Hypothyroidism

Question 1

Define hypothyroidism

Answer 1

Clinical effect of thyroid hormone lack.

Middle-aged women.

Question 2

What are the signs & symptoms of hypothyroidism

Answer 2

Symptoms;

• Tired, sleepy, lethargic
• Low mood, hate cold, fat

Signs (BRADYCARDIC);

• Bradycardic
• Reflexes relax slowly
• Ataxia (cerebellar)
• Dry thin hair/ skin
• Yawning/ drowsy/ coma
• Cold hands
• Ascites +/- non-pitting oedema
• Round puffy face/ double chin/ obese
• Defeated demeanour
• Immobile +/- ilius
• CCF

Question 3

Outline the causes of hypothyroidism

Answer 3

Primary autoimmune;

• Primary atrophic hypothyroidism
  
  • Diffuse lymphocytic infiltration ⇒ atrophy (no goitre)
• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
  
  • Lymphocytic & plasma cell infiltration ⇒ goitre
  • Hypothyroid/ euthyroid

Other primary include; post-thyroidectomy/ radioiodine/ drug induced

Secondary hypothyroidism; not enough TSH