Hyperthyroidism occurs when your thyroid produces and releases more hormones than your body requires. It’s also referred to as overactive thyroid. The primary hormones produced by the thyroid are triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Hyperthyroidism may affect the whole body and is a medical disorder that requires treatment.
The thyroid gland is a tiny, butterfly-shaped organ found in the front of the neck. It synthesizes tetraiodothyronine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), two necessary hormones that regulate how your cells utilize energy. Through the secretion of these chemicals, the thyroid gland controls your metabolism.
Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces abnormally high levels of T4, T3, or both. Diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause of hyperthyroidism may alleviate symptoms and avoid consequences.
On the other hand, Hypothyroidism is a disorder in which the thyroid does not produce or release enough hormones. It slows down your metabolism. Also known as underactive thyroid, this disease causes fatigue, weight gain, and an inability to tolerate cold conditions. Hormone replacement therapy is the primary treatment for hypothyroidism.
It’s a curable illness in general. It’s treatable with consistent treatment and follow-up visits with your healthcare professional.
What’s the difference between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism?
If we talk about hyperthyroidism vs hypothyroidism, the difference is in terms of quantity. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid produces very little thyroid hormone. On the other hand, someone with hyperthyroidism has a thyroid gland that produces excessive amounts of this hormone. Hyperthyroidism is characterized by increased thyroid hormone levels, which cause your metabolism to speed up. Your metabolism slows down if you have hypothyroidism.
Numerous things are diametrically opposed in these two states. If you suffer from hypothyroidism, you may have difficulty coping with the cold. If you have hyperthyroidism, you may have difficulty coping with the heat. They are the polar opposites of thyroid function. You should ideally be in the center. Both of these diseases need treatment to get your thyroid function as near to normal as feasible.
Hyperthyroidism’s Effects on the Athlete
1. Athletes with hyperthyroidism have a higher basal metabolic rate as a result of heightened thyroid hormone levels. As a consequence of higher oxygen use and heat generation, these athletes are more susceptible to heat-related disease.
2. Although uncommon, this similar mechanism may culminate in rhabdomyolysis due to depleted muscular energy storage.
3. Changes in heart rate, particularly arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter, are another cause for worry for players.
Hypothyroidism’s Effects on the Athlete
1. Muscular breakdown: Hypothyroidism may result in muscle breakdown, resulting in cramping or weakness. When an athlete has thyroid illness, they may have muscular weakness and soreness. Hypothyroid myopathy often manifests as muscular weakness in the mid-body, most commonly the shoulders and thighs.
2. Fatigue and lack of energy: Untreated or undertreated hypothyroidism may lead to a lack of energy, and if you’re more fatigued, your capacity to work out as an athlete will be significantly reduced.
How is hyperthyroidism managed and treated?
There are many treatment options for hyperthyroidism, including the following:
1. Antithyroid medications methimazole (Tapazole) or propylthiouracil (PTU): These medications inhibit the thyroid’s capacity to produce hormones. They provide fast thyroid regulation.
2. Radioactive iodine: Radioactive iodine is a drug that is taken orally and absorbed by your hyperactive thyroid cells. Over a few weeks, the radioactive iodine destroys these cells, causing your thyroid to atrophy and thyroid hormone levels to fall. It typically results in irreversible thyroid destruction, which cures hyperthyroidism.
3. Beta-blockers: These medications work by interfering with the activity of thyroid hormones in the body. They do not affect the number of hormones in your blood, but they may help regulate hyperthyroidism-related symptoms such as fast heartbeat, anxiety, and shakiness. This medicine is not used alone and is often used in conjunction with another option for long-term hyperthyroidism management.
How is hypothyroidism managed and treated?
Hypothyroidism is often treated by supplementing the hormone that your thyroid no longer produces. It’s often accomplished with the use of medicine. Levothyroxine is a frequently prescribed medicine. This drug, when taken orally, increases the quantity of thyroid hormone produced by your body, therefore balancing your levels. Hypothyroidism is a treatable condition. However, you will need to take medicine to maintain a normal level of hormones in your body for the remainder of your life. You may live a normal and healthy life with correct management and follow-up consultations with your healthcare professional to ensure your therapy is functioning properly.
