Endocrine Health - Hyperthyroidism Flashcards
Q: What autoimmune condition is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism?
A: Grave’s disease is the most common autoimmune cause of hyperthyroidism.
Q: What unique eye symptom is associated with Grave’s disease?
A: Exophthalmos, or bulging of the eyes, is commonly associated with Grave’s disease.
Q: How might a naturopathic approach inhibit thyroid hormone synthesis in hyperthyroid patients?
A: Increasing intake of goitrogens (like raw kale or cabbage) can help inhibit thyroid hormone synthesis.
Q: Name an herb used naturopathically to help manage symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
A: Bugleweed (Lycopus virginicus) is often used to manage mild hyperthyroidism symptoms.
Q: What is hyperthyroidism, and how is it classified?
A: Hyperthyroidism is a condition characterized by increased levels of thyroid hormones. It is classified into thyrotoxicosis (increased hormone synthesis) and thyroiditis (release of stored hormones due to thyroid damage).
Q: What is thyrotoxicosis, and what are its key causes?
A: Thyrotoxicosis is caused by increased synthesis of thyroid hormones. Key causes include Grave’s disease (80%), multinodular goitre (20%), adenoma (5%), and iodine-induced hyperthyroidism (<1%).
Q: What causes thyroiditis, and how does it lead to hyperthyroidism?
A: Thyroiditis leads to hyperthyroidism due to the release of stored hormones from thyroid damage. Causes include viral infections, autoimmune conditions, and the medication amiodarone.
Q: List some common skin-related symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
A: Common skin-related symptoms include thinning or loss of hair, warm and moist skin, sweating, and heat intolerance.
Q: How does hyperthyroidism affect the nervous system?
A: Symptoms in the nervous system include irritability, nervousness, insomnia, anxiety, lid retraction, and sometimes psychosis.
Q: What cardiovascular symptoms are associated with hyperthyroidism?
A: Cardiovascular symptoms include tachycardia (rapid heart rate), palpitations, shortness of breath, atrial fibrillation, and worsening angina.
Q: What are common gastrointestinal symptoms of hyperthyroidism?
A: Gastrointestinal symptoms include weight loss despite increased appetite, thirst, and diarrhea.
Q: What is Grave’s disease, and what causes it?
A: Grave’s disease is an autoimmune form of hyperthyroidism caused by B and T-lymphocyte-mediated autoimmunity, where abnormal IgG antibodies (TRAbs) occupy TSH receptors, leading to excess hormone production.
Q: What is the role of TSH receptor antibodies (TRAbs) in Grave’s disease?
A: TRAbs stimulate the thyroid to overproduce hormones, causing hyperplasia and enlargement of the thyroid.
Q: What is Grave’s orbitopathy, and what are its symptoms?
A: Grave’s orbitopathy is an antibody-mediated inflammation of the orbital contents, causing photophobia, excess eye-watering, swollen/red eyelids, exophthalmos (eye protrusion), and double vision.
Q: Describe Grave’s dermopathy.
A: Grave’s dermopathy is a painless rash that appears thick, lumpy, and red, resembling “orange peel” texture, typically on the lower legs and tops of the feet.
Q: How does family history influence the risk of hyperthyroidism?
A: Family history, especially maternal relatives with thyroid disorders, increases the risk. Maternal TRABs can also cross the placenta, leading to neonatal thyrotoxicosis.
Q: What is hyperthyroidism?
A: Hyperthyroidism is a condition characterized by elevated levels of thyroid hormones, increasing metabolic rate and activity in the body.
Q: What are the two main subtypes of hyperthyroidism?
A: The two main subtypes are thyrotoxicosis, due to increased hormone synthesis, and thyroiditis, which releases stored hormones due to thyroid damage.
Q: What is the most common cause of thyrotoxicosis?
A: The most common cause is Grave’s disease, accounting for 80% of cases.
Q: Name other causes of thyrotoxicosis.
A: Other causes include multinodular goiter (20%), adenoma (5%), and iodine-induced hyperthyroidism (<1%).
Q: What skin-related symptoms are common in hyperthyroidism?
A: Common symptoms include thinning or loss of hair, warm and moist skin, sweating, and heat intolerance.
Q: How does hyperthyroidism affect the cardiovascular system?
A: It can cause tachycardia, palpitations, shortness of breath, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and worsening angina.
Q: What are common gastrointestinal symptoms of hyperthyroidism?
A: Symptoms include weight loss despite increased appetite, thirst, and diarrhea.
Q: What type of hyperthyroidism is Grave’s disease?
A: Grave’s disease is an autoimmune form of hyperthyroidism.
Q: What antibodies are typically found in Grave’s disease?
A: Thyrotropin receptor antibodies (TRAbs) and TPO antibodies are commonly found.
Q: How does TRAb affect the thyroid in Grave’s disease?
A: TRAbs bind to TSH receptors on thyroid cells, leading to thyroid enlargement (hyperplasia) and excessive thyroid hormone production.
Q: What eye condition is associated with Grave’s disease, and what are its symptoms?
A: Grave’s orbitopathy, seen in 25% of cases, can cause photophobia, eye-watering, red and swollen eyes, exophthalmos, and double vision.
