Hypothyroidism VS Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroid vs Hypothyroid are the two main types of thyroid disorders. Both involve thyroid hormones imbalance, where the thyroid gland either produces too much hormones or not enough hormones. Some symptoms are the same while others are different.
Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) are conditions where thyroid cells are weak or damaged, and unable to function properly. Since the thyroid gland is responsible for producing thyroid hormones, this means that all activities in the body that require thyroid hormones are going to be affected.
It’s important you know that almost every single activity in the body requires thyroid hormones, which means dealing with thyroid hormone imbalances can lead to pretty harsh symptoms that may also be fatal.
Thyroid Hormones
The thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland that is normally located in the lower front of the neck. The gland produces thyroid hormones, which are essential for regulation of the body’s metabolism
The Thyroid gland produces three types of hormones, Callciumin, T4 and T3, which are sent to the cells throughout the blood system. Once the cells receive these hormones, they can use them to perform essential and vital tasks.
What is Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s disease is an underactive thyroid state, where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones (T4 and T3). The entire body slows down and gets into hypo state.
Hypothyroidism Symptoms
Low thyroid hormone levels can cause a number of symptoms include: fatigue, weight gain, constipation, dry skin, hair loss, muscle weakness, elevated cholesterol levels, irritability, abnormal menstrual cycles.
When suffering from an underactive thyroid function your blood work would normally show high TSH levels than the normal.
What is Hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism or Graves’ disease is an overactive thyroid state, where the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, T4 and T3.
Hyperthyroidism Symptoms
Heart palpitations, irregular heartbeat, abnormal heart rhythm, anxiety, irritability, heat intolerance, sweating, weight loss, and difficulty sleeping, goiter (enlarged thyroid gland). If left untreated, hyperthyroidism can lead to heart failure, heart attack, or abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
When suffering from an overactive thyroid function your blood work would normally show low TSH level than the normal.
Hypothyroidism Versus Hyperthyroidism
Even though both conditions may be opposites, some people and animals would experience both conditions at the same time, going from a hypo to a hyper state and vice versa.
Under the same note, having either Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism simply means – weak and damaged thyroid gland cells, and whether you develop a hypo or a hyper state simply depends on your genetic.
In other words, if you suffer from an underactive thyroid most likely other people in your family may suffer from the same. If you suffer from Hyperthyroidism, most likely you would have people in your family who suffer from an overactive thyroid
Endocrine System
The thyroid gland is part of a collection of glands that is called the Endocrine System, which also include the Pituitary gland Hypothalamus glands. Together they control and impact every little task in the body.
The pituitary gland hypothalamus glands are both located in the brain and have very important functions working together with the thyroid gland. The hypothalamus gland job is to direct the pituitary gland on how much to function. You can look at the hypothalamus gland as the pituitary gland big boss.
Part of the hypothalamus gland function is to read the levels of T4 and T3 in the blood and single the pituitary gland, by creating a special hormone that is called TRH – Thyrotropin Stimulating Hormone.
TRH and TSH
The TRH hormone then stimulates the pituitary gland to produce another hormone that is called TSH – Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, which then singles the thyroid gland how much T4 and T3 hormones to release.
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For instance, if the hypothalamus gland reads too little T4 and T3 in the blood it will produce high levels of TRH which signals the pituitary gland to produce high levels of TSH, which then singles the thyroid gland to work harder to produce more T4 and T3 hormones as there are not enough at the moment.
On the other hand, if the hypothalamus gland reads too much T4 and T3 in the blood it will produce low levels of TRH which signals the pituitary gland to produce low levels of TSH, which then singles the thyroid gland to slow down and not produce as much T4 and T3 hormones as there are too much circulating in the blood at the moment.
House Heating System
You may look at the hypothalamus, pituitary and thyroid gland connection as house heating system. The thyroid gland being the actual heater, the pituitary gland is the thermostat and the hypothalamus being the person who controls the thermostats. The Hypothalamus just like a person, feels hot or cold, it adjusts the thermostat accordingly which directs the heater how much to function.
Tell me the difference between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism?
The main difference between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism is that hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is a condition in which the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone while hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone.
Diagnosis of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism
The most common way to diagnose both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism is through a blood test. You or your doctor would likely order a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test, which can help determine if your thyroid gland is functioning properly. If your TSH levels are high, it may be indicative of hypothyroidism. If your TSH levels are low, it may be indicative of hyperthyroidism.
