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What Is The Difference Between Hypothyroidism And Hyperthyroidism?
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland situated in the neck, which is responsible for almost all metabolic processes of the body. Thyroid hormones dominate the functioning of the brain, muscles, heart, and other bodily systems. Though it is the same gland, an underactive or overactive thyroid can lead to various conditions that present with distinct symptoms.
The Difference Between Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism
The overall hormonal output of the thyroid gland determines the difference between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. In hyperthyroidism, the gland is deficient in secreting the thyroid hormone required for optimum functioning. In hyperthyroidism, the gland becomes overactive. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune condition frequently affecting women than men, in which antibodies are produced against the thyroid hormone. Grave’s disease is the most common form of hyperthyroidism that leads to an enlarged thyroid called a goitre.
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism:
The underproduction of the thyroid hormone leads to hypothyroidism (increased TSH level). Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the most common cause of hypothyroidism that destroys the gland by producing antibodies against the tissues. Thyroiditis may also be caused due to a viral infection. A diet deficient in iodine is another cause of hypothyroidism. Certain radiation drugs, medications for hyperthyroidism, thyroid surgery can also lead to hypothyroidism.
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism include:
- Weight gain or difficulty in losing weight
- Dry skin
- Puffy face
- Fatigue
- Constipation
- Increased sensitivity to cold
- Depression
- Decreased menstrual flow and change in the menstrual cycle
- Hair loss
- Swelling in the neck (goitre)
Read More: 7 Effects of Hypothyroidism
Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism
During hyperthyroidism, there is an over secretion of thyroid hormones that disrupt metabolic control of the body and reduce TSH levels below normal.
Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism include:
- Increase in appetite
- Loss of weight
- Intolerance to heat
- Sweating
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Frequent bowel movements
- Protrusion of eye
- Sleep irregularities
- Enlarged gland
Both these conditions need medical intervention from an endocrinologist or a thyroid specialist. Unfortunately, there is no cure for hypothyroidism and patients need to rely on external thyroid hormone supplements like Eltroxin, etc. Hyperthyroidism needs to be treated with medications or radiation therapy before it can lead to a complicated condition called a thyroid storm.
Ensure you follow the medications religiously, as the thyroid regulates numerous other glands of the body and can hamper their functioning too!
Treatment for Hypothyroidism
Standard treatment for hypothyroidism involves daily use of the synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine (medications Levo-T and Synthroid). This oral medication restores adequate hormone levels, reversing the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism.
The medication gradually lowers cholesterol levels elevated by the disease and may reverse any weight gain. You’ll likely start to feel better soon after you start treatment.
Treatment for Hyperthyroidism
Several treatments for hyperthyroidism exist. The best approach for you depends on your age, physical condition, the underlying cause of hyperthyroidism and personal preference. Some lines of treatment can be:
- Radioactive iodine: Taken orally, it is absorbed by your thyroid gland and causes it to shrink.
- Anti-thyroid medications: These medications reduce symptoms of hyperthyroidism by preventing your thyroid gland from producing excess amounts of hormones. Examples include propylthiouracil and methimazole.
- Beta-blockers: They are usually used to treat high blood pressure levels, however, they can ease symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as tremors, rapid heart rate and palpitations.
- Surgery: In case the patient is pregnant, cannot tolerate anti-thyroid drugs, does not want to consume drugs or cannot have radioactive iodine therapy, the patient may be a candidate for thyroid surgery, although this is an option in only a few special cases.
Must Read: 8 Best Foods for Thyroid
Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
Hypothyroidism And Heart Health: 7 Healthy Tips!
The thyroid gland works on a delicate balance in the body. Many factors could threaten and cause imbalance. When the thyroid gland produces fewer quantities of thyroid hormones, it is known as hypothyroidism. Having low thyroid hormones leads to the person feeling sluggish, putting on weight, having a reduced body temperature and dry skin and hair apart from other symptoms. Hypothyroidism and heart health have a very close link.The thyroid gland is intricately involved in the metabolic processes of the body. Low levels of thyroid hormones can hamper the proper functioning of many other organs. Research points out to more debilitating effects of hypothyroidism on the body, specifically the heart.Hypothyroidism leads to an increase in LDL or bad cholesterol. This could lead to high blood pressure and eventually a heart attack or a stroke. Wait, there is more. Hypothyroidism can also cause the heart to enlarge and even reduce the heart rate. There is a lot you can do to safeguard your heart. Take a look at seven heart-healthy tips for hypothyroidism.
