What's the difference between hyper and hypo?

Category: medical health thyroid disorders
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Hyper vs. Hypo. Let's start from the top: Hyper- is a prefix that means excess or exaggeration, while hypo- is another prefix that means under or beneath. Both hyper and hypo are usually used as prefixes, which are elements or partial words added to the beginning of a base word to modify its meaning.



Similarly, you may ask, what does Hypo mean in medical terms?

Medical Definition of Hypo- Hypo-: Prefix meaning low, under, beneath, down, or below normal, as in hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hyposensitivity (undersensitivity). The opposite of hypo- is hyper-.

One may also ask, can thyroid fluctuate between hyper and hypo? An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) doesn't produce enough hormone. An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) produces too much hormone. If a blood test confirms hypo- or hyperthyroidism and verifies that you have switched between them, there could be several possible explanations.

Simply so, what does prefix hyper mean?

hyper- a prefix appearing in loanwords from Greek, where it meant “over,” usually implying excess or exaggeration (hyperbole); on this model used, especially as opposed to hypo-, in the formation of compound words (hyperthyroid).

What are the signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism?

  • Fatigue.
  • Frequent, heavy menstrual periods.
  • Forgetfulness.
  • Weight gain.
  • Dry, coarse skin and hair.
  • Hoarse voice.
  • Intolerance to cold.

39 Related Question Answers Found

What are the prefixes that mean before in front of?

For example, the super- means "above" or "over"; hypo- and infra- mean "under." Prefix itself has a prefix: pre-, which means "before." In fact, the Latin root of prefix is praefixus, meaning "fixed in front." (Note our word's opposite here, suffix, which describes what is fixed at the back of a word.)

What is classed as a severe hypo?

Severe hypoglycemia is defined as having low blood glucose levels that requires assistance from another person to treat. Severe hypoglycemia is classed as a diabetic emergency and is a complication that can occur in people with diabetes that take insulin and certain anti-diabetic tablets.

Who is a hyper?

The definition of hyper is high-strung or overexcited. An example of hyper is a child who has just eaten lots of sugar. YourDictionary definition and usage example.

What is hypo short for?

Hypo may be short for: Hypoglycemia, low blood glucose(sugar) Hypodermic needle, syringe, or injection.

What is the root word of Hypo?


The Greek prefix hypo- is an important morpheme of the English language. Examples using this prefix include hypothermia and hypocritical. An easy way to remember that the prefix hypo- means “under” is through the adjective hypodermic, which refers to going “under” the skin, especially when being given a shot.

Is type 2 diabetes hypo or hyper?

Hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia in type 2 diabetes. If someone has diabetes that isn't treated properly, they have too much sugar in their blood (hyperglycemia). Too little sugar in the bloodstream (hypoglycemia) is usually a side effect of treatment with blood-sugar-lowering medication.

What does the medical term Tachy mean?

tachy- Combining form denoting rapid or abnormally rapid.

What does Chondriac mean?

Also hy·po·chon·dri·a·sis [hahy-poh-kuh n-drahy-uh-sis] /ˌha? po? k?nˈdra? ? s?s/. Psychiatry. an excessive preoccupation with one's health, usually focusing on some particular symptom, as cardiac or gastric problems.

What's the opposite of hyper?

Medical Definition of Hyper-
Hyper-: Prefix meaning high, beyond, excessive, or above normal, as in hyperglycemia (high sugar in the blood) and hypercalcemia (high calcium in the blood). The opposite of hyper- is hypo-.

What do you call a hyper person?


Overview. Hyperactivity is a state of being unusually or abnormally active. It's often difficult to manage for people around the person who's hyperactive, such as teachers, employers, and parents. If you have hyperactivity, you may become anxious or depressed because of your condition and how people respond to it.

What organ uses the prefix hepato?

Hepato-: Prefix or combining form used before a consonant to refer to the liver. From the Greek hepar, liver.

What is the full form of hyper?

hyper(Adjective) Short for hyperactive.

What is the root word for hyper?

Quick Summary. The prefix hyper- means “over.” Examples using this prefix include hyperventilate and hypersensitive. An easy way to remember that the prefix hyper- means “over” is through the word hyperactive, which describes a person who is “overly” active in some way.

What does PHAG o mean?

phago- a combining form meaning “eating, devouring,” used in the formation of compound words: phagocyte.

What is hyper in biology?


Hyper. 1. (Science: prefix) Signifying over, above, high, beyond, excessive, above normal; as, hyperphysical, hyperthyrion; also abnormally great, excessive; as, hyperaemia, hyperbola, hypercritical, hypersecretion. 2.

What does sub mean in medical terms?

Sub-: Prefix meaning meaning under, below, less than normal, secondary, less than fully. As in subacute, subaortic stenosis, subarachnoid, subclavian, subclinical disease, subcutaneous, subdural, subglottis, subjacent, sublingual, subluxation, and subtotal hysterectomy. From the Latin preposition sub meaning under.

Is Hyper an adjective?

adjective. overexcited; overstimulated; keyed up. seriously or obsessively concerned; fanatical; rabid: She's hyper about noise pollution.