Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are too different conditions that affect your thyroid gland. These thyroid diseases impact hormone production, meaning it they can cause your thyroid gland to produce too many or too few hormones. Today, we take a closer look at the two conditions and explain the symptoms associated with each.

Hypothyroidism Vs. Hyperthyroidism

As we mentioned above, each condition causes your thyroid gland to over- or under-produce hormones. Hypothyroidism describes an underactive thyroid, while hyperthyroidism describes a thyroid that is producing too many hormones. An underperforming thyroid generally slows down bodily processes, while and overactive thyroid tends to speed them up.

Generally speaking, hypothyroidism is viewed as a long-term health problem that will need to be managed throughout a person’s life, because it can be difficult to get an under-producing thyroid to get back to normal levels. On the other hand, hyperthyroidism can be temporary if it is caused an autoimmune condition or because of pregnancy. Those thyroids may eventually return to normal levels, but if they don’t you may need to manage the conditions with prescription medication for the rest of your life.

Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism Symptoms and Treatment

Symptoms of each condition vary greatly. Oftentimes symptoms are opposite of one another. For example:

• A person with hypothyroidism may experience: weight gain, slower heart rate, sleepiness, depression, dry skin and constipation.

• A person with hyperthyroidism may experience: weight loss, elevated heart rate, hyperactivity, anxiousness, sweaty skin and diarrhea.

Treatment also varies for the two conditions, although the treatment methods are pretty similar. Oftentimes the first course of treatment for either condition is prescription medication to either kickstart or slow hormone production. Surgery for either condition is rare, but could be an option should not-operative methods fail to curb the condition. For more information on either condition, contact Dr. Koeplin today.