Hyperthyroidism vs. Hypothyroidism - Know its difference & homeopathy treatment
Were you recently diagnosed with thyroid disease? If so, you’re likely aware if your body’s thyroid gland is underactive or overactive. Keep reading to understand this better.
What is hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism or an overactive thyroid is the condition wherein the thyroid gland functions excessively. It produces too much of thyroid hormone. This causes an overall increase in basal metabolic rate (BMR).
What is hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid is the condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. This slows your metabolism, which can lead to weight gain. It is observed that as women cross the age of 50 years, they are more likely to suffer from hypothyroidism. (Source: NCBI)
Signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism
- Weight loss regardless of increased appetite
- Increased heart rate
- Excessive sweating
- Tremors
- Intolerance of heat
- The weakness of muscles, especially in thighs and upper arms
- Frequent bowel movements
- Skin thinning
- Difficulty sleeping
- Hair turns brittle and thin
Signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism
- Weight gain
- Decreased heart rate
- Intolerance to cold
- Sense of tiredness and weakness
- Fatigue
- Constipation
- Swelling on the face and other parts of the body
- Excessive sleepiness
- Hair loss
- Pain, stiffness or swelling in the joints
- Reduced or impaired memory
- Heavier than normal or irregular menstrual periods
- Low mood
- Raised blood cholesterol level
- Raised blood pressure
Causes of hyperthyroidism
- Antibodies produced by the immune system stimulate the thyroid gland to produce an excess of T4 hormone. This is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder. This is the common cause of hyperthyroidism and is likely to be genetic in nature.
- Thyroiditis or swelling and inflammation of the thyroid gland lead to a lot of thyroid hormone being stored inside the thyroid gland. Eventually, it leak into the bloodstream.
Causes of hypothyroidism
The causes of hypothyroidism could be:
- Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition where the antibodies destroy parts of the thyroid gland.
- Congenital i.e. defective thyroid gland from birth.
- Surgery wherein a significant portion of the thyroid gland is removed.
- Medicines (e.g. lithium used in treatment of certain psychiatric disorders).
Complications of hyperthyroidism
- Disorders of the heart rhythm like atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure.
- Weak and brittle bones because of reduced calcium absorption.
- Eye problems such as bulging eye balls, double vision (diplopia), redness of eyes and vision loss (blindness).
Complications of hypothyroidism
- Goiter: The thyroid gland enlarges due to hypothyroidism and shows up as a noteworthy swelling along the midline of the neck.
- Cretinism: The lack of thyroid hormone in children leads to stunted growth and poor brain development.
- Enlargement of heart and heart failure.
- Infertility due to impairment in ovulation.
Read More: Are thyroid and obesity related?
Homeopathic treatment for thyroid problems
Every individual is unique and therefore presents with unique characteristics even for the same disease. The homeopathic doctor assesses each case in detail and addresses the root causes that gave rise to thyroid disease. Then the right homeopathic medicine is given accordingly. Homeopathy relieves the discomfort caused due to thyroid disease in a gentle manner and without any side-effects. In fact, in the long term, homeopathy can also help improve immunity.
Why Dr Batra’s®?
If thyroid diseases run in your family and you’re worried that it might affect you as well, we can predict it years before it actually occurs with Geno Homeopathy. It is carried out through a simple saliva test that helps us predict the probability of getting thyroid diseases. It reduces your chances of getting thyroid problems through preventive medicine, lifestyle changes, and an appropriate thyroid diet.
Book an online appointment with our homeopathic specialists to treat your thyroid problems effectively.
