Question: what is the difference between graves disease and hashimoto thyroiditis?
Answer: Graves' is a type of hyperthyroidism; that is, the thyroid is overactive. This is because antibodies stimulate the TSH receptor in thyroid cells. Hashimoto's is a type of hypothyroidism; that is, the thyroid is underactive. This is because antibodies block the TSH receptor and otherwise destroy thyroid tissue.