- Get Your Hypothyroidism Under Control
It’s logical – be regular with your health checkups and your medications. Watch out for hypothyroidism symptoms. If undiagnosed or ignored, it is an invitation to heart trouble.- Regular Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Checkups
Monitoring the blood pressure and the blood cholesterol closely ensures that the moment anything is amiss, it will be caught. Since higher readings of both these parameters are related to increased risks of cardiac arrests and strokes, keeping a tab nips the problem in the bud.Read More: Normal and Recommended Cholesterol Levels- Healthy Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight ensures that the bad cholesterol is kept in check. There is a comfortable range of weight that most age groups have. Those who suffer from hypothyroidism must take care to maintain their weight within this range. They can follow a special hypothyroidism diet after consulting a dietician.Also Read: Wheat Berries: Research-Based Guide to Health Benefits and Recipes- Quit Smoking
Smoking causes constriction of blood vessels throughout the body, even the heart. This too can cause severe damage to the heart’s health as it reduces the amount of oxygen being provided to the heart. Smoking is terrible for all organs and quitting is the only way to ensure better health.Read More: 7 Health Effects of Smoking - Stay Active
Regular exercising for a minimum of 30 minutes five days a week, will keep the heart active and pump out blood efficiently. Pick any activity that pikes up the interest, be it dancing, aerobics, walking, swimming- they are all good for the heart. If one is on the move, the choice of activity is immaterial.- Healthy Diet
Eating healthy is one of the biggest favours you can do for yourself. A diet that encompasses whole grains, fruits, vegetables, fish, and nuts goes a long way in adding to the well-being of the heart. A proper hypothyroidism diet curbs half the health problems.Also Read: 8 Best Foods for Thyroid Patients- Keep a Tab on the Spirits
Consumption of too much alcohol can lead to serious heart trouble. If one suffers from hypothyroidism, clamping down on the alcohol should lead to reduced risks of cardiac problems. Men must not have more than two drinks a day and women should not have more than one.Read More: 20 Essential Healthy heart TipsDisclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Common Health Problems Caused By Thyroid
Have you recently been diagnosed with thyroid problems? Before you lose heart and think all is lost, please know that most thyroid problems can be handled well by medical experts. However, knowledge is power, and it would help you immensely to charge your thyroid issues if you know what is at stake.
After all, the thyroid gland is the one that controls the metabolic rate and much of the brain activity. Take a look at some of the health problems that are caused by the thyroid.
An enlarged thyroid, or goitre, may cause problems with swallowing and breathing. Graves’ disease can cause eye and skin problems. An overactive thyroid can lead to problems including: heart problems, such as rapid heart rate, problems with your heart rhythm (such as atrial fibrillation) or heart failure.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Health issues caused by Hyperthyroidism
When the thyroid gland produces more than normal quantities of the thyroid hormones, the condition is known as Hyperthyroidism. It can cause many health problems.
- Excessive Sweating: Hyperthyroidism can make the patient sweat a lot. Because the metabolism goes into overdrive, the person suffers from profuse perspiration.
- Excessive Hunger
- Excessive Fatigue
- Heat Intolerance: a higher metabolic rate than usual leads to increase heat generation in the body.
- Insomnia: Hyperthyroidism leads to changes in sleep patterns. Most people have insomnia.
- Hyperactivity, restlessness, and irritability. The person cannot concentrate on things.
- Heart palpitations: the heart develops an abnormal rhythm
- Irregular menstruation: in hyperthyroidism, the woman suffers from scanty, short and light menstruation.
- Abnormally protruding eyes
- Hair thinning and hair loss
- Muscular fatigue and muscular weakness
- Increased appetite
- Dry skin that leads to itching
- Breast development in men
- Nausea and vomiting
Read More: 8 Best Food for Thyroid Patients to Include in Your Diet
You can get pregnant even if you have hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, but it may be more challenging to conceive. Additionally, if you have a thyroid disorder during pregnancy, your baby may be at increased risk for low birth weight, a fast heart rate, poor weight gain, and low IQ.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
Also Read: 8 Most Effective Foods To Fight Thyroid!
Health issues caused by Hypothyroidism
When the thyroid gland produces less than usual amounts of thyroid hormones, the condition is known as Hypothyroidism. The metabolic rate of the individual reduces and can lead to severe health issues.
- Goitre: Due to constant pressure on the thyroid gland to produce more of the hormones, it enlarges. This condition is known as Goitre. It can cause difficulty in breathing and swallowing.
- Congenital disabilities: These are common when the mother is suffering from untreated hyperthyroidism. The babyfaces mental and physical development issues.
- Heart Problems: Lack of proper amount of thyroid hormones leads to high cholesterol levels. This leads to many heart problems and can cause stroke also.
- Infertility: Low levels of thyroid hormones cause delayed or no ovulation in women and lead to infertility.
- Intolerance to cold
- Irregular uterine bleeding
- Sexual dysfunction
- Slow heart rate
- Hair loss
- Lethargy and sluggishness
- Weight gain
- Constipation
- Irritability
Read More: Difference between Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.