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.