Hyperthyroidism vs Hypothyroidism: What Your Genes Say

10 Jun Hyperthyroidism vs Hypothyroidism: What Your Genes Say

The thyroid is often overlooked, yet it controls several crucial bodily functions. The thyroid is an endocrine gland that produces and releases specific hormones. Its main job is to control your metabolism, so if your thyroid is not working optimally, it has an impact on the entire body.

The two main thyroid conditions that exist are hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Hyperthyroidism means your thyroid is overactive, releasing excess hormones. Hypothyroidism means your thyroid is underactive, releasing too few hormones. Each of these conditions shows up differently in the body.

Check out our Thyroid DNA Health Package here.

Understanding Your Thyroid Gland

Your thyroid gland is part of your endocrine system. The endocrine system is a network of glands that create and release hormones directly into the bloodstream. These organs and glands are part of the endocrine system:

• Hypothalamus (in the brain)
• Pituitary gland (responsible for puberty)
• Thyroid
• Parathyroid glands
• Adrenal glands
• Pineal gland
• Pancreas
• Ovaries
• Testes

Hormones carry messages throughout your body to your organs, skin, muscles, and other tissues. These messages tell your body what to do and when. Your thyroid’s specific functions are to release the following hormones:

• Thyroxine (T4): The primary thyroid hormone that can convert to T3. Has a lesser effect on your metabolism.
• Triiodothyronine (T3): Has a greater effect on your metabolism.
• Reverse Triiodothyronine (RT3): Made in very small amounts and reverses the effects of T3.
• Calcitonin: Helps regulate the amount of calcium in your blood.

Thyroid hormone balance is maintained via a negative feedback loop. When thyroid hormone levels fall too low:

1. The hypothalamus produces thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), which stimulates the pituitary gland to
2. release thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH stimulates the thyroid to
3. produce more thyroid hormones (T3 and T4). Once the levels increase again, the pituitary responds by
4. decreasing the production of TSH.

Your thyroid gland affects several important bodily functions, including:

• How your body uses energy (metabolism).
• Heart rate.
• Breathing.
• Digestion.
• Body temperature.
• Brain development.
• Mental activity.
• Skin and bone maintenance.
• Fertility.

Hyperthyroidism: What You Need to Know

Hyperthyroidism is characterised by an overactive thyroid gland that produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormone. This speeds up your metabolism, leading to weight loss, hand tremors, and rapid or irregular heartbeat.

The symptoms of hyperthyroidism can vary from person to person and may include:

• Nervousness or irritability
• Fatigue
• Muscle weakness
• Trouble tolerating heat
• Trouble sleeping
• Tremor, usually in your hands
• Rapid and irregular heartbeat
• Frequent bowel movements or diarrhoea.
• Weight loss
• Mood swings
• Goiter, an enlarged thyroid that may cause your neck to look swollen. Sometimes it can cause trouble with breathing or swallowing.

Several medical conditions affect the thyroid gland, including:

• Graves’ Disease – An autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack the thyroid gland, which makes the thyroid produce too much of the thyroid hormone.
• Overactive thyroid nodules – Also called toxic adenoma, toxic multinodular goitre, and Plummer disease. This happens when a thyroid adenoma (a part of the gland walled off from the rest of the gland) makes too much of the thyroid hormone. It then forms non-cancerous lumps, which make the thyroid appear bigger than it is.
• Thyroiditis – An inflamed thyroid gland, sometimes caused by an autoimmune disorder, other times the cause is unknown. This inflammation can cause extra thyroid hormone to leak into the bloodstream, causing hyperthyroidism symptoms.

Hypothyroidism: Understanding the Basics

Hypothyroidism is characterised by an underactive thyroid gland, producing too little thyroid hormone. Symptoms vary depending on the severity, and problems tend to develop slowly over several years.

Hypothyroidism symptoms may include:

• Tiredness.
• Sensitivity to cold.
• Constipation.
• Dry skin.
• Weight gain.
• Puffy face.
• Hoarse voice.
• Coarse hair and skin.
• Muscle weakness.
• Muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness.
• Menstrual cycles that are heavier than usual or irregular.
• Thinning hair.
• Slowed heart rate, also called bradycardia.
• Depression.
• Memory problems.

Several medical conditions can cause hypothyroidism, including:

• Autoimmune disease – Most commonly, Hashimoto’s disease. The immune system attacks healthy tissues, including the thyroid gland, affecting its ability to make hormones.
• Thyroid surgery – Removing all or part of the thyroid can affect its ability to produce thyroid hormones, sometimes stopping it completely.
• Radiation therapy – Radiation used to treat cancers in the upper body can unintentionally affect the thyroid gland’s hormone production.
• Thyroiditis – An inflamed thyroid gland, sometimes due to infection, an autoimmune disorder, or other medical conditions. Thyroiditis can trigger the thyroid to release all of its stored thyroid hormone at once. This causes a spike in thyroid activity, leading to hyperthyroidism, followed by a drop in thyroid activity, resulting in hypothyroidism.
• Medicine – Numerous medicines may lead to hypothyroidism, one example is lithium, used to treat some psychiatric disorders. Be sure to ask your doctor about the potential effect of your medicine on your thyroid gland.

Genetic Factors in Thyroid Health 

Whether or not you suffer from hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, your genes can give you clues on how your thyroid functions. Studies in genetic inheritance suggest that up to 67% of circulating TSH and thyroid hormone levels are genetic. Our DNA tests report on the following genes:

• COMT- Inactivation of Stress Hormones and Oestrogen
• DIO1- Thyroid Hormone Activation
• DIO2- Thyroid Hormone Activation
• FKBP5- Cortisol Regulation
• PDE8B- TSH Signalling
• TNF-a- Inflammation
• TSHR- Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Receptor
• TRHR- Thyroid Releasing Hormone Receptor

Please note that our tests do not diagnose Thyroid disorders; they merely inform you of your susceptibility. If you suspect you have a thyroid problem, you may use your test results in conjunction with a doctor’s visit to determine a treatment plan, if necessary.

The Benefits of DNA Testing for Thyroid Health

Our DNA test offers personalised insights into your thyroid functions. Additionally, you receive a comprehensive report on genes related to your sleep, stress, digestion, nutrition, and more.

A DNA test can empower your decision-making and help you make informed decisions on your health. You can take active, well-advised steps towards a healthier, happier you.

Practical Tips for Thyroid Management

There are some simple lifestyle changes you can make to assist in your thyroid health journey.

For hypothyroidism, consider eating more:

• Tyrosine (protein), such as eggs, meat, beans
• Selenium, found in brazil nuts, spinach, sardines
• Zinc, found in pumpkin and chia seeds, almonds, and oysters
• Vitamin A, found in cod liver oil, beef liver, yellow, red and green leafy veggies.

For hyperthyroidism, consider eating more:

• Vitamin C, found in berries, citrus, and kiwi
• Vitamin D, from sunshine, eggs and mushrooms
• Calcium in spinach, kale, and white fish
• Antioxidants in berries, turmeric, and dark chocolate

If it is determined that you have an underactive or overactive thyroid, it will be essential to consult a doctor regularly to monitor your thyroid hormone levels and receive the appropriate medication.

Gain Clarity with Our DNA Test

If treated early and correctly, neither hypothyroidism nor hyperthyroidism is life-threatening. With the right treatment plan as suggested by your doctor, you can still live a full, happy life. And with the results of our DNA test, you can get clearer on your health goals too!

Take control of your health, be proactive, and gain peace of mind with our Thyroid DNA test.

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