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Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism involve the thyroid in different ways. Hyperthyroidism defines a thyroid that produces too much thyroid hormone. This is also known as an overactive thyroid. In comparison, hypothyroidism is very much the reverse issue. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid is producing too little thyroid hormone. Naturally, the methods of tackling these separate issues are quite different. Learn more about the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention in the information that follows.
Causes
Hypothyroidism
Autoimmune disease is the leading cause of hypothyroidism. The specific autoimmune disorder is referred to as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. These rare cases come to fruition when your own antibodies attack your thyroid tissue, leading to the underproduction of the thyroid hormone. This occurrence can involve several parts of the body; however, it occurs in the thyroid gland.
Health specialists have yet to discover a concrete answer as to why this happens. The best guesses as of now are a combination of elements that can include your surroundings as well as genetics. When the aforementioned antibodies disturb the thyroid’s potential to generate hormones, such as thyroxine, hypothyroidism arises.
If you don’t have the means to produce thyroid hormone properly, thyroid disorders are unavoidable. Therefore, those with surgically removed parts of the thyroid may run into this issue. Removal of a significant portion of the thyroid gland will impact the ability to produce hormones. Cases such as these likely require the necessity of medication to produce the desired results.
Another common cause of hypothyroidism is radiation therapy. Due to your thyroid gland positioning, radiation treatments for cancers of the neck and head can impact your thyroid gland. Finally, medications can also impact your thyroid function and produce hypothyroidism. A wide variety of medications can contribute to an underactive thyroid; thus, it is best to ask your healthcare provider about the impact medication can have.
Hyperthyroidism
The most prominent cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease. This unfortunate circumstance leads to the excess secretion of the hormone. The reason being the antibodies excite the thyroid receptors to activate the thyroid gland to produce more thyroid hormone. Since Graves’ disease often appears in families, it is best to tell your doctor if one or more of your relatives have the disease. Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder.
Your immune system similarly attacks the thyroid to what happens with hypothyroidism. However, in this case, the attack leads to an overproduction of thyroid hormone.
Thyroiditis occurs by the inflammation of the thyroid. The inflammation leads to a thyroid hormone leak which can often last up to three full months. In many cases, this is the first step toward hypothyroidism.
Lastly, an excess of iodine is a common cause of hyperthyroidism. Thyroid hormone is produced due to the intake of iodine in your thyroid. It is only natural to assume that too much iodine will lead to an overproduction of thyroid hormone. It is also important to keep an eye out for iodine in medication. Certain medications, such as amiodarone, contain a large supply of iodine.
| Hypothyroidism vs. hyperthyroidism causes | |
|---|---|
| Hypothyroidism | Hyperthyroidism |
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Prevalence
Hypothyroidism
The number of people who have experienced hypothyroidism may shock you. Hypothyroidism affects 4.6% of people in the United States ages 12 and older. These statistics could be underreported because most cases of hypothyroidism are mild and have little impact on the lives of individuals. Also, hypothyroidism is more prevalent in women than in men. In terms of age groups, it is the most common for individuals above the age of 60.
Hyperthyroidism
Once again, hyperthyroidism can be seen in more women than men. The exact ratio of women to men is 5-1. Overall, hyperthyroidism is less common than hypothyroidism. It stands at an expected percentage of 1.2. However, in certain cases, this number can definitely increase. This is the case for women above 50 years old. For these individuals, the chances of encountering hyperthyroidism increase to 4.5%.
| Hypothyroidism vs. hyperthyroidism prevalence | |
|---|---|
| Hypothyroidism | Hyperthyroidism |
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Symptoms
Hypothyroidism
It is difficult to identify the signs of hyperthyroidism. This is primarily since the severity of symptoms varies. In addition, many of the signs can be attributed to lifestyle choices. For example, it is tricky to discern the cause of weight gain. Therefore it is best to look out for multiple symptoms of hypothyroidism.
Aside from weight gain, fatigue is the second most common symptom to keep an eye out for. Because these are common signs of aging, it may still prove difficult to realize that your thyroid is the issue.
Hyperthyroidism
In the case of hyperthyroidism, it is slightly more forgiving. Usually, it isn’t as difficult to identify. This is due to the presence of more telling symptoms. Also, look out for signs of Graves’ disease, which is the number one cause of hyperthyroidism. Bulging eyes are a telling sign of Graves’ disease.
| Hypothyroidism vs. hyperthyroidism symptoms | |
|---|---|
| Hypothyroidism | Hyperthyroidism |
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Diagnosis
Hypothyroidism
There are very few methods to identify hypothyroidism. In fact, there are only two methods, and only one is considered highly efficient. A medical evaluation is the weaker of the two methods. A healthcare provider, or endocrinologist, will look for telling signs of hypothyroidism.
