Question

[Florah]

What is worse hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism e.g affect on your body & symptoms?

Thanks

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

I don't think there are many here who would look at it quite like that.

For a start, severity and duration are critical factors.

In hyperthyroidism, treatment all too often results in hypothyroidism. Both short-term medicines and so-called definitive treatments (radio-active iodine ablation or thyroidectomy) tend to do that. Thus I think most end up hypothyroid and needing to take thyroid hormone(s).

In hypothyroidism, at least some who have Hashimoto's, suffer from periods of hyperthyroidism, which can make achieving stability very difficult.

Both can have huge impacts on bodies. And, near the mid-point, whichever they started with, when treatment has managed to achieve reasonable FT4 and FT3 levels, many find it next to impossible to be sure if they are slightly over- or under-dosed. And the very process of taking a tablet once or even multiple times a day means we expect to be a bit low in thyroid hormones at some times, a bit high at others.

One of the biggest issues we see is those who suffer Graves Ophthalmopathy/Thyroid Eye Disease. That throws in a whole extra set of symptoms and concerns. While we most often hear about it in conjunction with Graves disease (hyperthyroidism), it can also occur in hypothyroidism and even when there is no sign of any thyroid disease.

In the end, I say that I cannot judge which is worse for any person. We are all different and our personal journeys make a massive difference to our perception. For many, possibly almost all, the impact outside our bodies is of huge importance. For example, on education, on career, on family and friends, on leisure enjoyment, and on and on.

[Lalatoot]

The answer depends on how controlled the hyper and hypo are. I have been housebound and very ill when hyper and also when I was undermedicated and hypo.I was truly hyper had my thyroid killed off and became hypo as a result.

[Fruitandnutcase]

I was very hyper when I had Graves’ disease. I then became very hypo just before the start my block and replace treatment when levothyroxine was added in with the carbimazole.

Both states were very unpleasant - the only thing I can say is that when doctors finally decide that you are hyper they act fairly quickly although from my experience if you don’t go into remission then they can’t wait to offer you radioactive iodine treatment or a TT to wipe out your thyroid.

I’m not so sure they act as quickly for people who are hypo and it seems to be very difficult to get to a good place if your thyroid is under active.

So both conditions are very unpleasant in their own way.