Hyperthyroidism vs. hypothyroidism, which one is more serious?

Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are both common diseases in life. Especially in recent years, the incidence of these two diseases has almost increased in a straight line. In some areas, the incidence is extremely high, which makes local people very panic. So, from a medical point of view, which one is more serious, hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism?

1. The harm of hyperthyroidism

1. Hyperthyroidism most obviously affects the cardiovascular system. When thyroid hormone acts on the heart for a long time, the heart becomes enlarged, which is called hyperthyroid heart disease. In severe cases, atrial fibrillation occurs, and even heart failure and death may occur.

2. Hyperthyroid crisis occurs: Hyperthyroid crisis is a rapid deterioration of hyperthyroidism, leading to severe systemic metabolic disorders, serious dysfunction of the cardiovascular system, digestive system, nervous system, etc., which is often life-threatening. If diagnosis and rescue measures are not timely, the mortality rate is extremely high.

3. Eye changes caused by hyperthyroidism: one type is benign exophthalmos, in which the patient's eyeballs protrude and the eyes stare or show a terrified look; the other type is malignant exophthalmos, which can be transformed from benign exophthalmos. Patients with malignant exophthalmos often have photophobia, tears, diplopia, decreased vision, eye swelling and pain, stinging, foreign body sensation, etc. Because the eyeballs are highly protruding, the eyes cannot close, and the conjunctiva and cornea are exposed, causing congestion, edema, corneal rupture, and even blindness.

4. Due to the imbalance of protein and calcium-phosphorus metabolism, patients with thyroid disease will develop osteoporosis. Patients often have bone pain, back pain, and are prone to fractures after falls.

5. Other complications of hyperthyroidism such as hyperthyroid limb paralysis, hyperthyroid hypertension, hyperthyroid diabetes, hyperthyroid psychosis, etc.

2. Symptoms of hypothyroidism

(1) Clinical manifestations of cretinism:

The child has a low body temperature, rarely cries or laughs, is less active, has a slow reaction to things, has a poor appetite, and has dry stools. Physical growth is significantly slowed, the child is short, and has short and thick limbs. The child has obvious intellectual development disorders, a dull expression, cannot go to school, and has difficulty learning simple numerical calculations.

(2) Clinical manifestations of childhood hypothyroidism:

The clinical manifestations of patients with early onset are very similar to cretinism, but the degree is milder. The clinical manifestations of patients with late onset are close to adult hypothyroidism, but they are still short, have poor intelligence, and poor academic performance.

(3) Clinical manifestations of hypothyroidism in adults:

Typical symptoms include: ① fear of cold and little sweat, low body temperature, fatigue and drowsiness, few words, anemia, edema, and dry skin; ② memory loss, mental disorder and lethargy in severe cases; ③ bradycardia and low blood pressure; ④ loss of appetite, abdominal distension, constipation, and lack of stomach acid; ⑤ loss of libido, impotence in men, excessive menstruation in women, and amenorrhea after a long period of illness.