What's the difference between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism?

These conditions represent polar opposites and it's important to realize this.

Hyperthyroidism is a condition which results in too much thyroid hormone while hypothyroidism is a condition which results in too little thyroid hormone.

Each medical condition presents differently in both symptoms and lab tests. Learn the difference below:

Lab tests in hypothyroid patients:- TSH - The TSH is usually high in hypothyroidism. - Free T3 - Free T3 is usually low. - Free T4 - Free T4 is usually low. - Thyroid antibodies - Not always positive but Anti TPO antibodies and Thyroglobulin antibodies may be positive.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism:

- Weight gain- Fatigue- Constipation- Cold intolerance- Low body temperature- Chronic pain or joint pain- Depression

Conditions that cause hypothyroidism: - Hashimoto's thyroiditis- Thyroidectomy- Radioactive iodine ablation- Pituitary damage or tumors- Congenital problems- Pregnancy

Lab tests in hyperthyroid patients:- TSH - The TSH is usually very low in hyperthyroidism. - Free T3 - Free T3 is usually elevated. - Free T4 - Free T4 is either normal or low. - Thyroid antibodies - Thyroid antibodies such as thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin may be elevated.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism: - Heat intolerance- Weight loss- Rapid heart rate- Insomnia- Anxiety- Heart palpitations- Diarrhea

Conditions that cause hyperthyroidism: - Graves' disease- Toxic multinodular goiter- Thyroiditis- Certain tumors

Other questions answered in this video include:

Can hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism exist at the same time?

The answer is no, but it is possible to have medical conditions that cause both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism and which alter between the two conditions.

In addition, it is possible to have too much thyroid hormone in certain tissues while others may not have enough. This can result in symptoms such as heart palpitations while you still have cold intolerance and weight gain.

I'm Dr. Westin Childs and I focus on thyroid health, hormone balance, and weight loss. I write about thyroid disorders, weight loss, insulin resistance, estrogen/progesterone balance on my blog. I truly believe that hormone balance is the key to managing your weight, your mood and your quality of life which is why I'm so passionate about it.

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This video is not intended to be used as medical advice. If you have questions about your health please consult your physician or primary care provider. Dr. Westin Childs goes to great lengths to produce high-quality content but this is NOT a substitute for medical care.

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