Endocrine Conditions Flashcards
What is Hyperthyroidism?
- Overactive thyroid gland, producing an excessive amount of thyroid hormones
- High levels of triiodothyronine and thyroxine, low levels of TSH
What is the most common cause of Hyperthyroidism?
Graves disease
What is Graves disease?
An autoimmune disease defined as hyperthyroidism which is caused by stimulation of thyriod
What are the signs and symptoms of Hyperthyroidism?
- Anxiety/ mood swings
- Hyperactivity
- Lethargy
- Weak muscles
- Diarrhoea
- Thirst
- Swelling in neck
- Itchiness
- Excessive sweating
What medication is used to control Hyperthyroidism?
1st trimester = Propylthiouracil
2nd trimester = Carbimazole
What effect can Hyperthyroidism have on the baby?
If not controlled, increased risk of:
- Miscarriage
- Complications (e.g. PET)
- Prematurity/LBW
- Neonatal hypoglycaemia
What is Hypothyroidism?
- Underactive thyroid, meaning it does not produce enough thyroid hormones
- High levels of TSH, low levels of thyroxine
What is the most common cause of Hypothyroidism?
Hashimoto disease
What is Hashimoto disease?
An autoimmune disease which causes the formation of antibodies that attack the thyroid
What are the signs and symptoms of Hypothyroidism?
- Lethargy
- Depression
- Weight gain
- Dry skin and hair
- Constipation
What medication is used to treat Hypothyroidism?
Levothyroxine (must increase dose in pregnancy, then decrease after delivery)
What is prolactinoma?
- Non-cancerous tumour on the pituitary gland due to overproduction of prolactin
- Decreases oestrogen levels
What are the signs and symptoms of prolactinoma?
- Painful sex
- Acne
- Excessive body hair growth
- Headaches and visual disturbances
What is the treatment for prolactinoma?
- Medication (e.g. dopamine agonists to decrease prolactin levels) (however these are not recommended in pregnancy)
- Surgery to remove the tumour
