Difference Between Adrenal Fatigue and Hypothyroidism

Adrenal Fatigue Vs Hypothyroidism

Many people confuse adrenal fatigue for hypothyroidism. The reason for this is most likely because of the nature of the latter. Hypothyroidism has two natures or types. It can be primary and the other is secondary. Secondary hypothyroidism is when the disease is caused by another disturbance in another system (let’s say the adrenal glands). Thus adrenal fatigue can be a cause for hypothyroidism.

Discerning the many symptoms between the two conditions brings us to a lot of distinct key characteristics. For example, for body measurements like weight, adrenal fatigue is characterized by an early weight gain while hypothyroidism shows generalized weight gain. The body temperature of the former is said to be at 97.8 degree Fahrenheit or lower while it can range from 90 to 98.6 for the latter. Moreover, the temperature regulation is fluctuating in adrenal fatigue while it is steady for the other.

In terms of mental function, adrenal fatigue patients suffer from what the doctors call as ‘brain fog.’ From the term itself, it will seem as if there is a clouding of thoughts. For hypothyroidism patients, they will experience a slowed thinking pattern. Depression is also more frequent among hypothyroidism patients as it is less frequent in adrenal fatigue.

The physical looks between adrenal fatigue and hypothyroidism patients will also tell you more about the disease. The former exhibits dry and thinner skin compared to the oilier skin in the latter. Nails may also appear thinner in adrenal fatigue while it will become a bit thicker for the other. Hair loss is a lot more common in hypothyroidism.

Sensation and locomotion are also altered in both diseases. There is better ligament flexibility in adrenal fatigue than in hypothyroidism although there is a bigger chance of fluid retention for the latter. Both may suffer joint and muscle pain but adrenal fatigue can also manifest as migraine-like pain. Hypothyroidism patients also tend to become hypo-reactive unlike the former that is more hyper-reactive in nature.

The blood sugar levels may decrease to the point of hypoglycemia in adrenal fatigue while the other may end up in hyperglycemia. Nevertheless, both conditions have a fair chance of having normal blood sugar levels. Similar to the reactivity of the patient, those who suffer from adrenal fatigue also experience a more reactive (hyperactive) gastrointestinal function. This means that there are many episodes of diarrhea while constipation is a lot more common for hypothyroidism.

With regard to forming habits, adrenal fatigue patients tend to become intolerant to cold while the other becomes intolerant to warmth or heat. Hypothyroidism also makes the person crave for fatty foods while the former makes a person crave for sweeter or saltier dishes.

1. Adrenal fatigue can lead to hypothyroidism.

2. Adrenal fatigue is characterized by intolerance to cold, hypoglycemia, diarrhea, and less depression among other symptoms. Hypothyroidism is characterized by intolerance to heat, hyperglycemia, constipation and mild to severe depression.