hypothyroidism

Examples of hypothyroidism in the following topics:

• Thyroid Gland Disorders

  • Hypothyroidism is the underproduction of the thyroid hormones T3 and T4.
  • Hypothyroidism is treated with hormone replacement therapy, such as levothyroxine, which is typically required for the rest of the patient's life.
  • But when the hypothyroidism is caused by iodine insufficiency, the thyroid is unable to produce T3 and T4.
  • At the beginning, the gland may be overactive, and then become underactive as the gland is damaged, which results in too little thyroid hormone production or hypothyroidism.
  • Differentiate among the types of thyroid gland disorders: hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and thyroid nodules

• Action of Thyroid Hormones

  • A person who suffers from hyperthyroidism (an over-active thyroid) will experience a fever; conversely, a person who suffers from hypothyroidism (a less active thyroid) will experience a decrease in body temperature.

• Pituitary Gland Disorders

  • Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) deficiency leads to hypothyroidism (lack of production of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) in the thyroid).
  • In children, hypothyroidism leads to delayed growth and in extreme inborn forms to a syndrome called cretinism.

• Development of the Endocrine System

  • Hypothyroidism results from an insufficient amount of thyroxine, with symptoms caused by a reduction in the rate of oxidative energy-releasing reactions within the body cells.
  • Hypothyroidism in children, a condition known as cretinism, can result in mental retardation, dwarfism, and permanent sexual immaturity.

• Hypertension

  • Hypertension can also be caused by endocrine conditions, such as Cushing's syndrome, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism and acromegaly.

• Breathing Patterns

  • Often a symptom of hypertension, heart arryhmias, or slow metabolic rate from hypothyroidism.

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

  • Some common conditions that can lead to CTS include obesity, oral contraceptives, hypothyroidism, arthritis, diabetes, and trauma.

• Raynaud's Phenomenon

  • Other causes of secondary Raynaud's include physical trauma, Lyme disease, hypothyroidism, carpal tunnel syndrome, magnesium deficiency, and multiple sclerosis.

• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

  • Fatigue in SLE is probably multifactorial and has been related to not only disease activity or complications such as anemia or hypothyroidism, but also to pain, depression, poor sleep quality, poor physical fitness, and perceived lack of social support.