Which is more serious over or underactive thyroid?

The difference between an underactive and an overactive thyroid is: An underactive thyroid can be easily treated with hormone replacement (thyroxine) with no side effects. An overactive thyroid is a potentially fatal health condition if left undiagnosed and untreated.

Which is worse underactive or overactive thyroid?

Neither is worse than the other. Both can lead to death in the most severe cases. However, hypothyroidism is 5 times more common than hyperthyroidism. In severe cases, hypothyroidism can lead to heart disease and myxedema coma, both of which can lead to death.

What is the life expectancy of someone with an underactive thyroid?

With treatment, life expectancy with hypothyroidism should be relatively normal. Hypothyroidism is usually treated with medications containing synthetic versions of the thyroid hormone, such as Levothyroxine tablets.

Is underactive thyroid a terminal illness?

However, with proper treatment, you should be able to lead a normal, healthy life. If an underactive thyroid isn't treated, it can lead to complications, including heart disease, goitre, pregnancy problems and a life-threatening condition called myxoedema coma (although this is very rare).

Is overactive thyroid life-threatening?

In rare cases, an undiagnosed or poorly controlled overactive thyroid can lead to a serious, life-threatening condition called a thyroid storm. This is a sudden flare-up of symptoms that can be triggered by: an infection.

Hypothyroidism | Under-Active Thyroid | What All Patients Need to Know

What damage can an overactive thyroid do?

If hyperthyroidism isn't treated, it can cause some serious health problems, including: An irregular heartbeat that can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure, and other heart problems. An eye disease called Graves' ophthalmopathy. It can cause double vision, light sensitivity, and eye pain.

Can an overactive thyroid damage your heart?

Hyperthyroidism affects cardiovascular hemodynamics and leads to high-output heart failure and, in late stages, dilated cardiomyopathy. Early and effective treatment of hyperthyroidism can prevent congestive heart failure.

What organs does an underactive thyroid affect?

Hypothyroidism can affect the heart and circulatory system in several ways. Lower production of thyroid hormone slows your heart rate. Hypothyroidism also makes the arteries less elastic, and blood pressure rises in order to circulate blood around the body.

How does underactive thyroid make you feel?

Symptoms of an underactive thyroid

tiredness. being sensitive to cold. weight gain. constipation.

What foods to avoid if you have an underactive thyroid?

So if you do, it's a good idea to limit your intake of Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, turnips, and bok choy, because research suggests digesting these vegetables may block the thyroid's ability to utilize iodine, which is essential for normal thyroid function.

Does underactive thyroid get worse with age?

The endocrine organs, including the thyroid gland, undergo important functional changes during aging. It is known that the prevalence of thyroid disorders increases with age. Importantly, subclinical disturbances of thyroid function are more frequent than overt diseases in the elderly.

How can I boost my underactive thyroid naturally?

Does hypothyroidism make you look older?

If your thyroid gland is under active, this usually causes your skin to become dry. Fine lines and wrinkles appear earlier and are more noticeable. It is well known that an under active thyroid gland will age you more rapidly.

Can you go from underactive to overactive thyroid?

Graves' disease (GD) is an autoimmune thyroid disease usually associated with hyperthyroidism. There have been cases of patients switching from hyperthyroidism to hypothyroidism, and even rarer patients flipping from hypothyroidism to hyperthyroidism.

Can an underactive thyroid switch to overactive?

Sometimes, if you have an underactive thyroid that becomes overactive, the cause is too much thyroid hormone replacement therapy. While it's rare for someone with an underactive thyroid to develop spontaneous hyperthyroidism without excess thyroid hormone medication, it is possible.

What does a thyroid storm feel like?

Common signs and symptoms of thyroid storm include: Having a high fever — a temperature between 104 degrees to 106 degrees Fahrenheit is common. Having a rapid heart rate (tachycardia) that can exceed 140 beats per minute. Feeling agitated, irritable and/or anxious.

What is the downside to taking levothyroxine?

Common side effects of levothyroxine include heat intolerance, a fast heart rate, and diarrhea. More serious levothyroxine side effects are also possible. If you experience side effects like tremors or mood changes, talk to your healthcare provider as soon as you can.

How tired does an underactive thyroid make you?

Individuals with subclinical hypothyroidism may experience mild fatigue. Those with overt hypothyroidism often experience ongoing fatigue and other symptoms. The most common cause of hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's disease is an autoimmune condition in which thyroid antibodies attack the thyroid gland.

How do I know if my underactive thyroid is getting worse?

General joint and muscle pains are common when hypothyroidism is not sufficiently treated, and your dosage of thyroid hormone needs to be increased. Joint and muscle weakness and pain, especially in the arms and legs, can be evidence that you need an increased dose of antithyroid drugs for your hyperthyroidism.

Does underactive thyroid affect your bowels?

Digestive symptoms of an underactive thyroid can include dyspepsia (chest pain), low stomach acid, poor absorption, constipation, gallstones, anemia and bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine. The thyroid gland can have a significant impact on the gastrointestinal system.

What makes hypothyroidism worse?

Not enough iodine.

Too little iodine can lead to hypothyroidism. Too much iodine can make hypothyroidism worse in people who already have the condition. In some parts of the world, it's common for people not to get enough iodine in their diets.

What are 4 major causes of hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism means that the thyroid gland can't make enough thyroid hormone to keep the body running normally. People are hypothyroid if they have too little thyroid hormone in the blood. Common causes are autoimmune disease, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, surgical removal of the thyroid, and radiation treatment.

Can levothyroxine damage your heart?

This is especially true in patients with heart failure. While levothyroxine replacement may improve heart failure, it is possible that in this group it could have harmful effects, especially if the levothyroxine dose is too high.

Can stress damage your thyroid?

Stress may exacerbate an underlying thyroid condition. For example, say hypothyroidism runs in your family. Under stress, your body releases the hormone cortisol. Too much cortisol can interfere with thyroid hormone production: It can stimulate the thyroid to work harder to create sufficient amounts of thyroid hormone.

Does thyroid affect blood pressure?

When the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism) or produces too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism), high blood pressure can result.