Common Thyroid Disorders Tests
Free T4 test: This blood test measures the level of free thyroxine in your blood. Free T4 is the active form of thyroxine and is responsible for most of the body’s metabolic activity.
Free T3 test: This blood test measures the level of free triiodothyronine in your blood. Free T3 is the active form of triiodothyronine and is responsible for many of the body’s physiological functions.
Thyroid antibody test: This blood test looks for antibodies that attack thyroid cells and may be indicative of an autoimmune disorder such as Graves’ disease.
Ultrasound: This imaging test uses sound waves to create a picture of the thyroid gland and can help identify any abnormal growths, lumps and thyroid nodules.
Fine needle biopsy: In this procedure, a thin needle is inserted into the thyroid gland to remove a small sample of tissue. This tissue is then examined for any abnormal cells.
If you or your doctor suspects that you have a thyroid condition, one or more of these tests may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis.
What is TSH level in hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism?
The normal range for TSH levels is 0.4-4 mIU/L, but this can vary depending on the laboratory that performs the test. TSH levels are typically higher in people with hypothyroidism and lower in people with hyperthyroidism.
Treatments
If you have hypothyroidism, your doctor will order you to take thyroid hormone replacement medication. If you have hyperthyroidism, you may need to take medication to suppress thyroid hormone production or undergo radioactive iodine therapy (anti thyroid medications) to destroy the overactive thyroid cells. In some cases, thyroid surgery (thyroidectomy) may also be ordered in order to remove part or all of the thyroid gland.
It’s essential you know there are natural solutions to reverse thyroid hormone imbalances and extreme approaches such as radiation or surgery can be avoided.
hyperthyroid vs hypothyroid symptoms chart
Thyroid Weakness Symptoms With Normal TSH
Testing the TSH levels in the blood would normally indicate about the activity of the thyroid gland, however, In some cases, other glands might be weak and affect the Thyroid Gland.
For instance, in Hyperthyroidism, low level of TSH may indicate a low pituitary and hypothalamus function, but if your TSH is high most likely the other glands are working properly.
Thyroid Antibodies
In some cases, normal TSH levels fail to indicate thyroid weaknesses and therefore, a thyroid antibodies test should be done in addition to thyroid panel blood work.
Thyroid antibodies blood work tests the level of antibodies cells in the blood that are made by the immune system to fight acidosis and inflammation. The test would normally check the level of TPO (Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies), Tg (Thyroglobulin antibodies) and TSH.
Thyroid Antibodies Test Results
Negative no antibodies were found:
May mean your thyroid symptoms are most likely caused by something else.
Positive TPO and/or Tg were found: May be a sign of Hypothyroidism. Most people with Hypothyroidism have high levels of either or both both Tg and TPO antibodies.
Positive antibodies to TPO and/or TSH receptor were found: This may mean you have hyperthyroidism
Who is affected by thyroid disease?
There are many different types of thyroid disease, and each can affect people in different ways. In general, though, thyroid disease tends to be more common in women than men, and it is often seen in people who have a family history of the condition. Additionally, people with other medical conditions, such as type 1 diabetes or autoimmune disorders, may also be at increased risk for developing thyroid disease.
Hypothyroidism is far more commonly diagnosed in adults; around 1 / 20 American adults are affected by this condition. Hyperthyroidism is more easily diagnosable and less frequent, with incidences around 1 in 100.
Final Words…
Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are thyroid disorders that deal with abnormality of thyroid hormones. They are classified as an autoimmune disease and share many common symptoms.
Symptoms can get extremely difficult to deal with and therefore it’s essential to treat the root cause and bring the body back to a balanced state. Unfortunately allopathic medicine doesn’t offer a treatment to heal thyroid cells and treat the root cause.
Natural Solutions
It does not matter what causes your symptoms, as the process of healing is always the same: Alkaline diet consisting of fruit, vegetables and herbs.
You don’t need a doctor or a blood work to tell you how you feel. You already know if you suffer from some symptoms and that by itself should be everything you need to know in order heal.
Remember that synthetic drugs and supplements are never the solution as they can only take you so far. They mask the symptoms and once you get off them you feel way worse than you started.
