Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism Symptoms Guide

Though your thyroid gland is small, it has a significant impact on your health. The butterfly-shaped gland sits in the front of your neck and produces hormones that control your metabolism, energy levels, body temperature, heart rate, and more. If your thyroid is not functioning properly, it can lead to several health concerns, most commonly hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid). Hyperthyroidism impacts 2.5% of adults globally and can lead to serious complications like osteoporosis and heart disease. Overt hyperthyroidism affects approximately 0.2% to 1.4% of people worldwide. Approximately 200 million people globally were diagnosed with thyroid disease in 2018. 
 
Cellmaflex makes it easier to schedule appointments and improve your health by allowing you to book appointments online without calling, access your medical records from anywhere, and find doctors, labs, pharmacies, or imaging close to you.  
 
In this blog, we will explore what the thyroid is and how it works, the difference between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, common hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism symptoms, how both conditions are diagnosed and treated, when to see a doctor, lifestyle tips and how Cellmaflex supports your journey 

What Is the Thyroid and What Does It Do? 

The thyroid is a part of your endocrine system, positioned at the base of your neck. It produces two main hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), which regulate your body’s metabolic rate. These hormones are controlled by thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which is secreted by the pituitary gland in the brain. 

People often associate thyroid issues only with visible swelling or thyroid goitre. While a goitre (an enlarged thyroid) is an abnormality of the gland, it doesn’t always mean someone has hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. In fact, many with thyroid disease have no discernible enlargement. 

Thyroid hormones affect nearly every body – system, including: 

• Cardiovascular health and heart rate 

• Weight and metabolism 

• Mood and brain function 

• Digestive processes 

• Skin and hair 
   

Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) 

Hypothyroidism happens when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones, which slows down body functions. 

Causes 

• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (an autoimmune condition) 

• Iodine deficiency (though rare in developed countries) 

• Post-thyroid surgery or radiation 

• Certain medications 
   

Symptoms of hypothyroidism  

• Fatigue and sluggishness 

• Weight gain 

• Cold intolerance 

• Dry skin and hair 

• Depression 

• Menstrual irregularities 

• Slow heart rate 
   

Risk Factors 

• More common in women, especially over 60 

• Family history of thyroid disease 

• Autoimmune conditions like type 1 diabetes 
   

Diagnosis 
Blood tests measure TSH and T4 levels. In hypothyroidism, TSH is high, and T4 is low. 

Treatment 
The standard treatment is levothyroxine, a synthetic thyroid hormone. Consistent blood work is an important part of monitoring your dosage. 
 

Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) 

Hyperthyroidism is the name given to when the thyroid produces excessive hormones that are and speeding up the way your body works. Being aware of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism is crucial, as symptoms can be missed or mistaken for stress or aging. 

Causes 

• Graves’ disease (an autoimmune condition) 

• Thyroid nodules that produce extra hormones 

• Thyroiditis (inflammation of the gland) 
   

Hyperthyroidism Symptoms 

• Weight loss despite normal or increased appetite 

• Rapid or irregular heartbeat 

• Nervousness or irritability 

• Sweating and heat intolerance 

• Tremors (especially in hands) 

• Sleep disturbances 

• Frequent bowel movements 

• Menstrual irregularities 

• Eye problems (especially with Graves’ disease) 
  
  

The presence of hyperthyroidism symptoms can vary depending on age and the underlying cause, but they often lead to a significantly lower quality of life if left untreated. 

Risk Factors 

• More common in women aged 20–40 

• Family history of autoimmune thyroid disease 

• Smoking (increases risk for Graves’ ophthalmopathy) 
  
  

Diagnosis 

Testing includes: 

• Low TSH, high T3 and T4 

• Thyroid scan to detect nodules or inflammation 

• Antibody tests for Graves’ disease 
  
  

Treatment 

• Antithyroid medications  

• Radioactive iodine therapy to shrink the gland 

• Surgery in complex cases 
   

Cellmaflex gives you access to local endocrinologists and specialists, and you can book instant appointments online, without any phone calls. 

Comparing Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism 

Untreated, both conditions pose serious health risks. Hypothyroidism can lead to heart disease, while hyperthyroidism can cause cardiac arrhythmias or osteoporosis. 

That’s why getting the right diagnosis is vital, and not self-diagnosing based on internet symptoms.  

When to See a Doctor 
You should have your thyroid checked if you experience: 

• Unexplained weight changes 

• Mood swings, fatigue, or palpitations 

• Neck swelling or discomfort 

• Changes to skin, hair, or menstrual cycles 
  
  

Regular blood tests enable health care professionals to find thyroid issues before they worsen. Plus, once registered on Cellmaflex, you can book labs or scans easily.  

Living with Thyroid Disease 
If you have either condition, living with a thyroid disease requires continuous attention, but it’s manageable with: 

Medication Adherence 
When on thyroid medication, it’s critical to take medication consistently every day. Missing pills can make treatment less effective. 

Lifestyle Tips 

• Eating a well-balanced diet that contains selenium, iodine (in moderation), and zinc 

• Exercising on a regular basis to manage weight, and mood 

• Consider stress management, especially with autoimmune thyroid diseases. 

• Use caution with medicines/treatments like soy and cruciferous vegetables–these should be avoided if your doctor has advised you to restrict them. 
  
  

Cellmaflex will manage your prescriptions, follow up visits, and you can access your care team from any device to ensure that you are never missing information. 
Your thyroid is a tiny gland, with a lot of responsibility, so whether you have hyperthyroidism symptoms, or think you have an underactive thyroid, the sooner you catch it, the faster you can recover. 

Be proactive, stay connected, and let Cellmaflex help support your care, Are you ready to take control of your thyroid health?