However, as previously mentioned, it may be difficult to pinpoint if symptoms result from hypothyroidism. Thus blood tests are the most trusted method. Blood tests can measure the amount of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). This will indicate the condition of your thyroid hormone production. High TSH levels indicate that you have hypothyroidism as your body is attempting to produce more.
Hyperthyroidism
Similar to hypothyroidism, blood tests can prove to be an effective indicator of hyperthyroidism. Low levels of TSH prove that your thyroid is overactive.
In addition, a thyroid scan can also indicate whether or not there are signs of hyperthyroidism. This scan will detect the amount of iodine collected in your thyroid.
| Hypothyroidism vs. hyperthyroidism diagnosis | |
|---|---|
| Hypothyroidism | Hyperthyroidism |
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Treatments
Hypothyroidism
The most frequent treatment for hypothyroidism is a daily oral medication called synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine (Synthroid). The goal of taking said medicine is to balance your hormone levels. The length of dosage can vary, although in most cases, it is required for life. On the bright side, there are very few side effects attached to the use of levothyroxine as long as the dose is appropriate.
Hyperthyroidism
With three proven treatment methods, combatting hyperthyroidism is less daunting. The first method consists of medication. Certain medication prohibits the thyroid from producing hormones.
Radioactive treatment is yet another common treatment option and it is usually considered as the first line of treatment per the American Thyroid Association’s guidelines. The idea is to eliminate the cells that are producing hormones. The goal of reducing the production of hormones remains.
In a few cases, a doctor may recommend the partial or entire removal of your thyroid gland. After a thyroidectomy, you will need thyroid replacement that will aim to prevent hypothyroidism. In some cases, if the parathyroid glands—which control calcium balance and are located adjacent to the thyroid gland—are affected during the surgery, you may also need calcium replacement.
| Hypothyroidism vs. hyperthyroidism treatments | |
|---|---|
| Hypothyroidism | Hyperthyroidism |
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Risk factors
Hypothyroidism
Risk factors of hypothyroidism are heavily influenced by age and family history. Women who have been pregnant in the past six months are also at risk of thyroid conditions. Severe issues involving the production of thyroid hormone can also run in the family. Therefore family history is certainly a factor.
Hyperthyroidism
Risk factors concerning hyperthyroidism are less in number than the risks that contribute to hypothyroidism. For starters, family history remains an issue, especially when it comes to Graves’ disease. Yet again, women are more at risk of having thyroid issues. Lastly, a history of chronic illness can also lead to hyperthyroidism.
| Hypothyroidism vs. hyperthyroidism risk factors | |
|---|---|
| Hypothyroidism | Hyperthyroidism |
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Prevention
Hypothyroidism
Aside from regular screening for those who are more at risk, there is no definite way to halt hypothyroidism. If you know you’re at risk, it may be a good idea to get screened regularly.
Hyperthyroidism
Just as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism cannot be effectively prevented. There are currently no known successful methods. This makes it all the more important for at-risk individuals to get screened regularly.
| Hypothyroidism vs. hyperthyroidism prevention | |
|---|---|
| Hypothyroidism | Hyperthyroidism |
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When to see a doctor for hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism
Having more than one of the aforementioned symptoms is a sign that you should see a doctor. Because the major symptoms such as fatigue and weight gain can be difficult to pinpoint, it is important to note when more than one of these symptoms arises. This will tip you toward the fact that you should seek medical attention. This remains for weight loss and other common symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
Frequently asked questions about hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism
Which is worse: hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism can increase the risk for heart rhythm issues and present as Atrial fibrillation. If hyperthyroidism is left untreated, it can lead to osteoporosis and fractures. Hypothyroidism has relatively fewer complications as compared to hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism occurs more frequently than hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism is more difficult to spot than hyperthyroidism since weight gain and fatigue are common signs of aging.
Can you have hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism?
Because they are two sides of the same coin, you cannot have them simultaneously. It is impossible to have an excess as well as an insufficient amount of thyroid hormone.
Can hyperthyroidism become hypothyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism can certainly become hypothyroidism. This switch occurs due to the medication that aims to make your overactive thyroid less active. In certain cases, the activity will drop significantly, which can result in hypothyroidism.
