Hypothyroidism vs Hyperthyroidism

Every person is endowed with a gland known as the thyroid located on the anterior midline of the neck below the mandible. This gland has one big responsibility in the functioning of the body. It plays a part in controlling our metabolic processes, vegetative growth, expansion, control of hot and cold temperatures, and sometimes the thyroid glands do not function as desired. If it does not secrete enough, then it is called hypothyroidism, and if it over secrete then it is known as hyperthyroidism.

Let now, move forward and understand what Hypothyroidism vs. Hyperthyroidism are and explain the main symptoms which are usually associated with these two conditions.

Source: RMH Animations

What is Hypothyroidism?

The disease caused due to having an underactive thyroid or simply called as hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland fails to produce sufficient amounts of the thyroid hormones. These hormones are important as they control numerous activities of a human’s bodily functions inclusive of alertness and the human heart beat rate.

Hypothyroidism Symptoms

When a person has hypothyroidism, then the body might appear to be slowing down. Here are some common hypothyroidism symptoms:

• Feeling very tired: Sorrow is a common feature of hypothyroid sufferers and overall weakness and fatigue are reported even if the patient is getting adequate rest at night.
• Gaining weight: When a person’s body is working slowly, then his body might store more fat and this leads to fat gain.
• Feeling cold: Underactive thyroid patients always complain that they are often cold than the usual body temperate of other people.
• Dry skin and hair: Tiredness: Hypothyroidism can make skin and hair feel very dry.
• Mood changes: Basic emotions may include: sadness and inattention.
• Slow heartbeat: It may be common to manifest slow heart rate than normal.

These symptoms occur because the body is unable to generate enough thyroid hormones for proper proportions of decomposition.

Hypothyroidism Treatment

Doctors can assist if the patient is diagnosed of hypothyroidism. This is what makes most patients with hypothyroidism require to take small pill every day. This pill provides essential thyroid hormones for body to feel healthy and sound.

Understanding Hyperthyroidism

What is Hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism is the opposite condition from hypothyroidism. It occurs when the gland in the throat, known as the thyroid gland, produces excessive amounts of its hormones and the body processes speed up.

Hyperthyroidism Symptoms

In hyperthyroidism case, the body may feel as if it is racing. Some common symptoms include:

• Feeling too hot: Some examples of the symptoms include; you develop hot and sweaty skin irrespective of your geographical location.
• Weight loss: Because the body is functioning faster food is burnt faster thus leading to weight loss.
• Feeling anxious or nervous: Excess of thyroid hormones changes people’s feelings and makes them feel nervous, worried or stressed.
• Fast heartbeat: Pulse rate increases and chest feel more active or might actually throb.
• Trembling hands: They may develop fine motor coordination problems and may though, observe their hands shaking or trembling.
• Trouble sleeping: When the body’s physical processes are speeding along, it is not easy to unwind and go to sleep.

These symptoms are so, because the body of such a person produces too many thyroid hormones and, thus, all the processes work faster.

Hyperthyroidism Treatment

People have different treatment measures to be taken by the doctors in case of hyperthyroidism. The therapy could be in the form of some unique drugs designed to decrease the activities of thyroid or in severe cases hormone removing surgery where half or all the thyroid gland is removed. At other times, doctors prescribe a therapy known as radioactive iodine, which assists in lowering how much thyroid hormones the gland produces.

The importance of Thyroid Health?

This is actually a very small gland yet very important and a lot is expected of it. It supports the maintenance of appropriate functioning of our body at play, work, or study, and at leisure. So when our thyroid is healthy, it is good to be fit and have lots of energy. However, if it produces either too much or too little hormone, then we begin to feel out of sorts.

Remember: If, for instance, one is complaining of fatigue cold or increase weight including hair loss (indicating hypothyroidism) or one is experiencing heat, nervousness or weight loss including increased frequency to urinate (symptoms of hyperthyroidism) it is advisable to consult a doctor.

This little gland located at the base of the neck has a big impact on how we feel, so taking care of it means taking care of your whole body!