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Shvoong Home>Medicine & Health>Thyroidism - Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism Review

Thyroidism - Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism

Book Review   by:Jem1020     Original Author: jem1020
  • Summary rating: 2 stars (1 Ratings)
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THYROIDISM
Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism



Thyroidism is a thyroid dysfunction,

Thyroid gland is the butterfly-shaped gland covering the windpipe just below the adam’s apple in the neck. It is part of the endocrine system. It regulates tissue and organ functions, metabolism, growth and development by secreting hormones into the bloodstream. Thyroid hormone regulate cell metabolism (energy production) which affects nearly every organ and cell in the body.

Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland release lesser hormones than what the body needs.

Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland releases more hormone that what the body needs.

Signs and symptoms for thyroidism:
· vague and diffuse
· stress or aging

Hypothyroidism

CAUSES

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis – is an autoimmune disease. Your
immune system create antibodies that attack cells of the thyroid gland. This causes inflammation or loss of thyroid function.

Idiopathic thyroid atrophy – destruction of thyroid tissue for
unknown reasons.

Iodine deficiency - when thyroid gland needs iodine to produce
thyroid hormone.

Subacute thyroiditis – following viral upper respiratory tract
infection.



Medical treatment:
· subtotal thyroidectomy – surgical removal of part of the thyroid gland
· radiation
· anti-thyroid drugs


Pituitary Adenoma – benign tumor of the pituitary gland


RISK FACTORS

· Age – risk increase with age
· Sex – female
· Pregnancy – postpartum thyroiditis ( first hyperthyroidism
then followed by hypothyroidism)
· History of family members with hypothyroidism
· History of autoimmune desease
- pernicious anemia
- diabetes
- underactive adrenal or parathyroid gland
- rheumatoid arthritis
- lupus

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms develop gradually and may go unnoticed for years.

Early Symptoms
· enlargement of the thyroid gland (goiter) – not always present
· fullness of the neck
· difficulty swallowing

Later Symptoms
· fatigue
· weakness
· coarse, brittle hair
· dry skin
· cold intolerance
· weight gain
· constipation
· achy feeling all over
· depression or irritability
· memory loss
· heavy menstrual period

Symptoms of severe and prolonged cases
· diffuse swelling of the skin and tissue around the eyes
· slow heart rate
· hypothermia (low body temperature)
· hoarseness


DIAGNOSIS

· Doctor asks symptoms and medical history
· Doctor perform physical exam. Exam reveals goiter, enlarged thyroid.
· Blood tests to measure the hormone level and to look for antibodies that attack the thyroid gland
· Needle biopsy – rare cases

TREATMENT

· Early stage of Hashimoto’s Thyroidism – no specific treatment
· Developed hypothyroidism – need to start medication that replaces the thyroid hormone.

PREVENTION

· no guidelines
· speak with the doctor



Hyperthyroidism

CAUSES

Grave’s disease – occurs when your own immune system
produce antibodies that stimulate over production of thyroid hormone

Thyroid nodule or tumor

Toxic nodular goiter – a single nodule in the thyroid gland

Thyroiditis – inflammation of the thyroid gland (often later
leads to hypothyroidism)


RISK FACTORS

· Sex – female (8 times more common in women)
· Age – 20-40 years old
· Pregnancy – postpartum thyroiditis
· Hitory of family members with Grave’s disease
· Certain viral infection

SYMPTOMS

· fatigue
· unexplained weight loss
· restlessness
· changes in libido
· muscle weakness
· heat intolerance
· tremors
· enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)
· Heart palpitation and rapid pulse
· Increased sweating
· Blurred and double vision
· Nervousness
· Irritability
· Redness, swelling, protrusion of the eyes
· Lumpy, reddish thickening of the skin in front of the chins
· Hair changes
· Restless sleep

DIAGNOSIS

· Doctor asks symptoms and medical history
·
Published: October 28, 2007   
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