Hyperthyroidism Hypothyroidism
(Overactive Thyroid Gland) (Underactive Thyroid Gland)
General Increased appetite Normal appetite
Weight loss Mild weight loss
Heat intolerance Cold intolerance
Feeling run down
Nervous System Increased nervousness Calmness or indifference
Sleeplessness Drowsy or sleepy
Mental competence (typically Dull or confused
normal)
Hand tremors No tremors
Anxiety Depression
Circulatory System Palpitations (Heart) None unless patient has
thyroiditis
Tachycardia Slow, or bradycardia
No fluid retention (No Puffiness and Edema
swelling/edema)
Digestive System Fast transit of food (stool frequency Indigestion
increased)
Frequent BMs Constipation
Integumentary System Warm/smooth Cold/dry w/increased
pigment
Increased perspiration Brittle nails
Increased nail growth
Muscle Weakness (due to muscle loss) Cramps & aches
Blood (Serum labs) Low CHO-cholesterol High CHO-cholesterol
CBC, RBC count Anemia
Thyroid panel (T3, T4, Low TSH, high thyroid hormone High TSH, low thyroid
TSH-Thyroid hormone
stimulating hormone)
Normal TSH 0.350-
5.500
Fun fact #1 – TSH’s job is to stimulate the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones (both T3
and T4).
Fun fact#2 – if the TSH level is high, it is yelling at the thyroid gland to produce more thyroid
hormone – not always achievable due to thyroid damage.
Fun fact #3 - TSH provides information on pituitary function and how responsive your thyroid
gland is to pituitary function.
Fun fact #4 - TSH level can be manipulated depending on which thyroid medication you are
taking and how much.
(Overactive Thyroid Gland) (Underactive Thyroid Gland)
General Increased appetite Normal appetite
Weight loss Mild weight loss
Heat intolerance Cold intolerance
Feeling run down
Nervous System Increased nervousness Calmness or indifference
Sleeplessness Drowsy or sleepy
Mental competence (typically Dull or confused
normal)
Hand tremors No tremors
Anxiety Depression
Circulatory System Palpitations (Heart) None unless patient has
thyroiditis
Tachycardia Slow, or bradycardia
No fluid retention (No Puffiness and Edema
swelling/edema)
Digestive System Fast transit of food (stool frequency Indigestion
increased)
Frequent BMs Constipation
Integumentary System Warm/smooth Cold/dry w/increased
pigment
Increased perspiration Brittle nails
Increased nail growth
Muscle Weakness (due to muscle loss) Cramps & aches
Blood (Serum labs) Low CHO-cholesterol High CHO-cholesterol
CBC, RBC count Anemia
Thyroid panel (T3, T4, Low TSH, high thyroid hormone High TSH, low thyroid
TSH-Thyroid hormone
stimulating hormone)
Normal TSH 0.350-
5.500
Fun fact #1 – TSH’s job is to stimulate the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones (both T3
and T4).
Fun fact#2 – if the TSH level is high, it is yelling at the thyroid gland to produce more thyroid
hormone – not always achievable due to thyroid damage.
Fun fact #3 - TSH provides information on pituitary function and how responsive your thyroid
gland is to pituitary function.
Fun fact #4 - TSH level can be manipulated depending on which thyroid medication you are
taking and how much.
