Hypothyroidism vs Hypertheriodism - Essay Example

Hypothyroidism vs hyperthyroidism due: The symptoms of hypothyroidism are different in various individuals. The signs include feeling chilly, loss of appetite, adding weight, fatigue, slow pulse and depression. In addition, other symptoms are enlarged thyroid gland, heavy menstrual periods, dry skin and brittle fingernails (White, Garber & Harvard Medical School, 2010). Others include loss of hair, joint pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and high cholesterol. According to White et al. (2010), some symptoms are common in the elderly that comprise of heart failure and dementia.

The old people also suffer from psychosis, bowel movement changes, high cholesterol and muscular pain (p.16). On the other hand, the symptoms of hyperthyroidism include palpitations, nervousness, goiter, tachycardia, increased sweating, and hypersensitivity to heat. Other signs are weight loss, weakness, increased appetite, and bowel motion. The eye symptoms related to hyperthyroidism include a moderate level of conjunctival injection, lid lag, staring and lid retraction (Parangi & Phitayakorn, 2011).

To test for Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism, a TSH and FT4 blood tests are carried out. In this procedure, a radioimmunoassay test is conducted to measure the serum TSH levels. The tests results are the ones used to differentiate between the two disorders. In the case where the TSH level is above 4.5 mU/L and FT4, result is below nine ρmol/L then illness is diagnosed as hypothyroidism. On the other hand, if the FT4 is above 25 ρmol/L and the TSH level is below 0.4 mU/L then the patient suffers from hyperthyroidism (Higgins, 2012).

In conclusion, both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are illnesses that affect the thyroid gland. Regular use of drugs that contain high iodine levels causes hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism in individuals with a condition like autoimmune illness (White, Garber, & Harvard Medical School, 2010).ReferencesHiggins, C. (2012). Understanding Laboratory Investigations: A Guide for Nurses, Midwives and Health Professionals. Chicester: Wiley.Parangi, S., & Phitayakorn, R. (2011). Thyroid disease. Santa Barbara, Calif: Greenwood.White, S. S.

, Garber, J. R., & Harvard Medical School. (2010). Thyroid disease: Understanding hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Boston, MA: Harvard Health Publications.