Endocrine system 2

Question 1

What is the thyroid?

Answer 1

• One of the eight major glands in the endocrine system
• Butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck that controls metabolism

Question 2

What are the functions of the thyroid?

Answer 2

• Thyroid gland produces hormones to regulate the body’s metabolic rate, growth and development.
• The thyroid glands plays a role in controlling the heart, muscle and digestive function, brain development and bone maintenance.
• Its correct functioning depends on a good supply of iodine from the diet.

Question 3

What are the two main syndromes of thyroid dysfunction?

Answer 3

• Hyperthyroidism is a condition that the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone leading to weight loss, fast heart rate, sweating and nervousness.
• Most common cause for an overactive thyroid is an autoimmune disease called Grave’s disease.
• Hypothyroidism, underactive thyroid, refers to a condition when the thyroid gland doesn’t make enough hormones to meet the body’s needs. The body’s functions slow down.

Question 4

What is the TCM view of thyroid conditions?

Answer 4

• Liver, Spleen, Heart and Kidneys are involved
• Secondary influences from the conception vessel and Stomach channel.
• Aetiological factors include; constitution, lifestyle factors, emotional injury, diet, phlegm, environment, chemicals and drugs.

Question 5

What are the two pathological processes seen in early thyroid pathology?

Answer 5

• Two pathological processes are seen in early thyroid pathology which involve disruption to the main energetic axes if the body: Liver and Spleen and the Heart and Kidneys.
• Liver-Spleen axis responsible for harvesting and distribution of daily qi and blood.
• The Heart-Kidney axis is the relationship between essence and Shen, clarity of consciousness, memory and longevity and the ability to function in such a way as to be able to reproduce and transmit essence through time.

Question 6

What is Goitre?

Answer 6

Pattern based treatment
* Diffuse thyroid swellings or nodules
* Swellings include benign (adenomas, cysts) as well as potentially malignant masses.
Mass assessment:
* Shape and symmetry
* The presence of pain or absence of pain
* Irregularity of the surface
* Mobility of the mass
* The thyroid gland itself
* The presence of lymphadenopathy

Question 7

What are the patterns of goitre?

Answer 7

• Kidney Qi Xu
• Kidney Yang Xu
• Kidney essence insufficiency
• Kidney Yin Xu
• Kidney yin xu with fire effulgence
• Kidney failing to receive Qi

Question 8

What are the treatment principles of goitre?

Answer 8

• Tonify the Kidney and replenish QI
• Warm the Kidney and tonify the life gate
• Tonify the Kidney, secure essence
• Secure essence and reduce urination
• Enrich the Kidney and replenish yin
• Enrich kidney yin, clear ministerial fire
• Promote qi absorption to calm panting

Question 9

What is the TCM perspective of hyperthyroidism?

Answer 9

• Liver Qi constraint with heat or fire, phlegm and yin xu.

Question 10

What is the TCM perspective of hypothyroidism?

Answer 10

• Based on the deficiency of qi, blood, essence, yang in the Spleen, Heart and Kidney.

Question 11

What are the red flags in hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism?

Answer 11

Red flags
* Severe heart rate changes
* Uncontrolled weight fluctuations
* Extreme fatigue
* Mental health issues

Referrals
* Specialists such as endocrinologist
* Cardiologist
* Mental health practitioners

Testing
* Thyroid function tests