Hypothyroidism VS Hyperthyroidism

Being a health coach is something very personal to me. I myself have Celiac Disease among other food restrictions and know how hard changing your diet can be. Whether it's for weight-loss, treatment, general health or preventative care, making good food choices is the best tool you have to living a quality life.

So where am I at today?

Getting bloodwork results back saying I have the markers of hypothyroidism & that I will need more bloodwork. Hypothyroidism is something that runs genetically on my mom's side of the family. I also recently found out, according to the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness, there is a link between thyroid conditions and Celiac Disease.

Am I surprised & disheartened? Hell yes!! Should I be? Probably not.

Much like my Celiac Disease Diagnosis, I can think of this as an opportunity to improve and learn about something new. So let's take a look at what Hypothyroidism is and the difference between Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism.

Hypothyroidism:

Hypothyroidism develops when your thyroid gland can’t make enough of it's hormones to function well. In hypothyroidism, the thyroid's gland hormone production slows. This, causes a slow in your metabolism, which can lead to weight gain.

Common causes:

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. With this condition, your body attacks its own immune system. Over time, this attack causes the thyroid to stop producing hormones as it should which leads to hypothyroidism. Like many autoimmune diseases, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis occurs more frequently in women than men.

Hyperthyroidism:

Having the opposite reaction as hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism occurs when your thyroid becomes overactive and starts producing too many hormones'. If you have hyperthyroidism, you may experience a fast heartbeat, increased appetite, anxiety, sensitivity to heat, or sudden weight loss.

Common causes:

Healthline Canada states there are 3 major causes of hyperthyroidism:

1. Thyroiditis, or an inflammation of the thyroid

2. A thyroid nodule that produces too much T4 hormone

3. An autoimmune condition known as Graves’ disease

So what can we do about these conditions?

According to the American Thyroid Association, there’s no cure for hypothyroidism/hyperthyroidism. However, there are medications with the goal of the medicat