeping issues.

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

Due to an overproduction of thyroid hormones, particularly T3 and T4, hyperthyroidism can show the following symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Constant warm feeling
• Unwanted weight gain or loss
• Puffy hands and face
• Hair loss
• An enlarged thyroid gland (goitre)
• Diarrhoea
• Light or sort periods
• Increased sweating
• Increased or reduced heartbeat
• Nail flaking or thickening
• Insomnia
• Anxiety and nervousness
• Muscle weakness

Causes of hypothyroidism

Many conditions and external factors can lead to hyperthyroidism, an overactive thyroid. Here are some common hyperthyroidism causes:

• Graves’ Disease - an autoimmune disorder
• Thyroid nodules - independent production of hormones and TSH regulation.
• Thyroiditis
• Excess iodine
• Overmedication

Differences Between Hypothyroid and Hyperthyroid

Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are thyroid disorders. They occur due to a malfunction in the thyroid gland. These thyroid problems are different. Here are key differences: 

How Are Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism Diagnosed and Treated? 

Whether you have hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, your thyroid treatment has a similar process with different medication or surgical options. It usually includes diagnosis, medicine prescriptions, and lifestyle modifications.

Based on the held interaction and physical examinations, your doctor may suggest the following tests to know the exact thyroid disorder you have:

• TSH Blood Test – Primary indicator
• T3 and T4 Levels – These help determine the severity of hormone imbalance.
• Thyroid Antibody Tests – It helps identify autoimmune diseases like Graves’ or Hashimoto’s
• Ultrasound or Scans – To check for structural or nodules abnormalities

Treatment Options

Based on the test results, your doctor may recommend T4 replacement (levothyroxine) and regular blood monitoring to treat hypothyroidism.

On the contrary, your doctor may suggest beta blockers, radioactive iodine therapy, and antithyroid medications like Methimazole) to you to treat hyperthyroidism. In severe cases, the doctor can recommend surgery to partially or totally remove the thyroid gland.

Ayurvedic Methods to Cure Thyroid Problems

Ayurveda, the ancient healing system of India, sees thyroid disorders as an imbalance of doshas (body energies), agni (digestive fire), and tissues (dhatus). Here are what Ayurvedic treatment for thyroid include:

Herbal remedies - Your doctor may suggest you to consume a particular Ayurvedic medicine for thyroid or certain natural herbs to help you manage your thyroid disorders. These herbs could be Gugulu, Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Haldi, Aamla, Kachnar, Saunf, and Sankh Bhasm.

Dietary recommendations - For hypothyroidism, you should focus on taking iodine-rich foods and eating warm and freshly cooked foods. Maintain a safe distance from cruciferous raw vegetables like cabbage and broccoli. On other hand, take cooling foods (coconut water, mint, and cucumber) and avoid stimulants like spicy foods and caffeine.

Yoga and pranayam - To manage your thyroid disorders naturally, perform a few yoga poses like shoulder stand (sarvangasana), ujjayi pranayam, and bhramari (bee breathing).

Panchakarma therapy - Detoxification therapies such as Nasya (nasal therapy) and Virechana (purgation) help remove toxins and improve thyroid function. 

Final Words

Thyroid disorders are common. You can manage them easily through the right diagnosis and treatment. Understanding hypothyroid Vs hyperthyroid with respective symptoms and causes is the best option to control them. 

Modern medicine offers effective treatment options. However, Ayurveda helps take a natural and holistic approach to restore the lost balance through herbs, diet, lifestyle changes, and yoga. The main key is early detection, constant monitoring, and customized approach. Your doctor is the right person in this regard.

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