Hypothyroidism Vs. Hyperthyroidism

Hypo/Hyperthyroidism

Both hypo and hyperthyroidism are a result of a disease in caused by malfunction of the thyroid gland located in the neck as represented by the image below left. The causes of chronic hypothyroidism are fairly distinct. Around the world in third-world and developing countries, iodine deficiency is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. This used to be true as well for developed countries, but today this is a less common cause as iodine usually finds its way into our diets without too much trouble. In modern-day developed countries, hypothyroidism is mainly a result of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, a birth defect which lacks a thyroid gland or a deficiency of hormones from either the hypothalamus or the pituitary gland. Hypothyroidism can also be a result of postpartum thyroiditis. This is a condition which affects about 5% of all women within a year after child-birth. The first phase is typically hyperthyroidism the causes of which will later be examined. Then, the thyroid will either return to normal or the woman will develop hypothyroidism. Of those women who undergo hypothyroidism connected with postpartum thyroiditis, one in five will develop life-long hypothyroidism involving treatment for the rest of their lives. Hypothyroidism can also be an outcome of inheritance. Hyperthyroidism is the consequence of excessive thyroid hormone production, causing an overactive height growth and increased pace of all the body's organs and intestines. Thyroid hormone usually controls the speed of each the processes in the digestive system. This rate is called one's metabolism. Hyperthyroidism in humans is mainly caused by Graves' disease (caused by an antibody-mediated auto-immune reaction), toxic multinodular goitre (where there is excess production of thyroid hormones), and toxic thyroid adenoma. Excess thyroid hormones from drugs/pills also have the potential to cause hyperthyroidism.

Hypothyroidism is a disease caused by inadequate production of thyroid hormones. The most common being an iodine deficiency which results in a goitre seen below. There are many symptoms associated with hypothyroidism. Throughout the early stages, however, the average adult will experience symptoms such as fatigue, increased sensitivity to cold, constipation, weight gain, muscle cramps and joint pain, brittle fingernails, brittle hair, paleness, and dry and itchy skin. Later on, the symptoms sometimes change and result in slowed speech and a hoarse, breaking voice, deepening of the voice, dry puffy skin (especially on the face), thinning of the outer third of the eyebrows, abnormal menstrual cycles (in women), and a low body temperature. Nonetheless, these are only the most common symptoms and many others may be experienced, including increased sensitivity to heat, impaired memory, brain fog and inattentiveness. As well as hives, migraines, slow heart rate, diminished cardiac output, hypoglycaemia, slow reflexes, hair loss, and anaemia. In addition to possible anxiety/panic attacks, difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, increased need for sleep, irritability and mood instability. Some have also experienced yellowing of the skin, impaired renal function, fragile/absent cuticles, decreased sense of taste and smell, puffy face, hands and feet, and/or depression. Hypothyroidism can be treated through both synthetic and animal-derived thyroid tablets that can be prescribed to increase thyroid hormone in the body. Patients take the tablets daily, and their blood levels are monitored consistently to assure that the dose is correct. The American Thyroid Association does not advise taking herbal remedies as having too much iodine has the potential to worsen hypothyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism is caused by an excess of thyroxine (T4) or triiodothyronine (T3), or both. This excess is a result of a malfunction of the thyroid gland as indicated by the picture below. There are many different symptoms of hyperthyroidism, some of the most common being major weight loss despite having a insatiable appetite, anxiety, heat intolerance, fatigue, weakness, hyperactivity, irritability, apathy, depression, and sweating. In addition, many experience shortness of breath, loss of balance, nausea, vomiting, osteoporosis, and diarrhea. However, those who undergo hyperthyroidism later in life may not experience most of these symptoms at