Causes and Diagnostic Tests of Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a result of the thyroid gland producing excessive amounts of thyroid hormone (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, n.d.), while hypothyroidism results from the thyroid gland’s failure to make enough thyroid hormone to sustain the body (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2021).
Causes
| Hyperthyroidism
· Excessive amounts of iodine · Large amounts of thyroid hormone medicine · Pituitary gland tumor · Grave’s disease |
Hypothyroidism
· Autoimmune disease(s) · Surgical removal of the thyroid, · Radiation treatment. · Hashimoto’s disease |
Diagnostic Tests
Hyperthyroidism
Blood tests
Hyperthyroidism is confirmed by elevated levels of the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) and extremely low levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone.
Radioactive iodine uptake test
For this test, one swallows up a considerable amount of radioactive iodine in the form of a capsule or liquid. An increased uptake may indicate hyperthyroidism.
Hypothyroidism
Blood tests
A blood sample is collected to measure the amount of thyroid hormone, better-termed thyroxine. However, as Chabner (n.d.) notes, the primary purpose of these blood tests is to measure the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Notably, a low thyroxine level and an elevated TSH level confirm hypothyroidism because pituitary glands overproduce TSH to stimulate the thyroid hormone production by the thyroid gland.
Radioactive iodine uptake test
A decreased uptake of the radioactive iodine may indicate hypothyroidism
Signs and Symptoms of the Disorder
| Hyperthyroidism | Hypothyroidism |
| · Unexpected weight loss
· Fatigue · An increase in sensitivity to heat and cold · Frequent bowel movements · Thinning of the hair |
· Uncontrolled weight accumulation
· Fatigue · Depression · Problems with bowel movement · Irregular menstrual cycle |