The Difference Between an Underactive & Overactive Thyroid

Thyroid health is a major concern for many Americans, including celebrities in our community like Missy Elliott, Monique, and Wendy Williams. In a feature From the UCLA School of Medicine, Dr. Stephanie Smoak-Brow described the thyroid as “a small, butterfly-shaped organ located at the base of the neck.” The thyroid is a small endocrine gland located below the larynx, also known as the voice box. Although the gland may be physically small, it affects multiple organ systems in major ways. You may not know much about thyroid disease until the symptoms directly affect you or members of your family. Here is some information that can help. Read on to understand more about your thyroid and how to spot symptoms of an underactive and overactive thyroid.
Thyroid disease affects women more than men
American Thyroid Association Reports indicate that “more than 12 percent of the U.S. population will develop a condition of thyroid disease during their lifetime” and “up to 60 percent of people with thyroid disease are not aware of their condition.” The risk of thyroid complications is higher in women. 2021 article in Journal of the American Medical Association He stated that “thyroid dysfunction is more common in women than in men.” This dysfunction can be complicated by inadvertent masking of symptoms because, as the same article noted, “for women, profound physiological changes associated with different life stages influence the timing of thyroid disease onset.”
Our community faces a unique set of challenges
Interventions that treat poor thyroid health can range from oral prescription medications to surgical procedures. Hormone replacement therapies It's an option in some cases too. Black people face unique challenges in maintaining proper thyroid health.
“Disparities persist in the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid disease, which affects an estimated 20 million Americans, with patients from racial and ethnic minorities having worse outcomes for both malignant and benign thyroid disease,” according to the report. Office of Women's Health At the office of the US Department of Health and Human Services.
Study published in Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism It stated that “the incidence of thyroid cancer has been increasing rapidly over the past 30 years,” and that “black patients were on average older at the time of diagnosis and had higher degrees of comorbidity.”
Overactive versus underactive thyroid conditions (and their symptoms)
The thyroid gland can be both overactive and underactive. Both can negatively impact an individual's health, often due to the presence of autoimmune diseases such as Graves' disease and Hashimoto's disease. Thyroid problems can also complicate family planning.
Hyperthyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland is overactive. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases He defines it as a condition “when your thyroid gland produces more thyroid hormones than your body needs.”
Hyperthyroidism can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms overlap with other conditions. This can contribute to potentially fatal delays in treatment and worsen outcomes. “A diagnosis of hyperthyroidism cannot be based on symptoms alone, because many of its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. For this reason, your doctor may use several Thyroid blood tests and imaging tests “To confirm the diagnosis and find out its cause.” National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. According to Lancet“Common symptoms reported are palpitations, fatigue, tremors, anxiety, disturbed sleep, weight loss, heat intolerance, sweating, and thirst.” It can also lead to diarrhea.
Sweating, heat intolerance, and symptoms of menopause or perimenopause can be confused in some cases, wasting valuable time that could be used to treat thyroid problems when misdiagnosed.
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland cannot function at the level the body needs. Office of Women's Health Symptoms of hypothyroidism are reported to include cold intolerance, constipation, loss of muscle function, depression, fatigue, dry skin, abnormal heart rate, decreased vocal ability, and heavy menstrual bleeding. It is equally difficult to diagnose.
If you suspect that you may have thyroid problems. Give your doctor an idea about some of the symptoms you're experiencing:
- Symptoms: temperature sensitivity
If your new satin shirt is wet while everyone around you is dry, it could be a sign that you have hyperthyroidism. Excessive sweating and sensitivity to heat are common symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism. Shivering while everyone is enjoying a cool breeze may indicate hypothyroidism, as a thyroid problem can be accompanied by extreme sensitivity to cold.
Heart palpitations can be a symptom of hyperthyroidism. A very slow heart rate may indicate that your thyroid is underperforming. If you suspect symptoms, you can monitor your heart rate yourself and provide evidence to your doctor, but in the end, it will be the best way to ascertain the health of your heart and whether it intersects with any thyroid challenge.
- Symptoms: Impact on your mental health
Overactive and underactive thyroid can affect a person's mental and emotional health.
A constant, sleepless state similar to generalized anxiety could be a sign that your thyroid is in overdrive. A deep fog of depression that you can't get out of can prove that your thyroid is underperforming and compromise your hormonal health. Each of these invisible symptoms is dangerous. Communicate honestly with your healthcare provider and loved ones about how you're feeling so you can get the help you need and deserve.