What is the Difference Between Graves Disease and Hashimoto?

Graves' disease and Hashimoto's disease are both autoimmune disorders affecting the thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of the neck. They share similarities but have distinct differences:

1. Type of antibodies: In Graves' disease, the immune system produces thyroid-stimulating autoantibodies to the TSH receptor, causing the thyroid to become overactive and release excess thyroid hormone. In Hashimoto's thyroiditis, the immune system produces autoantibodies against thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin, causing the thyroid to become underactive and release insufficient thyroid hormone.
2. Thyroid function: Graves' disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism, where the thyroid produces too much hormone. Hashimoto's disease is the most common cause of hypothyroidism, where the thyroid produces too little hormone.
3. Symptoms: Both diseases share some symptoms, such as fatigue, goiter (swelling of the thyroid gland), muscle weakness, changes to menstrual cycles, and mental health changes like depression and anxiety. However, the reasons for these symptoms differ. For example, in Hashimoto's, fatigue may be due to a lack of energy, while in Graves', it may be caused by a racing metabolism associated with consistently high thyroid levels.
4. Treatment goal: The treatment goal for both Graves' and Hashimoto's diseases is to achieve a normal thyroid hormone level, allowing cells to function correctly. While proper treatment can manage these conditions, they cannot be cured.

Comparative Table: Graves Disease vs Hashimoto

Graves' disease and Hashimoto's disease are both autoimmune disorders affecting the thyroid, but they have different effects on the gland and result in different hormone levels. Here is a table summarizing the differences between the two diseases:

Both diseases are autoimmune disorders, but they have opposing symptoms and effects on the thyroid gland. Diagnosis and treatment may vary between individuals, but a functional medicine plan usually involves improving gut health, reducing stress, balancing blood sugar, and increasing the intake of thyroid-supportive nutrients.