The most notable differences between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism
The thyroid gland produces the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) from iodine.
An imbalance in the production of these hormones leads to serious health problems.
Some of its most important characteristics can be summarized in the following aspects:
- They exert their actions on different tissues, where their dysfunction develops specific symptoms.
- Normal thyroid activity with production of thyroid hormones at normal concentrations is called euthyroidism.
- Decreased activity with a decrease in the concentration of thyroid hormones is called hypothyroidism.
- An increase in thyroid activity, with an increase in hormone concentrations, from any cause, is called thyrotoxicosis. If it is due to an increase in thyroid function, it is called hyperthyroidism.
- Thyroid disease is more prevalent in women and its most frequent cause is autoimmune.
- The main cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto's disease.
- Graves' disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism.
- The manifestations of hypothyroidism are a consequence of decreased metabolism, energy expenditure, activity of the autonomic nervous system, or a slowing of the biological response of cells.
- In hyperthyroidism there is an increase in metabolism, growth, differentiation, development, and energy expenditure; it is a wasting disease, poorly tolerated over time, which must be resolved as soon as possible.
- In inflammatory diseases (thyroiditis), they lead to permanent or temporary hypothyroidism. During their initial course, episodes of dysthyroidism may be observed, characterized by a state of self-limiting thyrotoxicosis followed by progressive hypothyroidism. In subacute forms, complete recovery of function is observed.
- The treatment for hypothyroidism is thyroid hormone replacement.
- Hyperthyroidism can be treated with medication, radioactive iodine, or surgery.
Dr. Lucia M. Gonçalves Jardim
Internal Medicine Physician.
Specialist in Endocrinology and Metabolism
Email: luciamgoncalvesj@gmail.com
Telephone: +351 939 056 458