HEALTH

What is the difference between the symptoms of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism?

The thyroid gland is a gland whose purpose is to produce thyroid hormones, which are essential for the body's proper functioning, especially with regard to metabolic functions.

Unfortunately, the thyroid gland can often function incorrectly and can give rise to a series of more or less annoying disorders, which initially cannot always be traced back to its malfunction.

One can suffer from hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism and each of these disorders can present quite different symptoms. Let's find out which ones.

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What is the thyroid gland and what it is used for
The thyroid gland is a gland whose purpose is to produce thyroid hormones, which are essential for the body's proper functioning, especially with regard to metabolic functions. Unfortunately, the thyroid gland can often function incorrectly and can give rise to a series of more or less annoying disorders, which initially cannot always be traced back to its malfunction. One can suffer from hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism and each of these disorders can present quite different symptoms. Let's find out which ones.
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What is hypothyroidism and what may be the causes
Those suffering from hypothyroidism have a thyroid gland that produces insufficient thyroid hormones. This means that the body's metabolic processes can be slowed down, and even if no symptoms are felt initially, action must be taken to avoid more serious consequences. In addition to congenital forms, hypothyroidism can occur due to iodine deficiency, thyroid removal and radioactive iodine therapy.
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Symptoms of hypothyroidism
Typical symptoms of hypothyroidism can be excessive tiredness and drowsiness, constipation, slow heart rate, weight gain, intolerance to cold, skin dryness and pallor, hoarse voice, hypercholesterolaemia, thin and brittle hair, swollen face and eyelids, depression, irregular menstrual cycle, memory loss and difficulty concentrating. In the case of congenital hypothyroidism, symptoms may include jaundice, constipation, swollen tongue, difficulty breathing, difficulty keeping the head erect and sitting.
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What is hyperthyroidism and what may be the causes
Hyperthyroidism is associated with an excessive circulation of thyroid hormones in the body, with all that this entails in terms of metabolism and heart function. Causes of hyperthyroidism can be thyroid nodules, thyroiditis, Basedow-Graves disease and taking certain medications such as amiodarone or interferon.
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Symptoms of hyperthyroidism
The most common symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism are increased appetite, sudden weight loss, anxiety, tremors, tachycardia, arrhythmia, irregular menstrual cycle, fatigue, sleep disturbances, heavy sweating, brittle hair, thinning skin, muscle weakness, fever and neck pain.
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