Can You Differentiate Between Hypo And Hyperthyroidism?

Thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland positioned at the base of your throat. It produces hormones that travel to various parts of your body and control various routine activities.

These hormones help maintain brain, heart and several other organs, and control metabolism too.

The thyroid gland can sometimes dysfunction, affecting all these activities. There are two types of medical problems which can occur to your thyroid.

First, overgrowth of the gland or nodules can occur as well. Thyroid disorders more frequently occur in women than in men.

Second, the hormone production may go awry, resulting in hypo and hyperthyroidism. Here’s how we differentiate the two:

Definition

Hypothyroidism is a decrease in hormone production which is insufficient for normal function. The gland is thus called an underactive thyroid.

On the other hand, hyperthyroidism is when your thyroid produces more hormones than are necessary to maintain organ function. Such a thyroid gland is also called an overactive thyroid.

Causes

Both, hypo and hyperthyroidism, are caused by autoimmune disorders. An autoimmune disease is the one where the immune system becomes activated against body’s own cells.

An underactive thyroid is a result of Hasimoto’s disease, a state in which the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid gland itself.

This results in organ failure and its inability to perform routine functions. Other causes include removal of the gland, radiation treatment for particular cancers, and treatment for hyperthyroidism.

In contrast, thyroid becomes over activated because of Grave’s disease. Here, the immune system excessively stimulates the gland to produce hormones.

Symptoms

Symptoms of both conditions develop slowly. Thus, these signs are difficult to notice in the beginning.

A person with hypothyroidism may generally feel a bit tired. Later on, other symptoms develop, including weight gain, muscle and/or joint pain, increased cold sensitivity, pale skin, depression, hoarse voice, puffy face and excessive bleeding during menstruation.

Hyperthyroidism can result in unhealthy weight loss, irregular heartbeat, anxiety, irritability, irregular sleep pattern, muscle weakening, excessive sweating and less frequent menstruation.

Treatment

Treatment is possible through medication. Thyroid removal through surgery is a viable option for hyperthyroidism. It is usually conducted through an incision just underneath the collar bone. In case of hypothyroidism, hormones are supplemented through medicine.

Naturopathy can also help people suffering through these conditions. These treatments, along with conventional medical therapy, can assist in managing the condition as well as reducing associated symptoms.

A number of different healthcare clinics offer these treatments. Brisbane Livewell Clinic has experienced naturopaths and nutritionists who treat both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism with a holistic approach. You can reach them online here.