{"id":12843,"date":"2024-07-01T19:51:12","date_gmt":"2024-07-02T03:51:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/?p=12843"},"modified":"2024-07-07T12:01:29","modified_gmt":"2024-07-07T20:01:29","slug":"hypothyroidism-and-hyperthyroidism","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/hypothyroidism-and-hyperthyroidism\/","title":{"rendered":"Hypothyroidism vs. Hyperthyroidism: What is the difference?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"12843\" class=\"elementor elementor-12843\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-c01a372 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"c01a372\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-3a65349\" data-id=\"3a65349\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-149ceb1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"149ceb1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.freepik.com\/free-photo\/endocrinologist-examining-throat-young-woman-clinic-women-with-thyroid-gland-test-endocrinology-hormones-treatment-inflammation-sore-throat_27156417.htm#fromView=search&#038;page=1&#038;position=13&#038;uuid=6eeb15ed-309f-4c6b-af63-b4d299158280\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/endocrinologist-examining-throat-young-woman-clinic-women-with-thyroid-gland-test-endocrinology-hormones-treatment-inflammation-sore-throat-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-12844 lazyload\" alt=\"Hypothyroidism vs. Hyperthyroidism\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/endocrinologist-examining-throat-young-woman-clinic-women-with-thyroid-gland-test-endocrinology-hormones-treatment-inflammation-sore-throat-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/endocrinologist-examining-throat-young-woman-clinic-women-with-thyroid-gland-test-endocrinology-hormones-treatment-inflammation-sore-throat-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/endocrinologist-examining-throat-young-woman-clinic-women-with-thyroid-gland-test-endocrinology-hormones-treatment-inflammation-sore-throat-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/endocrinologist-examining-throat-young-woman-clinic-women-with-thyroid-gland-test-endocrinology-hormones-treatment-inflammation-sore-throat-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/endocrinologist-examining-throat-young-woman-clinic-women-with-thyroid-gland-test-endocrinology-hormones-treatment-inflammation-sore-throat-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/endocrinologist-examining-throat-young-woman-clinic-women-with-thyroid-gland-test-endocrinology-hormones-treatment-inflammation-sore-throat-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-12844 lazyload\" alt=\"Hypothyroidism vs. Hyperthyroidism\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/endocrinologist-examining-throat-young-woman-clinic-women-with-thyroid-gland-test-endocrinology-hormones-treatment-inflammation-sore-throat-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/endocrinologist-examining-throat-young-woman-clinic-women-with-thyroid-gland-test-endocrinology-hormones-treatment-inflammation-sore-throat-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/endocrinologist-examining-throat-young-woman-clinic-women-with-thyroid-gland-test-endocrinology-hormones-treatment-inflammation-sore-throat-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/endocrinologist-examining-throat-young-woman-clinic-women-with-thyroid-gland-test-endocrinology-hormones-treatment-inflammation-sore-throat-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/endocrinologist-examining-throat-young-woman-clinic-women-with-thyroid-gland-test-endocrinology-hormones-treatment-inflammation-sore-throat-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/noscript>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"widget-image-caption wp-caption-text\">\u00a9Stefamerpik on Freepik<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-00e395e elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"00e395e\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-0d8aa67\" data-id=\"0d8aa67\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b0bd5f9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b0bd5f9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As the saying goes, \u201cWe don\u2019t appreciate what we have until it\u2019s gone.\u201d This certainly holds true for the thyroid gland, the small, butterfly-shaped gland nestled in your neck. Even though it\u2019s such a vital organ, we barely notice it or even think about it. That is, of course, when it\u2019s functioning properly.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s therefore no surprise that thyroid dysfunction is what usually makes it clear how important this organ is. This is mainly because a dysfunctional thyroid causes a range of symptoms that can significantly impact your everyday life.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The state of the thyroid, in terms of function, can be broadly categorized under <\/span><b>hypothyroidism<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (underactive thyroid), <\/span><b>hyperthyroidism<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (overactive thyroid), and <\/span><b>euthyroidism<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (normal functioning thyroid). The first two are two main types of thyroid dysfunction that are opposite each other. To know which thyroid condition you have, a thyroid function test (sometimes in combination with other tests) is necessary. A <\/span><b>thyroid function test<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a combination of blood tests that measure levels of <\/span><b>thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and the thyroid hormones in your blood in order to make a diagnosis or monitor your response to treatment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this article, we will discuss these two thyroid conditions, and also compare them to euthyroidism.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<header class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-58494b2 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"58494b2\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-4e9b660\" data-id=\"4e9b660\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2ef79fa elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"2ef79fa\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)\n<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bad1de7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"bad1de7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b><i>What is hypothyroidism and what are the causes?