Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are commonly confused thyroid autoimmune disorders that stem from the same endocrine gland, your thyroid. Hyperthyroidism occurs when the gland is producing too much thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism occurs when the gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Both disorders include common symptoms of fatigue, goiters (enlarged thyroid gland) and weight fluctuations. While they sound similar, the diseases are different in nature. Here is a breakdown of the two:
Hyperthyroidism symptoms:
- Weight loss
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Nervousness
- Irritability
- Trouble sleeping
- Fatigue
- Shaky hands
- Sweating
- Frequent bowel movements
- Goiter
Most common cause:
Graves’ disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. Graves’ disease is an autoimmune condition whereby the immune system malfunctions and produces antibodies against your own normal thyroid tissue. Overproduction of thyroid hormones occurs when the antibodies attach to the thyroid gland receptors.
Hypothyroidism symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Trouble tolerating cold weather
- Joint and muscle pain
- Dry skin
- Thinning hair
- Heavy or irregular menstrual periods or fertility problems
- Slowed heart rate
- Depression
- Goiter
Most common cause:
Hashimoto’s disease is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, this autoimmune disease occurs when your immune system attacks the thyroid. The thyroid then becomes inflamed and can’t produce enough thyroid hormones.
While both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism impact the thyroid and share some overlapping symptoms like fatigue and goiters, they represent distinct hormonal imbalances with differing root causes and a range of unique symptoms. “Thyroid disorders can often go undetected for years, as the symptoms are sometimes subtle or easily mistaken for other conditions,” says Mather Medical Group Endocrinologist Georgia Kulina, MD. “It is not always obvious when your thyroid is not working properly.” If you are experiencing unexplained changes in energy, weight, or mood, consider speaking with your doctor about whether a thyroid function test might be appropriate.
Resources:
https://magazine.medlineplus.gov/article/hypothyroidism-vs-hyperthyroidism-whats-the-difference
https://www.thyroidcancer.com/blog/graves-disease-vs-hashimoto-s-disease-top-4-things-to-know
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases/hyperthyroidism#what-is
