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The Difference Between Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism
Thyroid disorders are very common, yet many people miss the signs and symptoms, remaining unaware of their condition. Your thyroid is a small endocrine gland situated at the base of your neck. When it’s functioning efficiently, it produces vital hormones your body needs for a wide range of functions.
For reasons that remain unclear, some people develop problems with their thyroid gland. These issues prevent the thyroid from producing enough hormone (hypothyroidism) or cause the gland to secrete excess hormone (hyperthyroidism).
If you suspect something is amiss with your thyroid, schedule a visit with our medical experts at Grassroots Healthcare in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Led by Melita Tate, MD, our team performs a comprehensive thyroid evaluation to assess your thyroid function. From there, we prescribe an appropriate treatment to relieve your symptoms and restore normal levels.
Understanding hypothyroidism
Autoimmune thyroid disease is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. In autoimmune hypothyroidism, your immune system most commonly produces antibodies against:
- Thyroid peroxidase (TPO): an enzyme in your thyroid that helps activate thyroid hormone
- Thyroglobulin: a protein in your thyroid involved in hormone production
These antibodies damage your thyroid and impair its ability to produce enough thyroid hormone. Low thyroid hormone levels can cause a wide range of symptoms.
These include:
- Fatigue
- Hair loss
- Problems concentrating
- Low mood
- Weight gain
- Cold hands and feet
- Brittle nails
- Sexual dysfunction
- Slow wound healing
- Irregular periods
Symptoms tend to come on gradually.
Understanding hyperthyroidism
Less common than hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism means your thyroid gland secretes too much thyroid hormone.
Common causes of hyperthyroidism include Graves disease (TSH receptor–stimulating antibodies), toxic thyroid nodules, and thyroid inflammation (thyroiditis). In some cases, consuming large amounts of iodine, usually from supplements, can also trigger excess hormone production.
Warning signs of an overactive thyroid are:
- Rapid heartbeat
- Irritability
- Weight loss
- Trouble sleeping
- Restlessness
- Frequent bowel movements
- Mood swings
- Heat intolerance
Some patients have a few mild symptoms, while others may have more severe signs.
Treating thyroid disorders
Treatment for thyroid disease depends on the cause. Hypothyroidism is treated by replacing the thyroid hormone your body no longer produces. This means taking a thyroid replacement hormone. Most people will need to take thyroid replacement long-term.
For mild cases of hyperthyroidism, we may prescribe a medicine class called beta-blockers. Beta-blockers don’t correct your hormone imbalance, but they can quickly relieve symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, tremor, and anxiety while we address the underlying thyroid problem.
Anti-thyroid medications are used to block thyroid hormone so your levels return to a more normal range. In some cases, it’s necessary to remove part or all of your thyroid to treat hyperthyroidism.
Radioiodine therapy involves taking a capsule or liquid form of radioactive iodine that gradually destroys overactive thyroid tissue. This controls hyperthyroidism but often results in an underactive thyroid, so many patients eventually need lifelong thyroid hormone replacement.
Seeking a thyroid evaluation
A thyroid assessment is the best way to know how your thyroid is functioning. To learn more, call or click to schedule an appointment with our team at Grassroots Healthcare today.