Hyperthyroidism vs Hypothroidism

cOMPILED By: Mr. Ashish Roy

1. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN
HYPOTHYROIDISM AND
HYPERTHYROIDISM


COMPILED BY-
MR. ASHISH ROY
(Nursing Tutor)

2. Hypothyroidism vs Hyperthyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition when there is a deficiency of thyroid
hormone in the body. Hyperthyroidism is characterized by excessive
amounts of thyroid hormone in the body. Both hypothyroidism and
hyperthyroidism are extremely different cases.

The signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism include increased heart
rate ‘“ tachycardia, increased activity of bowel movements, difficulty
in sleeping, intolerance to heat, nervousness and palpitation,
increased respiratory rate, increased moisture of the skin, increased
metabolic rate, soft and fine hair, wandering mind, sweating, scanty
menstrual periods, infertility, muscle weakness, nervousness and soft
nails.

In hypothyroidism, there are symptoms such as bradycardia-
decreased heart rate, constipation, intolerance to cold, memory
problems, coarse dry hair, slow speech movements, slow walking
movements, dry skin, brittle nails, weight gain, fatigue, irritability,
infertility, puffy face, loss of eyebrow hair, and heavy menstrual
periods.

The causes of hypothyroidism include medications like lithium
carbonate, genetic, decreased level of iodine in the body,
disturbances in the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, and infections
mainly viral and bacterial. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an immune
disorder in which the thyroid gland is attacked and damaged.

3. Hyperthyroidism is caused by any growth present in the thyroid
gland. Grave’s disease is an immunological disorder affecting the
thyroid gland. The classical feature of it is exophthalmos ‘“ a
protruding eye ball, which is absent in hypothyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism can also lead to thyrotoxicosis.

The treatment for hypothyroidism includes thyroid hormones. It is
given life long to the patient. Thyroxine is the supplement given to
the patient. Thyroxine is T4 hormone of the thyroid gland. The
patient is advised to take this medication early in the morning. The
treatment for hyperthyroidism is anti-thyroid drugs which include
propylthiouracil. It will decrease the production of thyroid hormones.

Before taking any medications for hypo or hyperthyroidism, the drug
interactions should be considered. If there are high levels of thyroid

4. stimulating antibodies in the blood of an infant, then the
recommended treatment is exchange blood transfusion. This will
decrease the antibody levels in the blood.

The diagnosis for hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism includes the
estimation of levels T3 and T4, the thyroid hormones and TSH level.
In hypothyroidism, there is decrease in the thyroid hormones level ‘“
T3 and T4 and increase in the levels of TSH. In hyperthyroidism, there
are increased levels of thyroid hormones T3 and T4 and decrease in
the levels of TSH. TSH is thyroid stimulating hormone.




SUMMARY
1. Hyperthyroidism is increased levels of thyroid hormones whereas hypothyroidism is decreased
levels of thyroid hormones.
2. Hyperthyroidism can lead to thyrotoxicosis and grave’s disease whereas hypothyroidism does not
produce those diseases.
3. There is faster metabolism in hyperthyroidism while there is a slow. Â metabolism in
hypothyroidism.
4. Hypothyroidism is treated by supplements of thyroid hormones and hyperthyroidism is treated by
anti-thyroid drugs.
5. Hypothyroidism shows decreased levels of T3 and T4 and increased levels of TSH whereas in
hyperthyroidism, there is an increased levels of T3 and T4 and a decreased level in TSH.


REFERENCES
Read more: Difference Between Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism | Difference Between
http://www.differencebetween.net/science/health/difference-between-hypothyroidism-and-
hyperthyroidism/#ixzz6SiJJ3oCj