Hypothyroidism vs Hashimoto Thyroiditis
Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto Thyroiditis are conditions that share some reported symptoms, which can make them easy to confuse. This guide explains the key similarities, how each is described, and how providers may investigate them. Educational content only - not a diagnosis.
About Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto Thyroiditis
Hypothyroidism: A condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone, slowing metabolism and affecting energy, weight, temperature regulation, and mood.
Hashimoto Thyroiditis: An autoimmune disease that attacks the thyroid gland and is the most common cause of hypothyroidism.
Symptoms shared by both conditions
These symptoms have been reported in association with both Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto Thyroiditis.
Cold Intolerance
Feeling unusually sensitive to cold temperatures, which can be a sign of a slow metabolism such as hypothyroid...
Constipation
Infrequent or difficult evacuation of feces....
Depression
Frequently experiencing feelings of being down, miserable, and/or hopeless; struggling to recover from these m...
Dry skin
Skin characterized by the lack of natural or normal moisture....
Fatigue
A subjective feeling of tiredness characterized by a lack of energy and motivation....
Weight Gain
An increase in body weight that can be caused by changes in diet, activity, fluid retention, or hormonal condi...
Symptoms of each condition
Hypothyroidism
Alopecia
A noncongenital process of hair loss, which may progress to partial or complete baldness....
Cold Intolerance
Feeling unusually sensitive to cold temperatures, which can be a sign of a slow metabolism such as hypothyroid...
Constipation
Infrequent or difficult evacuation of feces....
Depression
Frequently experiencing feelings of being down, miserable, and/or hopeless; struggling to recover from these m...
Dry skin
Skin characterized by the lack of natural or normal moisture....
Edema
An abnormal accumulation of fluid beneath the skin, or in one or more cavities of the body....
Fatigue
A subjective feeling of tiredness characterized by a lack of energy and motivation....
Memory impairment
An impairment of memory as manifested by a reduced ability to remember things such as dates and names, and inc...
Slow Heart Rate
A resting heart rate below 60 beats per minute, which can be normal in athletes or a sign of an electrical or ...
Weight Gain
An increase in body weight that can be caused by changes in diet, activity, fluid retention, or hormonal condi...
Hashimoto Thyroiditis
Cold Intolerance
Feeling unusually sensitive to cold temperatures, which can be a sign of a slow metabolism such as hypothyroid...
Constipation
Infrequent or difficult evacuation of feces....
Depression
Frequently experiencing feelings of being down, miserable, and/or hopeless; struggling to recover from these m...
Dry skin
Skin characterized by the lack of natural or normal moisture....
Fatigue
A subjective feeling of tiredness characterized by a lack of energy and motivation....
Goiter
An enlargement of the thyroid gland....
Weight Gain
An increase in body weight that can be caused by changes in diet, activity, fluid retention, or hormonal condi...
How Hypothyroidism may be investigated
Healthcare providers may order these tests when evaluating Hypothyroidism.
Cbc, Cmp, Ua, Thyroid, & Lipid Health Tests
Our standard health test panel includes thyroid testing, a CBC, CMP, Urinalysis, & Lipid Panel. These lab test...
Free T4
Measures the active form of thyroxine to help evaluate thyroid function....
Iodine Urine Test, 24-Hour
Order Iodine Urine Test, 24-Hour.com online through our partner and visit a local lab near you....
Lipid Panel
Measures cholesterol and triglycerides to assess cardiovascular risk....
Selenium Blood Test
This blood test is used to monitor industrial exposure to selenium or to determine a selenium deficiency. Sele...
Thyroid Panel
Comprehensive thyroid testing including TSH, free T4, and free T3....
Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPO)
Detects antibodies associated with autoimmune thyroid disease....
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
Screens for thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism....
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto Thyroiditis?
Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto Thyroiditis are distinct conditions that share some reported symptoms, which is why they can be confused. Hypothyroidism: A condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone, slowing metabolism and affecting energy, weight, temperature regulation, and mood. Hashimoto Thyroiditis: An autoimmune disease that attacks the thyroid gland and is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. This content is informational, not a diagnosis.
Can Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto Thyroiditis be mistaken for each other?
Yes - because they share symptoms such as Cold Intolerance, Constipation, Depression, Dry skin, they may present similarly. A qualified healthcare provider distinguishes them through history, examination, and testing.
How are Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto Thyroiditis investigated?
Testing depends on the specific condition and presentation. A provider may order tests such as Cbc, Cmp, Ua, Thyroid, & Lipid Health Tests, Free T4, Iodine Urine Test, 24-Hour, Lipid Panel, Selenium Blood Test. Test selection is a clinical decision.