Symptoms of Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism

The thyroid gland manufactures hormones that influence nearly every cell in the body. This small butterfly-shaped gland not only makes hormones but is also affected by hormones originating from other endocrine glands. Because the thyroid gland plays such an essential role in the body, thyroid disorders can cause symptoms that can impact your daily life. 

Thyroid disorders are not always immediately evident, especially in the early stages. This article will discuss the early signs of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism – two common thyroid disorders.

Hyperthyroidism vs. Hypothyroidism

The main difference is that hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid is overactive, while hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid is underactive.

Hyperthyroidism

A condition that causes high thyroid hormone levels and an overactive metabolism, causing restlessness, anxiety, and weight loss.

Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:

• Weight loss
• Restlessness and irritability
• Muscle weakness
• Heat intolerance
• Insomnia
• Tremors in the hands
• Rapid heart rate
• Diarrhea
• Mood swings.

Potential complications of Hyperthyroidism

Treating hyperthyroidism by managing symptoms and addressing any underlying disease is essential. Left untreated, hyperthyroidism can lead to irregular heart rates and cardiac complications such as blood clots, stroke, and heart failure.

Hyperthyroidism is often diagnosed alongside Graves’ disease, an autoimmune condition that forces the body’s immune system to attack itself. Graves’ disease can cause Graves’ ophthalmopathy,¹ which can cause vision trouble and even blindness.

Who is most at risk for Hyperthyroidism?

Risk factors for developing hyperthyroidism include:

• Being female
• Being older than 60
• Recent pregnancy
• Family history of thyroid disease
• Having had thyroid surgery or past thyroid issues
• Having pernicious anemia, type 1 diabetes, or adrenal insufficiency
• Taking medications or supplements that contain iodine.

What causes Hyperthyroidism?

Some causes of hyperthyroidism include:

• Autoimmune disease: Some autoimmune disorders prompt the body to attack the thyroid, leading to the over-production of hormones. This process is prevalent in Graves’ disease.
• Thyroid nodules: Thyroid nodules are growths on the thyroid that can become toxic and release unauthorized hormones.
• Thyroiditis: Thyroiditis usually starts with a period of hyperthyroidism, followed by hypothyroidism.
• Overmedication with thyroid replacement hormones: People with hypothyroidism will usually be prescribed thyroid replacement hormones. If the dosage is too high, it can cause hyperthyroidism symptoms.
• High iodine levels: Eating too many foods high in iodine or taking medications containing iodine can result in hyperthyroidism.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is more common than hyperthyroidism and causes low levels of thyroid hormones. Since thyroid hormones influence metabolism, hypothyroidism symptoms include slowed metabolism, constipation, weight gain, depression, and cold intolerance. Symptoms of hypothyroidism can further vary based on your sex.²

Common symptoms specific to males include:

• Hair loss
• Low libido
• Decreased muscle mass
• Gynecomastia
• Erectile dysfunction
• Delayed or premature ejaculation
• Loss of fertility
• Testicular atrophy (shrinking of the testicles).

Thyroid disorder in women may cause irregular menstrual cycles, early menopause, and lack of ovulation.

Potential Complications of Hypothyroidism

Seeking medical treatment for hypothyroidism is imperative to managing these uncomfortable symptoms. Hypothyroidism can cause complications during pregnancy,³ such as premature birth and high blood pressure, and can harm the growth and development of the baby. Left untreated, hypothyroidism can lead to complications such as high cholesterol. A rare complication of hypothyroidism is a life-threatening myxedema coma.⁴

Who is most at Risk for Hypothyroidism?

Certain risk factors increase your risk of developing hypothyroidism, such as:

• Being over the age of 60
• Having a medical history of other thyroid conditions
• A recent pregnancy
• Being diagnosed with Turner syndrome, Sjogren’s syndrome, type 1 diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or pernicious anemia.

What causes Hypothyroidism?

Common causes of hypothyroidism.

• Autoimmune disease: The immune system sometimes attacks itself by mistake. When the thyroid is a target of an autoimmune disorder, it can cause reduced thyroid function.
• Surgical removal of the thyroid gland: Treating hyperthyroidism or thyroid cancer can result in hypothyroidism.
• Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy treats some thyroid conditions and can lead to hypothyroidism when the thyroid gland is damaged.
• Congenital irregularities: Some people are born with an underactive thyroid gland.
• Thyroiditis: Thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid, which often results in hypothyroidism.
• Some medications: Certain medications affect the thyroid gland, resulting in loss of functionality.
• Low iodine levels: The thyroid utilizes iodine to create thyroid hormones. Your thyroid will not function efficiently if your iodine levels are low.
• Pituitary gland dysfunction: The pituitary gland releases a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which instructs the thyroid to release hormones. If the pituitary gland isn’t functioning correctly, it will affect your thyroid hormone levels.

How can You confirm if You have Hyperthyroidism or Hypothyroidism?

Be sure to visit your doctor for testing to confirm if you have a thyroid condition. Your doctor will review your medical health history and perform a physical exam. Medical professionals will perform blood tests to check your thyroid hormone levels and imaging scans to examine your thyroid.

Blood tests can show your doctor whether your body produces too much or too few thyroid hormones. Doctors may test TSH, T4, T3, and thyroid antibody levels.

• TSH levels help your doctor determine whether your pituitary gland influences your thyroid’s health and functionality.
• T4 and T3 levels show your doctor how much thyroid hormone your body is making.
• Thyroid antibodies can determine if your thyroid issues are potentially related to an autoimmune disorder.
• Imaging scans will show your doctor if you have abnormal thyroid growths, such as nodules.

You can test your thyroid levels with an at-home test. However, many at-home tests are not accurate, and it is essential to have your results interpreted by a healthcare professional to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

What Treatments are available for Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism?

It is vital to have a trained professional assist and guide your thyroid treatment. Recovery from thyroid conditions usually involves medications, radioactive iodine, beta-blockers, or surgery.

For hypothyroidism, your doctor may recommend thyroid hormone replacement medications to compensate for insufficient thyroid hormones. Treatment for hyperthyroidism involves antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine, beta-blockers, and surgical thyroid removal.

Summary

The symptoms of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can be painful and inconvenient. If you believe you may have a thyroid condition, you should seek professional medical help immediately. Your doctor can accurately diagnose your condition and choose the best treatment. Remember that thyroid conditions are often related to underlying issues that can be serious, so it is crucial to seek professional medical guidance to avoid more severe complications developing later on.

• In-Home Lab Tests
• Micronutrient Testing
• Heavy Metals Testing