Understanding the Difference Between Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism

With the swap of just a couple of letters, you move from hyperthyroidism to hypothyroidism. But don’t let the similarities in their names fool you. While these conditions have one notable similarity — they both come from a problem with your thyroid — they affect you in significantly different ways. 

Fortunately, Ashok Kadambi, MD, FACE, can help with both. As a thyroid disorder expert, he treats both hyper- and hypothyroidism at Fort Wayne Endocrinology. With the thyroid care you need, you can start to feel better, no matter which thyroid condition affects you. 

First, let’s get a better understanding of these two thyroid conditions. Before looking at each individually, it helps to know about the thyroid.

Thyroid 101

In the front of your neck, you have a small gland shaped like a butterfly called your thyroid. Your thyroid’s job is to produce certain hormones. These hormones play a role in various bodily functions but are essential for how your body uses energy (i.e., metabolism). 

Beyond that, thyroid hormones affect your:

• Breathing
• Body temperature
• Bone health
• Digestion
• Fertility
• Heart rate
• Mental function
• Skin health

When your thyroid underperforms — meaning it doesn’t make enough of the hormones it’s supposed to — you get diagnosed with hypothyroidism. If your thyroid is overactive, you get diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. 

Hypothyroidism: the problem with an underactive thyroid

You might have an underactive thyroid because of another condition, like Hashimoto’s disease, or inflammation in this gland. Either way, insufficient thyroid hormones take a toll on your metabolism. Symptoms like fatigue and weight gain are typical of this condition. 

You might also experience:

• Brain fog and trouble concentrating 
• Cold sensitivity
• Dry skin
• Hair thinning and loss
• Joint pain
• Muscle aches

If you’re dealing with this kind of thyroid problem, Dr. Kadambi offers treatment to ease your symptoms and restore your quality of life. He can supplement the hormones your thyroid isn’t making with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. 

Hyperthyroidism: what an overproducing thyroid means

The body requires a specific balance of hormones, making an overactive thyroid just as problematic as an underactive one. If your thyroid produces too much of its hormones, you get diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. That usually means symptoms like:

• Irritability, anxiety, or nervousness
• Loose stool
• Rapid heartbeat
• Sensitivity to heat
• Sleep problems
• Sweating
• Thinning skin
• Tremors
• Weight loss

Hyperthyroidism can be caused by several things, from an autoimmune disorder called Graves’ disease to inflammation in your thyroid or nodules that grow there. Dr. Kadambi targets treatment to address the root cause of your overactive thyroid. Most people with this condition get relief with medication. 

While hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are different conditions that cause very different symptoms, they have one thing in common: a thyroid specialist can help you treat them. Visit Dr. Kadambi if you think you might be having a thyroid problem. Book your visit online or call our office today.