Research Task: Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism Flashcards
Where is the thyroid gland located and what is its structure?
-Located in the neck, just below the larynx
-Consists of two lobes on either side of the trachea
What hormones does the thyroid gland secrete?
-Thyroxine (T4)
-Triiodothyronine (T3)
What is the main role of thyroxine (T4)?
Regulates body metabolism and helps release energy, some of which is used to maintain body temperature
How does the thyroid contribute to calcium homeostasis?
It releases calcitonin, which lowers blood calcium levels by inhibiting bone breakdown
What hormone stimulates the thyroid gland to produce hormones?
Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) from the anterior pituitary gland
How does the thyroid maintain homeostasis?
By regulating metabolism (via T4 and T3) and calcium levels (via calcitonin)
What are the causes of hyperthyroidism?
-Graves disease
-Thyroid nodules
-Excessive iodine intake
-Overmedication
What are the causes of hypothyroidism?
-Hashimoto’s disease
-Iodine deficiency
-Surgery/radiation
-Congenital hypothyroidism
-Lithium
What groups are at risk of hypothyroidism?
-Older women (aged 60)
-People with autoimmune diseases
-Iodine deficiency
-Thyroid surgery patients
-Newborns with congenital hypothyroidism
-People taking medication like lithium
What groups are at risk of hyperthyroidism?
-Women (especially 20-40)
-People with autoimmune diseases or family history
-Elderly with thyroid nodules
-Excess iodine users
-Overmedicated patients
What are the symptoms of Graves disease
-Feelings of irritability and nervousness
-Heat sensitivity
-Weight loss
-Goitre
-Menstrual changes
-Frequent bowl movements
-Bulging eyes
-Fast/irregular heartbeat
What are the symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease?
-Fatigue and sluggishness
-Increases sensitivity to cold
-Increased sleepiness
-Dry skin
-Constipated
-Muscles weakness
-Joint pain and stiffness
-Problems with memory and concentration
-Swelling of goitre
-Puffy face
Why do people with graves disease feel irritable and nervousness?
Excess thyroid hormone speeds up the activity of nervous system
Why are people with graves disease sensitive to heat?
An increases metabolic rate causes body temperature to increase too
Why do people with Graves disease lose weight?
The excess thyroid hormone increases the BMR, causing the body to burn more calories
Why do people with Graves disease have enlarged thyroid gland (goitre)
Thyroid may enlarge due to overstimulation by the immune system which causes to produce more hormones
Why do people that have Graves disease have menstrual cycle changes?
Excess thyroid hormones can disrupt the regularity of the menstrual cycle by affect the balance of other hormones
Why do people with Graves disease have increased bowel movements?
Thyroid hormone increases guy mobility, meaning the digestive system works faster
Why do people with Graves disease have bulging eyes?
The immune system also targets the tissues around the eyes causing the swelling.
Why do people with Graves disease have a fast/irregular heartbeat?
Excess thyroid hormones stimulate the heart rate because of the increase metabolic rate.
Why do people with Hashimoto’s disease feel fatigued or sluggish?
Low thyroid hormone levels slow down the body’s metabolism, making people feel tired and sluggish as the body uses energy inefficiently
Why are people with Hashimoto’s disease sensitive to cold?
Thyroid hormones helps regulate body temperature. When levels are too low, the body’s ability to generate heat is impaired
Why do people with Hashimoto’s disease feel sleepy?
Hypothyroidism slows metabolic processes and can disrupt the body’s sleep-wake cycle
Why do people with Hashimoto’s disease have dry skin?
Thyroid hormones help regulate skin health by maintaining moisture. When thyroid hormones are low, the skin becomes dry and rough due to reduced moisture retention