Endocrine Health - Hypothyroidism Flashcards
Q: List some common symptoms of hypothyroidism.
A: Common symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, hair loss, depression, and intolerance to cold.
Q: What cardiovascular symptom is often associated with hypothyroidism?
A: Bradycardia (slow heart rate) is commonly associated with hypothyroidism.
Q: What distinguishes subclinical hypothyroidism from overt hypothyroidism?
A: In subclinical hypothyroidism, TSH is elevated while T4 levels remain within the normal range.
Q: What risks are associated with untreated subclinical hypothyroidism?
A: Risks include increased heart disease, cognitive impairment, and infertility.
Q: What is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis?
A: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease in which antibodies attack thyroid tissue, leading to reduced thyroid hormone production.
Q: What infections are associated with an increased risk of developing Hashimoto’s?
A: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Helicobacter pylori infections are associated with an increased risk.
Q: What is the primary allopathic treatment for hypothyroidism?
A: Levothyroxine (synthetic T4) is the primary treatment for hypothyroidism.
Q: What can interfere with the absorption of levothyroxine?
A: Absorption can be affected by food, coffee, and certain medications, so it’s recommended to take it on an empty stomach.
Q: Name two lifestyle changes that support hypothyroidism in a naturopathic approach.
A: Optimizing digestion and supporting stress management through the HPA axis are key naturopathic approaches.
Q: What dietary modification can help reduce inflammation in hypothyroid patients?
A: Optimizing omega-3:6 ratios and avoiding trans fats and high-sugar foods can help reduce inflammation.
Q: Why is selenium important for thyroid health?
A: Selenium supports the conversion of T4 to T3 and reduces inflammation in autoimmune thyroid conditions.
Q: Which vitamin helps modulate thyroid receptor function and reduce TSH?
A: Vitamin A plays a role in modulating thyroid receptor function and can help lower TSH levels.
Q: What is primary hypothyroidism, and what causes it?
A: Primary hypothyroidism involves pathological processes within the thyroid gland, leading to high TSH and low T4/T3. Causes include iodine deficiency, autoimmune disease, viral infections, drug-induced issues, and postpartum conditions.
Q: What is secondary hypothyroidism?
A: Secondary hypothyroidism occurs due to issues in the pituitary gland, leading to inadequate TSH release and subsequent low thyroid hormone levels (T4 and T3).
Q: How does tertiary hypothyroidism differ from primary and secondary types?
A: Tertiary hypothyroidism is due to inadequate release of TRH from the hypothalamus, which reduces TSH stimulation of the thyroid gland.
Q: What is subclinical hypothyroidism, and how is it detected?
A: Subclinical hypothyroidism involves slightly elevated TSH with normal T4 levels. It may involve T4 to T3 conversion issues or thyroid cell receptor resistance.
Q: List common symptoms of hypothyroidism.
A: Common symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, joint pain, dry skin, hair loss, brain fog, depression, constipation, low libido, and heavy or irregular menstrual periods.
Q: What cardiovascular symptoms are associated with hypothyroidism?
A: Bradycardia (slow heart rate) and high cholesterol, especially elevated LDL levels, are common cardiovascular symptoms.
Q: How might hypothyroidism affect reproductive health?
A: Hypothyroidism can cause fertility issues, low libido, increased miscarriage risk, and heavy or irregular menstrual periods.
Q: What distinguishes subclinical hypothyroidism from overt hypothyroidism?
A: In subclinical hypothyroidism, TSH is elevated, but T4 levels are within the normal range.
Q: What are the risks associated with untreated subclinical hypothyroidism?
A: Risks include heart failure, coronary artery disease, infertility, cognitive impairment, fatigue, and altered mood.