Q: What is Grave’s dermopathy, and what does it look like?
A: Grave’s dermopathy is a painless, thick, lumpy, red rash that appears like “orange peel” on the lower legs or tops of feet.
Q: How does family history affect hyperthyroidism risk?
A: A family history of thyroid disorders, especially from maternal relatives, increases the risk. Maternal TRAbs can also cross the placenta, causing neonatal thyrotoxicosis.
Q: What lifestyle factors can increase hyperthyroidism risk?
A: Smoking and stress (e.g., emotional shock) can increase the risk and severity of hyperthyroidism.
Q: Which infections are associated with an increased risk of Grave’s disease?
A: Infections such as Yersinia enterocolitica, Borrelia burgdorferi, and hepatitis C are linked to a higher risk of Grave’s disease.
Q: What is the typical TSH level in hyperthyroidism?
A: TSH is usually low in hyperthyroidism due to negative feedback from elevated thyroid hormones.
Q: What antibody tests are used to diagnose Grave’s disease?
A: Tests for TRAbs and TPO antibodies are used to diagnose Grave’s disease.
Q: How is subclinical hyperthyroidism defined?
A: Subclinical hyperthyroidism is defined by a low but detectable TSH level (0.1 to 0.4 mIU/L) with normal T3 and T4 levels.
Q: What are the six main naturopathic strategies for managing hyperthyroidism?
A: The strategies include addressing micronutrient deficiencies, inhibiting thyroid hormone synthesis, reducing inflammation, supporting the nervous system, addressing gut health, and supporting thyroid hormone clearance.
Q: What micronutrients are commonly supplemented to reduce oxidative stress in hyperthyroidism?
A: Selenium, zinc, vitamins A, C, D, E, and glutathione-supporting compounds like NAC and milk thistle.
Q: Which foods should be avoided in hyperthyroidism to inhibit hormone synthesis?
A: Iodine-rich foods and foods low in goitrogens should be avoided. Increasing goitrogenic foods, like raw kale and cabbage, can help reduce thyroid activity.
Q: What dietary strategies help reduce inflammation in hyperthyroidism?
A: Optimizing the omega-6:3 ratio, avoiding high arachidonic acid foods, and including anti-inflammatory agents like quercetin help reduce inflammation.
Q: How does quercetin help with hyperthyroidism?
A: Quercetin inhibits enzymes like LOX and COX and reduces the inflammatory marker NF-κB.
Q: Why is blood sugar balance important in managing hyperthyroidism?
A: Balanced blood sugar helps stabilize the nervous system and reduce symptoms like anxiety and irritability, which are common in hyperthyroidism.
Q: What herbs and supplements can support the nervous system in hyperthyroidism?
A: Passionflower, valerian, magnesium (non-citrate), and adaptogens like ashwagandha help to calm and stabilize the nervous system.
Q: What foods support sulphation and help clear thyroid hormones?
A: Sulphur-rich foods like onions, garlic, and glucosinolates (from brassicas) support sulphation pathways for hormone clearance.
Q: What foods and supplements support glucuronidation in thyroid hormone clearance?
A: Vitamin E, vitamin A, quercetin-rich foods, magnesium, and β-glucuronidase inhibitors like milk thistle and reishi mushrooms.
Q: How can lutein support eye health in Grave’s disease?
A: Lutein and other carotenoids help reduce oxidative stress, which can decrease retroocular fibroblast proliferation and eye protrusion.
Q: What is the recommended daily dose of lutein for eye health in hyperthyroidism?
A: The recommended dose is 10–20 mg of lutein daily.
Q: Why are B vitamins important for patients with hyperthyroidism?
A: B vitamins support energy production in response to the increased metabolic demands caused by hyperthyroidism.
Q: What foods provide a good source of B vitamins for patients with hyperthyroidism?
A: Whole grains, legumes, leafy greens, and fortified cereals are rich in B vitamins.
Q: How does carnitine help manage hyperthyroidism symptoms?
A: Carnitine helps inhibit the entry of T3 and T4 into cells, reducing symptoms like muscle weakness and preventing thyroid storms.
Q: What is the recommended dosage of carnitine for hyperthyroid patients?
A: The recommended dosage is 2,000 to 4,000 mg daily.
Q: Why is vitamin D important in hyperthyroidism management?
A: Vitamin D supports immune function, may slow disease progression, and helps mitigate bone loss common in hyperthyroidism.
Q: What is the typical daily dose of vitamin D for hyperthyroid patients?
A: A daily dose of 2,000 IU is recommended.
Q: What is the role of bugleweed in managing hyperthyroidism?
A: Bugleweed acts as a thyroxine antagonist, helping to reduce T4 levels in mild hyperthyroidism.
Q: What herbal options support cardiac symptoms in hyperthyroidism?
A: Motherwort is used to help manage cardiac symptoms like palpitations in hyperthyroidism, though it should be avoided in pregnancy and certain cardiac conditions.
Q: Why is lemon balm used in hyperthyroidism management?
A: Lemon balm blocks thyroid hormone activity, helping to alleviate symptoms associated with elevated thyroid hormone levels.
