Hypothyroidism vs. Hyperthyroidism: Understanding the Differences to Support Your Thyroid Levels

Thyroid health can be confusing. Many symptoms overlap and can be mistaken for other conditions. On top of that, thyroid dysfunction is common, especially in women, and often misdiagnosed in early stages. You may feel tired, anxious, or unwell, yet your lab results are "normal." Trust me, you are not alone. You might have heard the terms hypothyroidism vs. hyperthyroidism. What exactly does it mean to be hypo or hyper?

Your thyroid is your body’s engine. It powers your whole body. It is responsible for producing and releasing hormones that regulate your metabolism. It gets a bit tricky because for optimal function, your thyroid requires many different interconnected parts, working in unison. Understanding the difference between hypothyroidism vs. hyperthyroidism is the first step towards pinpointing any dysfunction and uncovering the root causes of symptoms.

I will explain both conditions in simple terms. You will learn what they are, how they differ, and what you can do to support your thyroid naturally. Functional medicine offers a clear path forward that begins with root-cause healing.

What Is the Thyroid and Why Is It So Important?

Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your neck. It produces hormones that regulate multiple body systems, from heart rate and energy levels to body temperature and brain health. This process of creating, regulating, and delivering these hormones begins in your brain.

Your hypothalamus, which is responsible for managing hunger, thirst, sleep, hormones, and body temperature, among other important functions, monitors the level of thyroid hormone present in your bloodstream.(1) If it determines energy levels are low, it sends out Thyroid-Releasing Hormone (TRH) to your pituitary gland. Your pituitary gland, a pea-sized gland at the base of your brain, releases Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) directly to the thyroid.

When the thyroid is out of balance, your whole body feels it. You may gain weight, feel tired, or notice mood swings. Your thyroid is responsible for regulating:

• Metabolism

• Energy levels

• Mood

• Body temperature

• Digestion

• Heart function

What Is Hypothyroidism?

The most common form of thyroid disease is hypothyroidism, which is when your thyroid is underactive and does not produce enough thyroid hormone. This can happen because your pituitary gland is malfunctioning and not sending enough Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) to your thyroid, or your TSH levels are normal, yet your thyroid isn’t producing enough T4 and T3 to adequately fuel your cells.(2)

Common symptoms include:

• Fatigue

• Weight gain

• Cold sensitivity

• Dry skin

• Brain fog

• Depression

Common causes of hypothyroidism:

• Autoimmune disease (Hashimoto’s)

• Nutrient deficiencies

• Poor gut health

• Chronic stress

In functional medicine, we go deeper. We do not mask symptoms with medication. We ask, why is the thyroid struggling? Then we work to remove the triggers and restore balance through natural remedies for hypothyroidism. There are ways to increase thyroid hormone naturally as part of your healing journey, which we’ll cover soon.

What Is Hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism occurs when thyroid hormones are too high. Your energy metabolism will speed up, causing the body to burn through nutrients too quickly. This can result in malnutrition and lead to a wide range of problems.(3)

Common symptoms include:

• Anxiety

• Weight loss

• Rapid heartbeat

• Feeling hot

• Hand tremors

• Trouble sleeping

Common causes of hyperthyroidism:

• Autoimmune disease, such as Graves’ disease

• Thyroid nodules

• Temporary thyroid inflammation

To learn more about Graves’ disease, listen to my personal story on an episode of Take Back Your Health™.

With hyperthyroidism, the goal is to calm the immune system and reduce inflammation. Functional medicine focuses on restoring balance gently and naturally.

Hypothyroidism vs. Hyperthyroidism: Key Differences at a Glance

Common Myths About Thyroid Health

There are many myths surrounding thyroid disorders that can make understanding your condition more confusing. For example, many believe that weight changes are the only symptoms of thyroid dysfunction, but mood, energy, and digestion can also be deeply affected.

Another myth is that once you start thyroid medication, you’re “stuck” on it for life. Functional medicine shows there is potential to improve underlying causes and potentially reduce medication dependency. Remember, thyroid health is complex, and personalized care is key.

How a Functional Medicine Approach Helps Both Conditions

Functional medicine does not stop at lab numbers. Managing your thyroid levels through thyroid medication is only part of the process. The real work comes in identifying the underlying factors that caused your thyroid disease and making healthy lifestyle changes to remove them.

Autoimmunity is often the root of thyroid dysfunction. Both Hashimoto’s and Graves’ disease are autoimmune conditions. The immune system attacks the thyroid. To heal the thyroid, you must first calm the immune system.

