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Hyperthyroidism or Hypothyroidism?
Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are conditions related to the levels of thyroid hormone in the blood. When there is too much, it is called hyperthyroidism; when there is too little, it is called hypothyroidism. Although they have different causes, symptoms, and treatment options, both conditions are diagnosed with the help of a blood test known as a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test.
Medications are typically all that is needed to treat an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). However, the treatment options for hyperthyroidism expand beyond medications (although antithyroid drugs and beta blockers are commonly used) to include surgery and radioactive iodine therapy.
(To learn more about these two conditions, click Hypothyroidism or Hyperthyroidism. These articles further discuss the similarities and differences between the two conditions and explain who they affect.)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD