Difference Between Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism

The main difference between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism is that hypothyroidism is the production of thyroid hormone less than normal while hyperthyroidism is the production of thyroid hormone more than normal.

Hypothyroidism vs. hyperthyroidism

There are different types of endocrine and exocrine glands in organisms that produce a different type of secretions or hormones. These hormones perform many important functions in the body of the organism. The thyroid gland is also an endocrine gland which is a tiny, butterfly-shaped gland present at the base of the front of the neck and produces hormones such as triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and calcitonin. These regulate different functions like metabolism, heart rate and blood pressure, body temperature, and the growth and development of the brain and nervous system, etc. Any change in the production of these hormones creates many problems. If the production of thyroid hormones is less than normal, this condition is known as hypothyroid, while if its production exceeds,

Comparison chart

Low production of thyroid hormone then the requirement of the body is known as hypothyroidism. Also called underproduction of thyroid hormone. It is commonly known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. The normal range of a thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is between 0.5 and 4.5 ml U/L. But if its level falls below this range, the patient is said to have hypothyroidism. It can also be due to a thyroidectomy (removal of the thyroid gland) due to hyperthyroidism, unless the patient receives thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Its symptoms are slow metabolism, weight gain, tiredness, goiter (swollen thyroid gland), slow heart rate, sensitivity to cold, dry hair and hair loss, depression, muscle cramps, constipation and carpal tunnel syndrome, etc. Its treatment varies according to its causes. Most of the time it is treated with adequate iodine supplementation and synthetic thyroid hormone. Sometimes it can also cause “myxedema coma.”

What is hyperthyroidism ?

The overproduction of thyroid hormones than the normal body needs is called hyperthyroidism and is also known as an overactive thyroid. It can be caused by inflammation of the thyroid, thyroid nodules, Graves’ disease (the thyroid swells and sometimes even the eyes), tumors of the ovaries or testicles, and due to a benign tumor of the thyroid gland, etc. Its sign and symptoms are tremors, feeling of warmth, itchy skin, hair loss, fast heartbeat, weight loss, infrequent periods, feeling worried or anxious, loss of consciousness, nausea and vomiting, etc. It can also cause crisis of thyrotoxicosis (thyroid storm) in elderly patients. Sometimes you need surgery to treat hyperthyroidism.

Key differences

1. The condition of low production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland is known as hypothyroid while the condition of high production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland is known as hyperthyroidism.
2. Hypothyroid is also known as underactive thyroid; on the other hand; Hyperthyroidism is also known as an overactive thyroid.
3. Hypothyroidism causes intolerance to cold and, conversely, hyperthyroidism causes intolerance to heat.
4. Hypothyroid is caused by low iodine diet, genetics, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, due to radiation used in cancer treatment and medication used in cancer, psychiatric diseases and heart problems, etc. On the other hand, hyperthyroidism is caused by inflamed thyroid, thyroid nodules, Graves’ disease, ovarian or testicular tumors, and due to benign tumor of the thyroid gland, etc.
5. The symptoms of hypothyroidism are slow metabolism, weight gain, tiredness, goiter (inflammation of the thyroid gland), slow heart rate, sensitivity to cold, dry hair and hair loss, depression, muscle cramps, constipation and carpal tunnel syndrome, etc. . while the symptoms of hyperthyroidism are tremors, feeling hot, itchy red skin, hair loss, fast heartbeat, weight loss, feeling worried or anxious, loss of consciousness, nausea and vomiting, etc.
6. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Test, Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulin (TSI) Test, Thyroid Scan and Radioactive Iodine Uptake Test, etc. they can be used to diagnose hypothyroid condition while hyperthyroid condition is diagnosed by thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) test, thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) test, radioactive iodine uptake test, along with T3 and T4 test and thyroid scan etc.
7. Hypothyroidism can be treated by use of synthetic thyroid hormone (eg levothyroxine) or by correcting iodine supplementation seen on the other hand, hyperthyroidism can be treated with beta-blockers (eg propranolol) to relieve symptoms or with antithyroid medications (eg methimazole) to slow down an overactive thyroid.

Final Thought

From the above discussion, it is summarized that hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are two conditions of abnormal hormone production. If the thyroid gland produces low hormones than normal, then this condition is known as hypothyroidism, which causes slow metabolism of the body, while the condition of high production of thyroid hormones is known as hyperthyroidism, which increases the metabolic rate.