What is the Difference Between Hypothyroidism and Hypoparathyroidism

The endocrine system contains different endocrine glands that produce various important hormones that perform bodily functions. When these glands are affected, it results in endocrine disorders. Hypothyroidism and hypoparathyroidism are two such endocrine disorders.

The key difference between hypothyroidism and hypoparathyroidism is their cause. Hypothyroidism is caused by an underactive thyroid gland that is unable to produce enough thyroid hormones, while hypoparathyroidism is caused by an underactive parathyroid gland that produces low levels of parathyroid hormones.

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Hypothyroidism 
3. What is Hypoparathyroidism
4. Similarities – Hypothyroidism and Hypoparathyroidism
5. Hypothyroidism vs Hypoparathyroidism in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Hypothyroidism vs Hypoparathyroidism
7. FAQ –  Hypothyroidism and Hypoparathyroidism

What is Hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone and releases it into the bloodstream. Hypothyroidism can be caused by Hashimoto’s disease, thyroiditis, radiation, and surgical removal of the thyroid in the case of hyperthyroidism, iodine conditions, and hereditary conditions. Furthermore, symptoms of hypothyroidism may include feeling tired, experiencing numbness, having constipation, gaining weight, experiencing soreness, having higher than normal cholesterol levels, depression, being unable to tolerate cold temperatures, having dry, coarse skin and hair, experiencing decreased sexual interest, heavy menstrual periods, drooping eyelids, puffiness in the face, voice becoming lower and hoarser, and feeling more forgetful.

Hypothyroidism can be diagnosed through physical examination and TSH blood test. Furthermore, treatment options for hypothyroidism may include replacing the amount of hormone that the thyroid gland is no longer making through taking a medication called levothyroxine.

What is Hypoparathyroidism?

Hypoparathyroidism is a rare condition that results in low levels of calcium in the blood due to an underactive parathyroid gland. This happens when there are low levels of parathyroid hormone in the blood. Hypoparathyroidism can be caused by damage to parathyroid glands, certain genetic conditions like DiGeorge syndrome, certain autoimmune disorders, infiltrative disorders, and low levels of magnesium. The signs and symptoms of hypoparathyroidism may include tingling lips, fingers, toes, muscle cramps, muscle spasms, abdominal pain, brain fog, abnormal heart rhythm, brittle nails, dry hair, scaly skin, cataracts, and weakened tooth enamels in children.

Hypoparathyroidism can be diagnosed through physical examination, blood test, ECG, and CT scan. Furthermore, treatment options for hypoparathyroidism may include taking calcium carbonate and vitamin D supplements, eating a high-calcium and low-phosphorus diet, and getting parathyroid hormone injections.

Similarities Between Hypothyroidism and Hypoparathyroidism

1. Hypothyroidism and hypoparathyroidism are two endocrine disorders.
2. Both conditions result in low levels of important hormones.
3. Both conditions can be diagnosed through physical examination and blood tests.
4. They can be treated through hormone therapy and managing diet.

Difference Between Hypothyroidism and Hypoparathyroidism

Definition

1. Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland does not create enough thyroid hormone and release it into the bloodstream.
2. Hypoparathyroidism is a rare condition that results in a low level of calcium in the blood due to an underactive parathyroid gland.

Causes

1. Hypothyroidism can be caused by Hashimoto’s disease, thyroiditis, radiation, and surgical removal of the thyroid in the case of hyperthyroidism, iodine conditions, and hereditary conditions.
2. Hypoparathyroidism is caused by damage to parathyroid glands, certain genetic conditions like DiGeorge syndrome, certain autoimmune disorders, infiltrative disorders, and low levels of magnesium

Signs and Symptoms

1. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include feeling tired, experiencing numbness, having constipation, gaining weight, experiencing soreness, having higher than normal cholesterol levels, depression, being unable to tolerate cold temperatures, having dry, coarse skin and hair, experiencing decreased sexual interest, heavy menstrual periods, drooping eyelids, puffiness in the face, voice becoming lower and hoarser and feeling more forgetful.
2. Symptoms of hypoparathyroidism include tingling lips, fingers, and toes, muscle cramps, muscle spasms, abdominal pain, brain fog, abnormal heart rhythm, brittle nails, dry hair, scaly skin, cataracts, and weakened tooth enamels in children.

Diagnosis

1. Hypothyroidism can be diagnosed by physical examination and TSH blood test.
2. Hypoparathyroidism can be diagnosed by physical examination, blood test, ECG, and CT scan.

Treatment

1. 1. Treatment for hypothyroidism includes replacing the amount of hormone that the thyroid gland is no longer making by taking a medication called levothyroxine.
   2. Treatments for hypoparathyroidism include taking calcium carbonate and vitamin D supplements, eating a high-calcium and low-phosphorus diet, and getting parathyroid hormone injections.

The infographic below presents the differences between hypothyroidism and hypoparathyroidism in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.

Summary – Hypothyroidism vs Hypoparathyroidism

Endocrine disorders result from the improper function of the endocrine system, which includes glands that secrete hormones. Hypothyroidism and hypoparathyroidism are two endocrine disorders. Hypothyroidism is caused by underactive thyroid glands, while underactive parathyroid glands cause hypoparathyroidism. Thus, this summarizes the difference between hypothyroidism and hypoparathyroidism.

FAQ: Hypothyroidism and Hypoparathyroidism

1. What are the main symptoms of hypothyroidism?

The main symptoms of hypothyroidism may include tiredness, more sensitivity to cold, constipation, dry skin, weight gain, puffy face, hoarse voice, and coarse hair and skin.

2. What foods should you avoid if you have hypothyroidism?

Processed foods tend to have a lot of sodium, and people with hypothyroidism should avoid sodium. Having an underactive thyroid increases a person’s risk for high blood pressure, and too much sodium further increases this risk.

3. How do you treat hypothyroidism?

An underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism is normally treated by taking daily hormone replacement tablets called levothyroxine. Levothyroxine replaces the thyroxine hormone, which is generally not produced by the thyroid gland in this condition.

4. What are the symptoms of hypoparathyroidism?

The symptoms of hypoparathyroidism may include a tingling sensation in the fingertips, toes, and lips, twitching facial muscles, and muscle pains or cramps, particularly in the legs, feet, or stomach.

5. What is the most common treatment for hypoparathyroidism?

Taking oral calcium or oral calcium supplements through tablets, chews, or liquid, which can increase calcium levels in your blood, taking Vitamin D, magnesium, thiazide diuretics, and parathyroid hormone replacement.

Reference:

1. “Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid).” National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
2. “Hypoparathyroidism.” Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Hypothyroidism disease” By purple carrot nutrition – (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “3D Medical Animation still shot Hyperparathyroidism” By Scientificanimations.com (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia