Find out the difference between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism and how you can identify them through observable signs. The thyroid gland releases thyroid hormones, and most of its functions revolve around metabolism, making it very vital for your well-being. Now, this gland releases insufficient hormones, known as underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism, or the opposite can also happen when the gland releases excess hormones, which is overactive thyroid or hyperthyroidism. The thyroid is a gland that’s located in the front of the neck below the larynx (Picture credit:Adobe stock)If left unaddressed, the effects can be felt across the body, from sudden weight changes to mood swings. But these signs are often overlooked and sometimes confused with stress or lifestyle-related concerns. But the signs you observe may indicate either an underactive thyroid or an overactive thyroid. Though both conditions affect the same gland, they show up in different ways, which means the symptoms are different. And for diagnosis, understanding the symptoms is critical.ALSO READ: Thyroid-friendly morning routine: Dietician shares what to eat, what to avoid and when to take medicineHow can you tell the difference? Dr Uday Phadke, director of endocrinology and diabetes at Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital, Deccan, shared with HT Lifestyle the main differences between the two.But before we break down the two thyroid disorders, let's understand the basic functions of the gland in detail and why any form of imbalance, both over and under, may be detrimental to your health. The endocrinologist resolved this doubt as he explained, “The thyroid gland is responsible for playing an essential role in controlling metabolism, energy levels, body temperature, cardiac activity, and hormonal balance. Imbalance in any level of thyroid hormones in the blood could lead to a wide range of disorders throughout the entire body system.”HypothyroidismWeight gain is one of the signs of underactive thyroid. (Shutterstock)Dr Phadke described that the reduction of the hormone secreted is called hypothyroidism. “Since many of these symptoms are often slowly progressing, many people remain unaware that they have this disease,” he warned, suggesting why it is important to be aware of the signs, so that you can detect them on time.Here are some of the signs of underactive thyroid he listed:Feeling tiredUnusual weight gainDry skinHair lossConstipationSwelling of faceSensitivity to coldDepressionTrouble concentratingSleeping excessively while remaining dull in the daytimeChanges in menstrual cycle or infertility problemsHyperthyroidismStaying up late at night can be a sign of overactive thyroid. (Adobe stock)Next is hyperthyroidism, which means excessive secretion, and th doctor believed it shows up in a lot of mental, gut, cardiovascular related problems. Here are a few signs he shared which mean hyperthyroidismWeight loss despite good nutritional habitsFast heartbeatIrritabilityMood swingsTremorsExcessive sweatingInsomniaHeart sensitivityFrequent bowel movementsSwelling of neck in some casesProtruding eyes.Who is more vulnerable?Between men and women, who are more susceptible to such disorders? Dr Phadke answered, “Women tend to be more susceptible to this illness than men.”How is it diagnosed?For the diagnosis of thyroid-related disorders, the endocrinologist said that diagnosis is typically made through blood tests to assess the levels of the TSH, T₃, and T₄ hormones. He further noted that timely identification of such disorders is necessary because their complications may involve problems with heart function, metabolism, fertility, bones, and psychological state.Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.Adrija Dey’s proclivity for observation fuels her storytelling instinct. As a lifestyle journalist, she crafts compelling, relatable narratives across diverse touchpoints of the human experience, including wellness, mental health, relationships, interior design, home decor, food, travel, and fashion that gently nudge readers toward living a little better. For her, stories exist in flesh and bones, carried by human vessels and shaped through everyday endeavours. It is the small stories we live and share that make us human. After all, humans and their lores are the most natural and raw repositories of stories, and uncovering them, for her, is akin to peeling an orange under a winter afternoon sun. Always up for a chat, she believes the best stories come from unfiltered yapping, where "too much information" is kind of the point. A graduate of Indraprastha College for Women, University of Delhi, and an alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Delhi, Adrija spends her idle hours cocooned with herbal tea and a gripping thriller, scribbling inner monologues she loosely calls poetic pieces, often with her succulents in attendance. On lazier days, she can be found binge-watching, for the nth time, one from her comfort-show holy trinity: The Office (US), Brooklyn Nine-Nine, or Modern Family. Dancing by herself to her peppy playlists, however, is an everyday ritual she swears by religiously.Read MoreHealthCatch every big hit, every wicket with Crick-it, a one stop destination for Live Scores, Match Stats, Quizzes, Polls & much more. Explore now!.Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Taylor Swift, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs.See Less