Thyroid Gland

Question 1

What does the thyroid gland produce?

Answer 1

Hormones that are key in the regulation of metabolism.
It has a direct effect on the liver.

Question 2

Describe T3 & T4 hormones from the thyroid gland.

Answer 2

T3 hormone is more active than T4.
T3 maintains normal functions of most tissue’s, increases the body’s metabolic rate required for normal development & function of the brain.
T4 hormones maintains normal functions of most tissues, increases the body’s metabolic rate.

Question 3

List some thyroid disorders:

Answer 3

Hyper secretion of thyroid hormones.
Hypo secretion of thyroid hormones.
Primary- disorder of thyroid gland itself.
Secondary- an increase or decrease in the production of TRH from the hypothalamus Or TSH from the pituitary gland.

Question 4

Thyroid Regulation:

Answer 4

TRH from hypothalamus
TSH from pituitary
T3
T4

Question 5

What is hyperthyroidism?

Answer 5

The thyroid gland secretes iodine containing hormones (T3 & T4).
An over production of these hormones can increase epinephrine & severe hypermotabolism.

Question 6

What can hyperthyroidism cause?

Answer 6

Cardiac
GI
& sympathetic nervous system decompensation.

Question 7

What are the signs & symptoms of hyperthyroidism?

Answer 7

Weight loss
Tremor
Bulging eyes
Agitation
Palpitations
Tachycardia
SOB
AF
Diarrhoea
Hair loss
Muscle weakness
Goitre
Rapid growth rate in children
Sweating
Palmar erythema

Question 8

What can hyperthyroidism cause?

Answer 8

Graves’ disease
Auto immune antibodies
Thyroid cancer
Thyroid nodules
Viral thyroiditis
Post partum thyroiditis

Question 9

What is Graves’ disease?

Answer 9

Most common type of hyperthyroidism.
Autoimmune disease.
May be genetic.

Question 10

What is an endocrine emergency: Thyroid Storm?

Answer 10

Hyperthermia
Tachycardia
AF
Agitated & confused
D&V

Question 11

What is hypothyroidism?

Answer 11

Doesn’t produce a sufficient amount of hormones.
May be a result of thyroid, hypothalamus, thyroid & pituitary dysfunction.
Inflammation of the thyroid gland can leave a large percentage of the cells damaged.
Lower metabolic rate.

Question 12

What are the sign’s & symptoms of hypothyroidism?

Answer 12

Weight gain
Feeling cold
Fatigue
Depression
Coarse skin
Dry hair
Hoarse voice
Constipation
Menstrual irregularities
Muscle weakness
Bradycardia
Cardimegaly
Carpal tunnel
Loss of eyebrows

Question 13

Name some causes of hypothyroidism.

Answer 13

Inflammation of the thyroid gland.
Damage to thyroid cells.
Autoimmune hashimoto thyroiditis.
Latrogenic - medical treatments.
Viral thyroiditis.
Post partum thyroiditis.
Certain medications such as lithium & amiodarone.
Radiation therapy of the neck.

Question 14

What is autoimmune thyroiditis?

Answer 14

Genetic & environmental factors.
Autoimmune diseases.
Antithyroid antibodies that attack thyroid tissue causing fibrosis.
Inflammation of the thyroid gland.
Reduced secretions of hormones.

Question 15

Endocrine emergency: myxoedemic coma.

Answer 15

End stage of untreated hypothyroidism.
Illness or trauma.
Patient stopping replacement therapy.
Diminished mental function, confusion/coma.
Hypothermia.
Low cardiac output/cardiac failure.
Pericardial effusion.
Hypoglycaemia.
Hypo ventilation.