Which thyroid condition is more severe: hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism? Neither hyperthyroidism nor hypothyroidism is worse than the other, however, hypothyroidism is 5 times more common than hyperthyroidism.
In Hashimoto's disease, immune-system cells lead to the death of the thyroid's hormone-producing cells. The disease usually results in a decline in hormone production (hypothyroidism).
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.
Myxedema crisis (also called myxedema coma), the most severe form of hypothyroidism, is rare. It occurs when thyroid hormone levels get very, very low.
While both produce many clinical symptoms and side effects, Graves' disease is more dangerous clinically and requires surgery in a larger percentage of patients with the disorder. Medical management of Graves' and Hashimoto's is paramount, and in some cases, all that is needed.
Emotional or physical stress. Stressful life events or illness may act as a trigger for the onset of Graves' disease among people who have genes that increase their risk. Pregnancy. Pregnancy or recent childbirth may increase the risk of the disorder, particularly among women who have genes that increase their risk.
If Hashimoto's is left untreated, complications can be life-threatening. Because the hormones produced by the thyroid are so vital to the body's functions, untreated Hashimoto's can lead to serious and even life-threatening complications.
Stage 3: Subclinical Hypothyroidism
In this stage, TSH levels may be slightly elevated on blood tests (3-10 mU/L), and the levels of free T3 and free T4 are going to be normal. The person's thyroid antibodies may be even higher than in stage 2, as increases in TSH can increase the inflammation of the thyroid gland.
Levels from 4.5 to 10 mU/L indicate mildly underactive thyroid (subclinical hypothyroidism). Levels greater than 10 mU/L indicate overt hypothyroidism, which should be treated with medication.
With thyroid fatigue, you may feel like you can't get through a day without a nap. You may sleep more than usual but still feel completely exhausted. You may not even have the energy to exercise. At times, you may fall asleep during the day or very quickly at night.
Sensitive Skin and Skin Discoloration
Thyroid hormones also influence the quality of your skin in various ways. For example, with hyperthyroidism, you may notice itchy and dry patches of skin. Your face may feel softer and swollen. You may even notice swelling around your fingertips.
Many doctors insist hypothyroidism is incurable and that patients must manage the condition for their entire lives with medications like levothyroxine.
Thyroid storm (thyrotoxic crisis): Thyroid storm is a rare and life-threatening condition that happens when your thyroid suddenly produces and releases large amounts of thyroid hormone. It's usually caused by a sudden event or illness such as surgery or an infection.
Does Hypothyroidism Affect Life Expectancy? With proper treatment, a person with hypothyroidism usually has a normal life expectancy, with little or no decrease in quality of life. 1 Hypothyroidism generally carries a greater life expectancy than hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).
Myxedema. Myxedema is the medical term for extreme hypothyroidism—when the disorder has progressed for a long time with no treatment. Myxedema is very rare because it's highly unlikely that you wouldn't recognize the symptoms and seek treatment. This form of hypothyroidism is life threatening.
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. The addition of iodine to table salt has almost eliminated this problem in the United States.
People who have hypothyroidism and develop fever, changes in behavior or mental status, slowness of breath, or increased swelling of the hands and feet should be taken to an emergency department.
This condition is called hypothyroidism. That means your body won't burn calories as quickly as it should. Slowly, over time, your underactive thyroid will lead to weight gain — anywhere from 10 to 30 pounds or more.
Stage 4 thyroid cancer
Stage 4B: The primary tumor has grown into the spine or into nearby large blood vessels. In this thyroid cancer stage, the disease may or may not have spread to lymph nodes, but has not reached distant sites. Stage 4C: The thyroid cancer cells have metastasized, or spread to distant sites.
A swollen fingertip, curved nail, and thickening skin above a nail are often signs of thyroid disease.
Overt hypothyroidism or full-blown disease
The end-stage of Hashimoto's is when your thyroid has become so damaged that you no longer have enough thyroid hormones and have to go on medication.
Symptoms of a Hashimoto's Flare-Up
Constipation. Dry skin. Puffy face. Muscle aches.
It is caused by a reaction of the immune system against the thyroid gland. The disease begins slowly. It may take months or even years for the condition to be detected and for thyroid hormone levels to become lower than normal. Hashimoto disease is most common in people with a family history of thyroid disease.