Endocrine Tests & Symptoms Flashcards
What is a GTT test?
Glucose tolerance test. Checks how your body breaks down sugar. Can be used to screen for type 2 diabetes.
What is a TSH test?
Measures amount of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in your blood.
What is a radioactive iodine test?
You take radioactive iodine. The iodine collects in your thyroid gland in order to be used to produce hormones. Watch for the amount of iodine absorbed. Too much iodine absorption means your thyroid is producing too much thyroxine which is called hyperthyroidism.
What is a ADH test?
Measures amount of anti diuretic hormone (ADH) in blood. Higher than normal levels can indicate syndrome of inappropriate ADH (SIADH).
What is an ACTH test?
Measures amount of ACTH, a hormone released from the anterior pituitary gland. Can indicate Addison’s disease or Cushing’s disease.
What is a growth hormone test?
Measures the level of growth hormone in the blood after receiving medication that triggers the release of GH. It measures the ability of the pituitary gland to release GH. Low release levels indicates growth hormone deficiency. In adults it’s called pan hypopituitarism.
What is goiter?
When the thyroid gland grows larger than normal. Caused by a dietary deficiency of iodine.
What is Chvostek’s sign?
A twitching of the facial muscles when you tap over the facial nerve. It indicates tetany.
What is tetany?
Muscle contractions around the mouth and eyes. The face, fingers, and toes begin to tingle. May have painful “cramps.” Most serious effect is spasm of the larynx. Can occur when there is no parathyroid hormone.
What is gigantism?
Abnormally large growth due to an excess of growth hormone.
What is cretinism?
Permanent retardation of physical and mental development. Occurs when hypothyroidism is not treated during infancy.
