Dr. Westin Childs Podcast: Thyroid | Weight Loss | Hormones

What's the difference between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism? These conditions represent polar opposites and it's important to realize this. Hyperthyroidism is a condition which results in too much thyroid hormone while hypothyroidism is a condition which results in too little thyroid hormone. Each medical condition presents differently in both symptoms and lab tests. Learn the difference below: Lab tests in hypothyroid patients: - TSH - The TSH is usually high in hypothyroidism. - Free T3 - Free T3 is usually low. - Free T4 - Free T4 is usually low. - Thyroid antibodies - Not always positive but Anti TPO antibodies and Thyroglobulin antibodies may be positive. Symptoms of hypothyroidism: - Weight gain - Fatigue - Constipation - Cold intolerance - Low body temperature - Chronic pain or joint pain - Depression Conditions that cause hypothyroidism: - Hashimoto's thyroiditis - Thyroidectomy - Radioactive iodine ablation - Pituitary damage or tumors - Congenital problems - Pregnancy Lab tests