Hyperthyroidism vs. Hypothyroidism: Major Differences and Symptoms

Does Hypothyroidism or Hyperthyroidism Affect Fertility?

If you’ve been struggling with weight gain or loss, and feeling tired and cold all the time, you might currently be down the Google rabbit hole of Thyroidism.

Affecting nearly [42 million people in India], Thyroid disorders are some of the most common endocrine conditions worldwide. But like most conditions that affect women, the information published about it is either difficult to find or to digest.

That’s why we spent hours going through hundreds of detailed medical journals, papers and even spoke with doctors to give you the complete guide on hyper and hypo-thyroidism.

Follow along 👯

What are thyroid levels and why should I care about it?

The thyroid gland is a tiny butterfly shaped organ that’s located near your neck. And for such a small, dainty thing — it can unleash mayhem if it’s not functioning properly.

You see, our thyroid is responsible for regulating our body’s metabolism. And how your body converts food into energy can affect everything from your menstrual cycle, heart rate, body temperature and of course, fertility.

Depending on how hard your thyroid is working, it can lead to 2 conditions — Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism.

What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism?

When the thyroid gland becomes overactive and produces way too much of the thyroid hormones (like T3, T4, etc.), it can accelerate metabolism.

It’s like when the brain is signalling your thyroid gland to produce just the right amount of hormones, but the gland is being a rebel, and producing much more than required.

Making your 🧠  go “huh, why’s there so much of T3 and T4 around?”

Which is why the most common symptoms of hyperthyroidism are things like:

• Unexplained Weight Loss - Even if they’re eating normally, people with hyperthyroidism metabolise food extremely quickly, leading to rapid weight loss.

• Anxiety - An elevated heart rate, irritability, restlessness and sweating are all linked to hyperthyroidism, which can lead many to feel like they’re in a constant state of anxiety.

• Heat Intolerance - Remember how we said there’s an increase in metabolism? This in turn contributes to heat intolerance. This is because your body’s cells are taking up more oxygen and glucose to work, leading to this condition. This could mean excessive sweating and being unable to stand the heat 🥵

• Muscle Weakness and Tremors - Because everything inside their body is working so hard (and kind of even in a sped up manner), many experience muscle weakness or even fine tremors, in their hands.

• Insomnia - Many people experience difficulty sleeping because of an overactive mind or increased metabolic rate.

• Frequent Bowel Movements - Diarrhoea and other kinds of IBS can be linked to hyperthyroidism.

• Eye Changes (Graves' Disease) - In some cases, people also report issues with their eyes like bulging, double vision or irritation. This is known as Graves' disease.

What is hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is just the opposite! When the thyroid gland is under activated and doesn’t produce enough thyroid, it can slow down metabolism.

It’s like your brain goes 🧠” hey we need to produce some more thyroid hormones!!”, but the thyroid gland is on noise cancelling headphones 🎧

• Fatigue and Weakness - People with hypothyroidism just don’t have enough energy! So they often experience extreme fatigue, even after a good night’s sleep. A slowed down metabolism is to blame for this.

• Weight Gain - Unexplained weight gain or stubborn fat is common, even if you’re eating completely normally. This is most often due to extra accumulation of salt and water, rather than your eating habits.

• Cold Sensitivity - Sudden constant chills? Hyperthyroidism can lead to an intolerance of cold temperatures.

• Dry Skin and Hair - Dry, brittle skin and hair that is prone to breakage is common.

• Depression and Mood Swings - Hypothyroidism can affect your mood, often causing symptoms like depression, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.

• Memory Problems - Many people feel a ‘brain fog’ and have trouble remembering details. This is attributed to the fatigue it brings along, along with forgetfulness and difficulty focusing.

How does thyroid levels affect fertility?

Both conditions, be it a decrease or excess in hormone levels can have a negative (but manageable) impact on fertility. Hyperthyroidism, for example, can disrupt your natural menstrual cycle and ovulation, making it difficult to conceive. And Graves’ disease, which is linked with hyperthyroidism can weaken the immune system and the ovaries.

Hypothyroidism, on the other hand, can lead to anovulation (when the egg doesn’t get released) and when left untreated during pregnancy, it can complicate the health of the mother and baby.

Hence, abnormal hormones on either ends can affect your fertility.

How are abnormal thyroid levels treated?

Figuring out which type of thyroid you have and what it’s caused by is an important first step to treatment.

Opting for a simple fertility test and speaking to a doctor to discuss options can be the first step.

The fact is… many types of Thyroidism (especially Hypo) are [quite curable]. With a combination of medication, regular exercise, diet changes, etc., many of the symptoms can be regulated. And treating it before trying for kids can even decrease the risk of impacting your fertility. Let’s discuss what your options might look like:

• For Hyperthyroidism

  • Antithyroid medication like Methimazole or Propylthiouracil might be prescribed to reduce hormone production.

  • Radioactive Iodine therapy describes a literal radioactive drink made of iodine that can be used to destroy overactive thyroid cells. Post treatment, the free T4 and TSH levels are monitored to check its efficiency. Its also recommended in cases such as Graves disease.

  • A Thyroidectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove the thyroid gland (or parts of it).

  • And finally, beta-blockers might be prescribed to manage any heart-related symptoms. This is prescribed when there may be excess thyroid hormone remaining, as beta blockers prevent the conversion of T4 to T3.

    
    

• For Hypothyroidism

  • At an advanced stage, many doctors prescribe a synthetic thyroid hormone replacement, which can restore your daily levels.

  • But in many cases, lifestyle changes such as adopting a balanced diet, regular exercise and stress management can help restore normal thyroid function.

  • Tackling symptoms like depression and weight gain from the top-down with the right treatment plan or therapy, can also help regain normal function.

Start your fertility journey with Arva

If you’re starting your family-planning journey, it’s vital to get your thyroid function (and general fertility health) checked out. Having this information in hand only makes it easier for you to take informed decisions for your unique journey.

It can be difficult to deal with the additional diagnosis of thyroid, during your fertility journey. But having a supportive inner circle with the right care team of healthcare specialists (include us too👋🏻) can help make that journey easier.

We’re here with you every step of the way!

TL;DR:

• Thyroid disorders are some of the most common endocrine conditions.

• Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid gland becomes overactive and causes symptoms like weight loss, anxiety, muscle weakness, and frequent bowel movements.

• Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland is underactivated and causes symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, depression, and memory problems.

• Both conditions can disrupt fertility, with hyperthyroidism affecting ovulation and hypothyroidism causing anovulation.

• Available treatments for Hyperthyroidism include Medication, Radioactive Iodine Therapy, Surgery, and Beta-blockers.

• Available treatments for Hypothyroidism include Hormone replacements and lifestyle changes.