Difference Between High & Low Thyroid

The thyroid is a gland in the front of the throat that produces hormones that work with your hypothalamus and pituitary gland. A thyroid imbalance can cause changes in weight, body temperature, mood, heart rate, hunger, thirst and hair thickness.

Function

• Your thyroid produces a hormone called thyroxine, or T4, which is linked to thyroid stimulating hormone, or TSH, that is released by your pituitary gland. Most of the T4 is converted to triiodothyronine, or T3. Both T4 and T3 attach to proteins and regulate a number of your body's functions, including metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, mood and hair growth.

Hypothyroidism

• Hypothyroidism, or low thyroid, is when your thyroid does not produce enough TSH, T4 and/or T3. Symptoms of hypothyroidism are fatigue, weight gain, muscle cramps, depression, hair loss and dry skin.

Hyperthyroidism

• Hyperthyroidism, or high thyroid, is when your thyroid produces too much thyroid hormone. General symptoms include weight loss, rapid heart rate, shakiness, increased thirst and increased sweating. You may also experience hair loss, high blood pressure and eye irritation.

Risk Factors

• One in eight women in the United States will develop a thyroid disorder. Women older than 40 should have their thyroid tested. A family history of thyroid disease also makes a person more susceptible to thyroid disorders.

Treatments

• The treatment for hypothyroidism is thyroid hormone replacement. Your doctor usually will prescribe medication that replaces the hormone you lack. Common medications for hypothyroidism are levothyroxine, liothyronine and Thyrolar. Hyperthyroidism can be treated with radioactive-iodine treatment or anti-thyroid drugs. Two common medications for hyperthyroidism are Propylthiouracil and methimazole.

Famous Ties

• Boris Yeltsin and Napoleon Bonaparte were afflicted with hypothyroidism.