A 35-year-old member asked:
Which is easier to correct- hyper or hypo thyroidism?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Philip Kernanswered
Endocrinology 43 years experience
Usually hypothyroid: If your thyroid is not working (hypothyroidism), the hormones can easily be corrected with levothyroxine. Routine blood tests monitor the dose. If you are hyperthyroid, your doctor needs to determine the cause. Some causes resolve spontaneously, and others require thyroid suppressing medication, or radioactive iodine, or surgery. These treatments is best discussed with an endocrinologist.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Brian Wosnitzeranswered
Nuclear Medicine 18 years experience
Hypothyroidism...: Hypothyroidism is easier to correct. In hypothyroidism, supplemental thyroid hormone can be taken to reach an adequate normal level. Hyperthyroid states are usually more difficult to control. Depending on the hyperthyroid illness, radioactive iodine, surgery, or anti-thyroid medications may be used. Often hypothyroidism results after treating hyperthyroid patients, but is easy to deal with.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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Minneapolis, MN
A 26-year-old female asked:
Can you have both hyper and hypo thyroidism?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in
A Verified Doctoranswered
A US doctor answeredLearn more
Not simultaneously: Hi. Yes, you can, but not simultaneously. For example, treatment of Graves' disease often renders the patients hypothyroid. Hypothyroidism can sequentially follow hyperthyroidism. Same for a self limited process called a subacute thyroiditis - hyperthyroidism followed by hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism can be over treated causing hyperthyroidism. Hyper and hypo cannot be present at the same time.
3.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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Last updated Oct 24, 2017
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