<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/h5><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hypothyroidism, often referred to as an underactive thyroid, occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. These hormones, <\/span><b>thyroxine (T4) <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and <\/span><b>triiodothyronine (T3),<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are vital for regulating the body\u2019s metabolic rate. In iodine-sufficient geographical regions, the most common cause is <\/span><b>Hashimoto\u2019s thyroiditis,<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> an autoimmune disease. From a global perspective, however, the most common cause is <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/iodine-deficiecy-disorders\/\"><b>iodine deficiency<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Other possible causes of this condition include <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/26931197\/\"><b>radiation treatment or exposure<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2784889\/\"><b>certain medications<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p><h5><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b><i>How common is hypothyroidism?<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/h5><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hypothyroidism is one of the most common endocrine disorders worldwide. Its prevalence varies by age, sex, and geographical location, largely due to differences in iodine intake. It is estimated that hypothyroidism affects <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.niddk.nih.gov\/health-information\/endocrine-diseases\/hypothyroidism#:~:text=makes%20thyroid%20hormones.-,How%20common%20is%20hypothyroidism%3F,or%20have%20few%20obvious%20symptoms.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">about 5%<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of people above the age of 12 in the United States, while <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/subclinical-thyroid-disease\/#:~:text=and%20management%20strategies.-,Subclinical%20hypothyroidism,-What%20is%20subclinical\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">subclinical hypothyroidism<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a milder form of the disease, affects <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thyroid.org\/patient-thyroid-information\/ct-for-patients\/august-2023\/vol-16-issue-8-p-5-6\/#:~:text=Hypothyroidism%20is%20a,to%2010%2D20%25.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">at least an additional 5%<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Women are more likely to develop hypothyroidism than men, and the risk increases with age.<\/span><\/p><h5><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b><i>What are the symptoms?<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/h5><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Symptoms of hypothyroidism develop slowly and can be vague. They include <\/span><b>fatigue<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><b>weight gain<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><b>cold intolerance<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><b>constipation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><b>dry skin<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><b>hair loss,<\/b> <b>slow heart rate,<\/b> <b>muscle weakness<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><b>irregular periods<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><b>depression<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Because these symptoms can be attributed to other conditions, hypothyroidism can sometimes be overlooked.<\/span><\/p><h5><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b><i>How is hypothyroidism treated?<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/h5><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Treatment for hypothyroidism involves a lifelong daily dose of synthetic thyroid hormone <\/span><b>levothyroxine<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This oral medication restores adequate hormone levels, and as a result reverses the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism. Taking this medication comes with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/taking-thyroid-medication\/#:~:text=Medication%20for%20hyperthyroidism-,Medication%20for%20hypothyroidism,-The%20standard%20thyroid\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">guidelines<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that ensure that you get the best possible treatment outcomes. While a majority of patients take levothyroxine, there are some who are prescribed some alternative medication such as the T3+T4 combination therapy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In any case, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">periodic blood tests<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are performed to assess the effectiveness of the treatment. Based on your lab results, your doctor may decide to adjust your dosage, if necessary.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/header>\n\t\t\t\t<header class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-02453ff elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"02453ff\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-5bd89ef\" data-id=\"5bd89ef\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-755a380 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"755a380\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0351c71 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"0351c71\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b><i>What is hyperthyroidism and what are the causes?<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/h5><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. This overactivity can accelerate the body\u2019s metabolism, leading to rapid weight loss and a bunch of other symptoms. The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is the autoimmune disorder known as <\/span><b>Graves\u2019 disease<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Other causes include <\/span><b>thyroid nodules<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><b>excessive iodine intake<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p><h5><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b><i>How common is hyperthyroidism?<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/h5><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hyperthyroidism is less common than hypothyroidism. It affects <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK448195\/#:~:text=The%20overall%20prevalence%20of%20hyperthyroidism%20in%20the%20United%20States%20is%201.2%25%20with%20an%20incidence%20of%2020\/100%2C000%20to%2050\/100%2C000\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">about 1%<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of Americans, with a higher prevalence in women than in men. Graves\u2019 disease in particular is responsible for <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK448195\/#:~:text=Graves%E2%80%99%20disease%20is%20the%20most%20common%20cause%20of%20hyperthyroidism%20accounting%20for%2060%25%20to%2080%25%20of%20hyperthyroid%20cases.