Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism Flashcards
1
Q
What is hypothyroidism?
A
Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland is underactive in producing thyroxine and other important hormones
2
Q
What is hyperthyroidism?
A
Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid gland is overactive and produces too much of the hormone thyroxine
It accelerates the body’s metabolism dramatically
3
Q
What are the causes of hypothyroidism?
A
The main cause of hypothyroidism is a lack of the hormone Thyroxine (T3 and T4) in the blood There are many causes of hypothyroidism including: - Iodine defeciency disease - Hasmitos Disease - Surgery - Pituitary Gland Dysfunction - Birth defects - Particular drugs
4
Q
What are the causes of hyperthyroidism?
A
- The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder which is caused when your own immune system antibodies start to attack your body.
- Genetics
- Cancer
- Thyroiditis = inflammation of the thyroid gland
5
Q
What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism?
A
- Unexplained weight gain
- Fatigue
- Sensitive to cold
- Decrease in heart rate and blood pressure
- Decrease in thyroxine levels
- Goitre (swelling of the neck)
Pain and swelling in the joints
6
Q
What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism?
A
- Rapid weight loss
- Bulging/protruding eyes
- Increase in heart rate and blood pressure
- Increase in sweating
- Increase in fatigue
7
Q
What are the treatments for hypothyroidism?
A
- Replacement of Iodine in the diet (salt, fish)
- Surgery to remove goitre
- Thyroxine replacement - tablet form
8
Q
What are the treatments for hyperthyroidism?
A
- Radioactive iodine - liquid form - absorbed by the thyroid gland where it causes the gland to shrink and kills the iodine cells in the thyroid gland
- Anti-thyroid medication = will reduce symptoms and prevent the thyroid gland from producing excess amounts of thyroid hormones
- Surgery (thyroidectomy) = removal of part of or all of the thyroid gland
