Can you fluctuate between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism

An underactive thyroid hypothyroidism doesn't produce enough hormone. An overactive thyroid hyperthyroidism produces too much hormone. Symptoms may include unintentional weight gain or loss, persistent fatigue, palpitations, and sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures. But because other health problems cause similar symptoms, diagnosing hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism based on symptoms alone is not possible.

Instead, a blood test that measures your level of thyroid hormone is required. If a blood test confirms hypo- or hyperthyroidism and verifies that you have switched between them, there could be several possible explanations. If you don't have a history of thyroid problems, the most common reason for a change in thyroid function is inflammation of the thyroid gland thyroiditis.

Initially, thyroiditis leads to overactive thyroid function because when the thyroid first becomes inflamed, it releases all its stored hormones. After that, the thyroid slowly begins to return to normal, but it doesn't maintain its usual hormone production.

So once the hormone stores are depleted, hypothyroidism develops. Its outcome depends on the type of thyroiditis, as follows. Two main types of thyroiditis exist. Published online Jul 9. Mimi Wong 1 and Warrick J. Inder 1 , 2. Warrick J. Author information Article notes Copyright and License information Disclaimer.

Inder, Email: ua. Corresponding author. This article has been cited by other articles in PMC. Table 1 Change in thyroid function tests over time. Open in a separate window. Figure 1. Conversion of autoimmune hypothyroidism to hyperthyroidism. BMC Res Notes. J Clin Invest. Endocrinol Diabetes Metab Case Rep. Clin Exp Immunol.

Fluctuating thyroid function depending on the balance between stimulating and blocking types of TSH receptor antibodies: a case report. Takasu N, Matsushita M. J Thyroid Res.

Front Endocrinol. Acta Med Indones. European J Endocrinol. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. Effect of iodine intake on thyroid diseases in China. N Engl J Med. Thyroid nodules are common in both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. More often than not, these nodules are benign. This attack allows the thyroid gland to produce too much thyroid hormone. This autoimmune disease is often the underlying cause of hyperthyroidism.

Medications, radioactive iodine, or surgery are treatment options of hyperthyroidism. If left untreated, hyperthyroidism can cause bone loss or an irregular heartbeat.

Hypothyroidism causes symptoms like slowed metabolism, tiredness, and weight gain. Having an underactive thyroid can decrease or slow down your bodily functions. With hyperthyroidism, you may find yourself with more energy, as opposed to less. You may experience weight loss as opposed to weight gain.

And you may feel anxious as opposed to depressed. The most common difference between the two diseases relates to hormone levels. Hypothyroidism leads to a decrease in hormones. Hyperthyroidism leads to an increase in hormone production. In the United States, hypothyroidism is more common than hyperthyroidism.

Finding a skilled doctor who specializes in the thyroid, typically an endocrinologist, is an important part of your treatment plan. Hyperthyroidism in men can cause complications like erectile dysfunction and low testosterone. However, treatment is available and will likely restore…. Subclinical hyperthyroidism is when your thyroid stimulating hormone TSH is low but your T3 and T4 levels are normal. In some cases, it needs to be….