Q. What is the difference between hyperthyroidism, thyrotoxicosis, and hypothyroidism

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Hyperthyroidism, thyrotoxicosis and hypothyroidism are three conditions related to the thyroid, but with distinct characteristics.

Hyperthyroidism is a condition that occurs when the body produces too much of the hormone thyroxine (T4). It can be caused by Graves' disease, an autoimmune disorder, or by over-consumption of supplemental hormones. Symptoms may include weight loss despite normal eating habits, irregular heartbeat, sleeping troubles and excessive perspiration. Furthermore, left untreated hyperthyroidism can cause heat intolerance and even heart failure.

Thyrotoxicosis is a condition in which there are elevated levels of free T4 or triiodothyronine (T3) in the body due to either thyroid gland secretions or due to external sources such as medications or dietary supplements. The symptoms of thyrotoxicosis are similar to those seen in hyperthyroidism but they tend to be more severe because higher amounts of hormone circulate around the body for longer periods of time before being eliminated.

Hypothyroidism is just opposite; it occurs when thyroid production is insufficient compared with demand resulting in decreased levels of T3 and T4 circulating through your blood stream leading to goiter enlargement as well as fatigue and muscle weakness among other symptoms such as dry skin & hair loss . Hypothyroidism can be caused by various issues such as iodine deficiency , autoimmune attack from Hashimoto's Thyroditis , taking too many medications that water down thyroid function etc .  In some cases hypothyroid replacement therapies like levothyroxine help restore normal hormone balance in time .

All three conditions need medical supervision since if left uncontrolled these disorders might cause repetitive health issues due high/low amount produced hormones disturbing basic biological processes hence why it's important for people who have been experiencing any aforementioned signs /symptoms should get screened medically so appropriate treatments can be prescribed according their needs .

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