TFTs Flashcards
What are the main functions of the thyroid gland
Regulation of body metabolism
T4 and T3 stimulate body tissue to produce protein and to increase the amount of oxygen used by cells
Calcium balance
Calcitonin works with parathormone to regulate calcium levels in the body (although parathormone has the greater influence)
Which hormone stimulates the thyroid to secrete further hormones
TSH - Thyroid stimulating hormone
Which of the thyroid hormones are metabolically activating
T3 - Triiodothyronine
The conversion of T4 into T3 occurs in the liver - 80%
What does Thyrotropin-releasing hormone act on
Pituitary gland - stimulates the production and release of TSH
Where is T4 converted into T3
Predominately within the liver - about 80%
20% of the conversation occurs within the thyroid gland itself.
What regulates the levels of T3 and T4
TSH - Thyroid-stimulating hormone - released by the pituitary gland
If TSH levels are high what are the T3 and T4 levels likely to be
low, TSH has been stimulated by low levels of T4 and T3
What are the main causes of hypothyroidism
Auto-immune destruction of the thyroid gland
Overtreatment of hyperthyroidism
Rarely it can be caused by a lack of TSH
What are the main treatment options available for hypothyroidism
Oral Levothyroxine
What pattern of blood results would you expect to find with hyperthyroidism
Elevated T4 and low levels of TSH
Causes of hyperthyroidism
Graves disease - auto-immune
Hypothalmic/Pituitary tumours can secrete excess TSH
Treatment options available for hyperthyroidism
Carbimazole
Radioactive iodine
Surgery