Functional medicine restores the whole body by:

• Improving gut health

• Removing immune triggers

• Supporting liver detox

• Managing stress

• Using targeted supplements

This is not about masking symptoms. It is about restoring your body to an optimal and balanced state.

Natural Ways to Support Your Thyroid Health

1. Focus on Nutrient-Rich Foods That Support a Healthy Inflammatory Response

What you eat matters. Choose nutrient-dense foods that nourish your immune system and promote a healthy inflammatory response.

• Wild-caught fish

• Leafy greens

• Colorful vegetables

• Berries

• Healthy fats (olive oil, avocado, coconut)

Avoid gluten and dairy. I always recommend removing these two foods, as they are common triggers for autoimmune reactions.

You might be wondering what vitamins are good for thyroid health? There are four key nutrients recommended for thyroid health:

• Selenium

• Zinc

• Vitamin D

• Iodine

These nutrients can be found in whole foods and through supplements such as The Myers Way® Multivitamin. This methylated multivitamin is designed to fill common nutritional gaps that impact thyroid function.

2. Repair the Gut

Your gut and thyroid are deeply connected. 80% of your immune system lives in your gut. If your gut is inflamed or leaky, your thyroid suffers.

Steps to support your gut:

• Remove inflammatory foods

• Eat fermented foods, however, caution if you have SIBO or Candida Overgrowth

• Add gut-repairing nutrients

• Support beneficial bacteria

The Autoimmune Solution™ Protocol is a step-by-step plan that addresses gut health, food triggers, and immune balance. It is ideal for those with autoimmune thyroid conditions.

3. Manage Stress to Protect Hormone Balance

Chronic stress drains your thyroid. It disrupts hormone signals and worsens symptoms of both hypo- and hyperthyroidism.

Support your body through:

• Breathwork

• Gentle movement (yoga, walking)

• Time in nature

• Mindfulness or prayer

Adaptogenic herbs can also help. Adrenal Support is a powerful supplement that helps regulate cortisol and support your thyroid-adrenal connection.

4. Supplement to Fill Nutrient Gaps

Even with a healthy diet, many people still lack key nutrients. Soil depletion, digestive issues, and stress all reduce absorption.

If you have hypothyroidism, consider the Hashimoto’s Support Bundle. It includes:

• The Myers Way® Multivitamin provides you with critical nutrients that are often lacking in our modern diets

• Adrenal Support promotes energy levels and balances your stress response

• ZenAdapt™ supports optimal cortisol levels and helps manage your stress response

For broader autoimmune support, The Autoimmune Solution™ Protocol combines diet, lifestyle, and supplement strategies into one powerful approach.

5. Support the Liver’s Natural Detox Pathways

Your liver helps convert thyroid hormones. It also supports the elimination of toxins that disrupt your hormone levels.

To support liver function:

• Drink filtered water

• Eat sulfur-rich vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts)

• Avoid processed foods and environmental toxins

• Try taking Liver Support to promote liver function, bile production, and natural detoxification pathways

You do not need a harsh detox. Your body is built to naturally cleanse itself when given the right tools.

How to Track Your Thyroid Support Progress

Your day-to-day experiences are powerful indicators of progress. So, keep a simple journal tracking energy, mood, digestion, sleep, and temperature sensitivity. Over weeks, subtle improvements in these areas can signal that your thyroid support efforts are working.

When to Seek Help from a Functional Medicine Practitioner

If you're experiencing persistent health concerns, get the support you need. Early intervention can make a huge difference in your recovery and long-term wellness. Consider reaching out to a Functional Medicine practitioner if you’re dealing with any of the following:

• Fluctuating or unexplained symptoms

• Chronic fatigue or low energy levels, even after a full night’s sleep

• Mood swings, anxiety, or feelings of depression without a clear cause

• Sudden or unexplained changes in weight

• Diagnosed autoimmune conditions or a family history of autoimmunity

• Digestive issues, food sensitivities, or skin flare-ups

• Brain fog, memory issues, or trouble concentrating

Functional Medicine takes a root-cause approach to healing to understand what’s really going on in your body. With a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs, you can begin the journey toward lasting health and vitality.

Your Thyroid Journey Is Personal

Whether you are dealing with hypothyroidism vs. hyperthyroidism, healing is possible. You can work with your body, not against it. Your symptoms are not in your head. Instead, they are signals. With the right support, you can restore balance and optimal functioning.

When you understand your thyroid, you take control of your health. You can choose foods that heal, thyroid supplements that restore, and protocols that uncover root causes. Tools such as The Autoimmune Solution™ Protocol, Hashimoto’s Support Bundle, Adrenal Support, and The Myers Way® Multivitamin are here to guide your journey every step of the way.