Thyroid Disorders

Question 1

Discuss T3, T4, and TSH levels in:

a. Hypothyroidism
b. Hyperthyroidism

Answer 1

a) Hypothyroidism

• T3 and T4 are low because thryoid gland is underactive
• TSH is elevated as pituitary attempts to stimulate thyroid to produce more T3 and T4

b) Hyperthyroidism

• T3 and T4 are high because the hyroid is hyperactive
  -TSH is low as pituitary attempts to surpress T3/T4 production

Question 2

3. Define:

a. Grave’s Disease
b. Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
c. Myxedema
d. Thyrotoxicosis

Answer 2

a) Grave’s Disease - An autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism.
b) Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis - n autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid gland, leading to hypothyroidism.
c) Myxedema - A severe form of hypothyroidism that can occur when the condition is untreated or poorly managed.
d) Thyrotoxicosis - A condition where there is excess thyroid hormone in the body, either from hyperthyroidism (excessive hormone production) or from thyroid hormone therapy (overdose).

Question 3

Manifestations of Hypo and Hyperthyroidism.

Answer 3

Hypothyroidism

• Decreased metabolic rate
• Dry, pale skin
• Priorbital edema
• Bradycardia, HoTN
• Lethargy, depression, slow reflexes
• Weight gain
• Cold intolerance

Hyperthyroidism

• Increased metabolic rate
• Warm, moist skin
• Bulging eyes
• Tachycardia, arrhythmias
• Nervousness, tremours, hyperrelexia
• Weightloss

Question 4

Define goitre and its causes.

Answer 4

Goitre: A swelling in the neck resulting from an enlarged thyroid gland

Potential causes:
- Iodine deficiency: The most common cause worldwide, where the thyroid enlarges in response to low iodine intake.
- Grave’s disease: An autoimmune disorder that overstimulates the thyroid gland.
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis: An autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and may result in goiter.
- Thyroid nodules: Benign or malignant growths in the thyroid gland.
- Thyroid cancer: Malignant tumors that can cause the thyroid to enlarge.
Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to transient goiter formation.
- Medications: Certain medications, like lithium or amiodarone, can cause goiter.
- Pituitary disease: Increased TSH levels due to pituitary dysfunction can lead to goiter formation.