Although small, the thyroid gland plays an important role in the human body. Located at the base of the neck, it produces hormones that help the metabolism function properly. When it functions unbalanced, it can lead to hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. What are these conditions, how to differentiate them? Get the answers to your questions in this article.
What is the thyroid?
Before we talk about the problems that can arise when the thyroid is out of balance, we must first understand the role of this gland. Shaped like a butterfly , it produces hormones called thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) that regulate how the body uses energy. And an imbalance in the thyroid actually leads to an imbalance in thyroid hormones, which affects almost every system in the body . This is why a thyroid disorder can cause a wide range of symptoms, and complicate an accurate diagnosis.
Hypothyroidism: a lack of thyroid hormones
What is hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid does not produce enough thyroid hormones . In this case, the hormones produced are not enough to maintain a normal metabolism, so the body functions in slow motion . While this thyroid disorder can affect anyone, it is most often detected in women, especially after the age of 50. Today, it is estimated that approximately 5% of the world's population is affected by this condition.
Causes of Hypothyroidism
The causes of hypothyroidism can be quite varied, including the following:
- Hashimoto's disease : This is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. It is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the thyroid.
- Iodine deficiency : For proper production of thyroid hormones, iodine is an essential element. An iodine deficiency can therefore lead to hypothyroidism.
- Medical treatments : It is now known that certain medications can slow down thyroid function. In addition, radiotherapy or thyroid surgery can also directly affect hormone production.
- Other causes : Genetic factors or poor functioning of the pituitary gland (responsible for regulating the production of thyroid hormones) can also cause hypothyroidism.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism
The symptoms of hypothyroidism are quite varied, and usually progressive . This often makes the condition difficult to diagnose quickly. To give you an idea, here is a list of the most common signs of hypothyroidism: persistent fatigue, sensitivity to cold, weight gain for no reason, constipation, depression or mood swings, dry skin and brittle hair. While each of these symptoms may seem harmless, when there are several of them, they often indicate hypothyroidism. In some people, hypothyroidism also manifests itself by a slow heart rate, muscle or joint pain, or even difficulty concentrating or remembering things.
Diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosing hypothyroidism is done first, and as with everything, by a medical consultation to discuss doubts about a thyroid problem. After an auscultation by a doctor , the latter generally prescribes a blood test , which aims to measure the levels of TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone). And if the TSH is high , it means that the thyroid is not functioning properly.
Treatment for hypothyroidism generally consists of taking a daily replacement hormone, levothyroxine , which helps compensate for the lack of natural hormones.
Hyperthyroidism: an excess of thyroid hormones
What is hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism is the opposite of hypothyroidism: in this case, the thyroid produces too many hormones . You might almost think that this is good news, but in fact, this excess overstimulates the metabolism. This then leads to an acceleration of many bodily functions . Approximately 1 to 2% of the world's population is affected by this condition, which is less common than hypothyroidism, but just as serious.
Causes of Hyperthyroidism
Here too, several conditions can explain hyperthyroidism, such as:
- Graves' disease : This is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. It is an autoimmune disease that causes the thyroid to produce excess hormones.
- Thyroid nodules : Some people have growths on the gland. These can stimulate excessive hormone production, creating a "multinodular toxic goiter."
- Other causes : Certain benign pituitary tumors, or even excessive intake of iodine-rich supplements, can also cause hyperthyroidism.
Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism
As a general rule, we can say that the symptoms of hyperthyroidism are the opposite of those of hypothyroidism . In fact, here, the body does not function in slow motion, the metabolism is rather in overdrive . The main symptoms of hyperthyroidism are: heat intolerance, rapid and unexplained weight loss despite a constant or increasing appetite, diarrhea, a certain nervousness or irritability, tremors and palpitations, sleep disorders.
These signs actually show body hyperactivity. And this can make daily life difficult. In addition to this, some people may also have other symptoms such as bulging eyes (proptosis), especially in cases related to Graves' disease.
Diagnosis and treatment
As with hypothyroidism, the first thing to do to get diagnosed is to make an appointment with a healthcare professional for an initial opinion. This will usually be followed by a blood test : if TSH levels are low , but T3 and T4 levels are high, this confirms the presence of hyperthyroidism.
In this case, treatment may include antithyroid medications , radioactive iodine (to partially destroy the thyroid), or even surgery in more severe cases.
How to distinguish between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism?
The opposite symptoms
As you will have understood, if hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are two conditions that affect the thyroid, it is mainly their symptoms that will allow them to be differentiated:
- Hypothyroidism : fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, depression
- Hyperthyroidism : nervousness, weight loss, heat intolerance, hyperactivity
The effects of each of these conditions on the body therefore diverge completely, which already allows the diagnosis to be guided according to the symptoms presented before carrying out more complete analyses to clarify the verdict.
Medical tests
While blood tests remain the most reliable diagnostic tool for thyroid disorders, the results will clearly show whether it is hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. In the case of hypothyroidism, TSH levels will be high, while in the case of hyperthyroidism, TSH will be low.
Conclusion
Recognizing the signs of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism is essential to be able to best treat the disorder and avoid any risk of complications. Keep in mind that hypothyroidism generally slows down the metabolism and makes patients more fragile, while hyperthyroidism accelerates all body functions, resulting in hyperactivity. In any case, thanks to blood tests and appropriate treatments, it is entirely possible to rebalance thyroid function and lead a healthy and active life.