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">about 60-80%<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of cases of hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism can occur at any age but is most commonly diagnosed in people <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK448195\/#:~:text=It%20is%20most%20common%20in%20people%20ages%2020%20to%2050%20years\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">between the ages of 20 and 50<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p><h5><b><i>What are the symptoms?\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/h5><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The symptoms of this condition include <\/span><b>unexpected weight loss<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><b>anxiety<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><b>irritability<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><b>fast heart rate<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><b>hand tremors<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><b>frequent bowel movements or diarrhea<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><b>heat intolerance<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><b>having trouble sleeping<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Some people with hyperthyroidism may also experience swelling in the neck due to an enlarged thyroid gland (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/what-is-goiter\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">goiter<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) or an eye condition known as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/thyroid-eye-disease\/\"><b>thyroid eye disease (TED)<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p><h5><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b><i>How is hyperthyroidism treated?<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/h5><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The treatment of hyperthyroidism aims to reduce thyroid hormone production and may involve <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/radioactive-iodine-therapy\/\"><b>radioactive iodine therapy<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><b>anti-thyroid medications<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/thyroidectomy-101-t\/\"><b>surgery<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Your doctor may also prescribe <\/span><b>beta-blockers<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC9981333\/#:~:text=Propranolol%20is%20a%20non%2Dselective,active%20form%20T3%20%5B5%5D.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">propranolol<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/druginfo\/meds\/a682666.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">nadolol<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The purpose of these drugs is to control some of the uncomfortable symptoms associated with high thyroid levels, such as rapid heart rate and anxiety.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/header>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-a4ccef8 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"a4ccef8\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-fb7fdc0\" data-id=\"fb7fdc0\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d30b129 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"d30b129\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Key takeaways<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-f86c422 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"f86c422\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-688e010\" data-id=\"688e010\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dafe8ec elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"dafe8ec\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Despite their similar names, hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism have different causes, symptoms, and treatments.\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hypothyroidism is characterized by an underactive thyroid and as a result, low thyroid hormone levels. Hyperthyroidism, on the contrary, is characterized by an overactive thyroid and therefore, high levels of\u00a0 thyroid hormones.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Both conditions can cause fatigue and changes in weight, but the direction of the change is a key difference. Hypothyroidism often leads to weight gain and feeling cold, while hyperthyroidism can cause weight loss and heat intolerance.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;re experiencing symptoms that might be related to your thyroid, seek immediate medical attention. An early diagnosis and effective treatment can help you manage your condition and get back to feeling your best.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hypothyroidism is usually treated with synthetic thyroid hormone medication, while hyperthyroidism treatment may involve medication, radioactive iodine treatment, or surgery to reduce hormone production.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019ve been diagnosed with either condition, be sure to follow your treatment plan closely and report any new symptoms to your doctor.<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u00a9Stefamerpik on Freepik As the saying goes, \u201cWe don\u2019t appreciate what we have until it\u2019s gone.\u201d This certainly holds true for the thyroid gland, the small, butterfly-shaped gland nestled in your neck. Even though it\u2019s such a vital organ, we barely notice it or even think about it. That is, of course, when it\u2019s functioning [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":12844,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[39,37,36],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12843","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-hyperthyroidism","category-hypothyroidism","category-thyroid-conditions"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Hypothyroidism vs. Hyperthyroidism: What is the difference?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Hypothyroidism causes weight gain and feeling cold, while hyperthyroidism leads to weight loss and heat intolerance.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" 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