Hypothyroidism

Question 1

describe the dysfunction of hypothyroidism

Answer 1

• Hypothyroidism occurs when not enough thyroxine is produced
• This lowers the body’s metabolic rate.
• Hypothyroidism can occur due to problems with the thyroid, pituitary gland or hypothalamus.
• Can be caused due to a lack of iodine. A thyroxine molecule contains four iodine atoms (T4) and a tri-iodothyronine molecule contains three atoms of iodine (T3).
• The thyroid gland will enlarge in an attempt to increase hormone production. The growth is called Goitre.

Question 2

what is this condition referred to as

Answer 2

underactive thyroid

Question 3

List 5 symptoms of hypothyroidism

Answer 3

1. slow heart rate
2. unexplained weight gain
3. fatigue
4. swelling to face
5. Goitre

Question 4

what is Goitre

Answer 4

Is the enlargement of the thyroid gland as it will enlarge to increase hormone production.

Question 5

List 3 forms of treatments for hypothyroidism

Answer 5

1. Iodine supplements
2. natural thyroid supplements
3. synthetic thyroid supplements

Question 6

what is one example of a synthetic thyroid supplement

Answer 6

• Levothyroxine

Question 7

describe natural thyroid supplements as a treatment

Answer 7

• Tablets made from dried and powdered thyroid glands of animals, mainly pigs.
• Such tablets contain both thyroid hormones, T3 and T4.
• These tablets also contain traces of other hormones.

Question 8

describe synthetic thyroid supplements as a treatment

Answer 8

• Levothyroxine is a manufactured form of thyroxine.
• It is available in both oral and injectable forms.
• Levothyroxine must be taken daily. It returns hormone levels to a healthy range, eliminating symptoms of hypothyroidism.
• Levothyroxine mimics the natural hormone of T4.

Question 9

what makes natural thyroid supplements user friendly

Answer 9

• Natural Thyroid supplements are made from pig thyroid glands which contain Thyroxine and Calcitonin
• Synthetic thyroid supplements only contain thyroxine
• patients depend on their bodies to convert T4 to T3 by enzymes if taking synthetic supplements
• Some patients may not have an enzyme working making them unable to convert T4 into T3.
  Natural supplements provides all the hormones needed.
• Natural thyroid supplements are very similar to natural human thyroid hormones.
• Hormones extracted from pig thyroid glands are identical in molecular structure to the human hormones.

Question 10

what makes synthetic thyroid supplements user friendly

Answer 10

• It treats the patient’s symptoms very well.
• Has little or no side effects
• Effective in stopping the growth of microscopic cancer cells in the thyroid.

Question 11

what makes iodine supplements user firendly

Answer 11

• Essential for the production of thyroid hormones.
• Is needed for the development of a foetus and childhood for neurological development.

Question 12

what are the risks associated with iodine supplements

Answer 12

• May cause …
• headaches
• diarrhea
• metallic taste.
• If hypersensitive to iodine there may be swelling to …
• lips
• face
• Increased risk of hypertension is an excess amount of iodine table salt is consumed.

Question 13

what risks are associated with syntheic thyroid supplemts

Answer 13

• Some individuals experience severe symptoms as their body doesn’t respond effectively to synthetic hormones
• Is not a cure so patients must take the medication for the rest of their lives.
• Doesn’t treat the disease but only manages the symptoms.
• Individuals must be aware of taking the correct dosage of levothyroxine.
• Too much levothyroxine can cause
• tiredness
• increased appetite
• sleep problems
• shakiness
• heart palpitations.

Question 14

what are the risks associated with natural thyroid supplements

Answer 14

• Animal thyroid pills aren’t purified meaning that they have substances that are not naturally found in humans
• The dosage of tablets containing thyroid hormones must be carefully monitored as different amounts can result in different negative side effects.
• Not enough will not relieve symptoms and too much can cause the individual to experience hyperthyroidism.

Question 15

what are the ethical concerns associated with iodine supplements

Answer 15

• During Ramadan Muslims with hypothyroidism can fast safely as they can take iodine tablets on an empty stomach at bedtime instead of half an hour before eating food.
• When purchasing the pharmacy must keep patients’ personal details from their Medicare card secure from not being spread to external parties.

Question 16

what are the ethical concerns associated with synthetic thyroid supplements

Answer 16

This medication is synthetic which may affect a patient to choose the drug as they may prefer natural treatments.
When purchasing the pharmacy must keep patients’ personal details from their Medicare card secure from not being spread to external parties.