Thyroid Flashcards
What is produced from the thyroid gland and are the some of the things that it helps affect?
- Produces Thyroid Hormone
- Helps regulate; metabolism, cardiac/nervious system functions, body temp, muscle strength, weight.
What are the 2 types of thyroid disorder?
- HYPERthyroidism : overactive thyroid
- HYPOthyroidism: underactive thyroid
What are the 2 thyroid hormones that are made from the Thyroid Gland?
- Triiodothronine (T3)
- Throxine (T4)
T3 is made from the breakdown of T4
T3 is more potent BUT has shorter half life
What the is hormone that is released that helps with the regulation of the 2 thyroid hormones?
- Thyroid Stimulating Hormone
What is the negative feedback loop in relation to the Thyroid Hormones?
- Hypothalamus makes TRH activiating the Pituitary
- The Pituitary makes TSH activiating the Thyroid
- The Thyroid makes ** T3 and T4**
When high amounts of T3/4, then the Hypothalamus/Pituitary stops making their respectable things and vice versa
What is HYPOthyroidism?
- Low levels of T4 (& T3) with High Levels of TSH
What are some of the signs and symptoms of HYPOthyroidism?
- Cold
- Dry Skin
- Fatigue
- Muscle Cramps
- Constipation
- Weight Gain
- Goiter
The oppisite of HYPERThroidism
What is the most common cause of HYPOthyroidism?
What is it???
- Hashimoto’s Disease: autoimmune disease where antibodies attack the thyroid gland
- Some drugs can cause HYPO too (different card)
What are some of the Drugs that can cause HYPOthyroidism?
Remember ITALC
- Interferons
- Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors
- Amiodarone
- Lithium
- Carbamazepine
Other are: Oxcarbazepine, Eslicabazepine, Phenytion
What are the 2 lab results that help make the diagnosis of HYPOthyroidism?
- Low free T4 (normal is 0.9 - 2.3)
- High TSH (normal is 03. - 3)
How long should the TSH and symptoms be monitored for in someone that has HYPOthyroidism?
- Every 4 - 6 weeks
What are the main treatment options for someone that has HYPOthyroidism?
And what is the difference between them
- Levothyroxine (T4)
- Liothyronine (T3)
- Armour Thyroid (T3 + T4)
What is the intial dose we should use for someone that is going to be taking Levothyroxine for their HYPOthyroidism?
- 1.6 mg/kg/day
- If known CAD: start with 12.5-25 mcg
What are the warnings for some one taking Levothyroxine, Liothyronine, Armour Thyroid for their HYPOthyroidism?
- Decrease dose if the patient has any cardiovascular disease or bone mineral density issues
What are the side effects for some one taking Levothyroxine, Liothyronine, Armour Thyroid for their HYPOthyroidism?
- “HYPERthyroidism” like: increased HR, palpitations, sweating, weight loss, arrhythmias
What is important to know about taking Levothyroxine PO for someone with HYPOthyroidism?
- Taken with water at the same time everyday and at least 60 minutes before breakfast or AT bedtime
What is important to know about taking Levothyroxine IV for someone with HYPOthyroidism?
- IV to PO: 0.75:1
What are the tablet colors for Levothyroxine?
Remember: Orangutans Will Vomit On You Right Before They Become Large, Proud Giants
- Orange = 25 mcg
- White = 50 mcg
- Violet = 75 mcg
- Olive - 88 mcg
- Yellow = 100 mcg
- Rose = 112 mcg
- Brown = 125 mcg
- Turquoise = 137 mcg
- Blue = 150 mcg
- Lilac = 175 mcg
- Pink = 200 mcg
- Green = 300 mcg
What are some of the important drug interactions for those that are taking a HYPOthyroidism medication?
- DECREASE Levothyroxine absorption: Antacids (Fe, Ca, AL, Mg… separate by 4 hours)
- SSRIs and Estrogen can decrease TSH levels
What are some of the key counseling points for HYPOthyroid medications?
Levothyroxine
- Drug interactions are due to binding
- Take with water and 60 minutes before meals OR right before bed
- Pill Color
- Pregnant?
- Blood Work regularly (TSH and T4 level x 4-8 weeks)
What is HYPERthyroidism?
- When the thyroid is overactive
- High T4 & Low TSH
The oppisite of HYPO
What are the signs and symptoms of HYPERthyroidism?
- Hot
- Weight Loss
- Agitation
- Palpitations and Tachycardia
- Thinning hair
The oppisite fo HYPO
What is the most common cause of HYPERthyroidism?
- Graves disease: autoimmune disease where the antibodies stimulate the thyroid to make too much T4
What are some of the drugs that could cause HYPERthyroidism?
- Iodine
- Amiodarone
- Interferons