Hypothyroidism vs. Hyperthyroidism: Understanding Your Thyroid

Have you ever heard of the thyroid? This is a small butterfly shaped gland in your neck that is involved in the control of many things in the body. Often the gland may become overactive and produce excessive amounts of the hormone or underactive and not produce enough of the hormone as seen in two diseases- hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Why don’t we find out more about these two conditions?

Source: RMH Animations

What is Hypothyroidism?

It drops the metabolic rate and overall energy production; the condition hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. These hormones are essential because they enable your body to utilise energy, maintain blood circulation, and develop. If there is a lack of these hormones, then it is going to be a tad problematic.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Here are some common signs of hypothyroidism:

• Feeling Tired: You may wake up feeling sleepy or tired even after you had a wonderful night’s sleep.
• Weight Gain: Though you may not necessarily put on a pound you can start putting on weight even though you are eating the same foods.
• Cold Sensitivity: You might get a sensation of coldness unlike warmer-blooded individuals even in the warm months.
• Dry Skin and Hair: You may develop dry skin and brittle hair and hair loss.

Can Hypothyroidism Be Treated?

People with hypothyroidism can receive some assistance from doctors by taking a medicine known as thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Many a times this medicine assists in balancing the hormone levels and get the body and its elements back on stream again.

What is Hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism is the condition opposite to hypothyroidism. That occurs when the thyroid gland in the body produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormone. This can make your body work too fast like a race car engine going round a racetrack at top speed!

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

Here are some common signs of hyperthyroidism:

• Feeling Energetic: One may start to feel very active, physically or mentally, and become anxious or fidgety.
• Weight Loss: You can be slim and still be eating all the right foods.
• Heat Sensitivity: You could be sweating, even when the climate is cold.
• Rapid Heartbeat: This is tapa that your heart feels like it is racing, or that you have palpitations.

Hyperthyroidism Treatment

Doctors treat hyperthyroidism in a few ways:

• Medications: They can provide some medicine to decrease how much hormone the thyroid produces.
• Radioactive Iodine: In some cases doctors perform a special procedure designed to help reduce the size of the thyroid.
• Surgery: At times the physician may recommend for the excision of certain portion of the thyroid gland.

Conclusion

Study of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism assists in gaining an insight about the anatomy. This is especially so if you or someone you know has symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, always feeling cold, or always feeling hot. These must assist in determining what is happening with the thyroid and how to assist effectively. Um, remember, your health is important and if you feel differently don’t hesitate to ask questions!