Hypothyroidism Research Paper

Graves ' disease is an immune system disorder that results in the overproduction of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism). The thyroid gland is an important organ of the endocrine system. The gland is located at the front of the neck above where the collarbones meet. This gland releases the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which control body metabolism. Controlling metabolism is important for regulating mood, weight, and mental and physical energy levels. When the body makes too much thyroid hormone, the condition is called hyperthyroidism. Graves disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism and is most common in women over age 20. But the disorder can occur at any age and can affect men as well. Some of the symptoms of Graves diseases are

Hashimoto thyroiditis is a common disease caused by hypothyroidism. The immune system cells attack the thyroid gland, causing inflammation and eventually destruction of the gland. This reduces the thyroids ability to make hormones. These hormones are known as thyroxine (T4) and tri-iodothyronine (T3) (Better health channel 2015).

3. As hypothyroidism progresses, symptoms will start to occur including fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, peripheral neuropathy, memory loss, sleep apnea, and daytime drowsiness.

Hashimoto Thyroiditis also known as Hashimoto’s disease named after Hakarum Hashimoto back in 1912, is an Autoimmune Lymphocytic infiltration of the thyroid gland by antithyroid autoantibodies. It is highly likely for a person to develop Hypothyroidism as a result of the autoantibodies attacking the thyroid and keeping the thyroid from producing the amount of hormones our bodies need. As stated in the Ear, Nose and Throat Journal “Approximately 5% of the general population has hypothyroidism, with Hashimoto thyroiditis the most common cause.”(2) The journal also goes on to say how women are affected disproportionately with a ratio of 10:1. While there is not a definite cause of Hashimoto’s it has been researched that majority of people who have the disease have a family member who also suffer from thyroid disease, suggesting that it could be genetic.

There are many causes of hyperthyroidism, but the symptoms of hyperthyroidism are the same no matter what causes the over expression of thyroid hormones. The main symptoms of hyperthyroidism are fatigue, shortness of breath, weak muscles, anxiety, difficulty sleeping and heart palpitations. Interestingly, even with an increase in appetite the patient will have weight loss.

Out of all the different types of thyroiditis, Hashimoto’s disease (or chronic thyroiditis) is the most common. Thyroiditis is often a cause for hypothyroidism and goiter. Since Hashimoto’s disease is the most common form of thyroiditis, it is then concluded that it is also the most frequent cause of hypothyroidism and goiter. Those who have the highest chances of suffering from Hashimoto’s disease are middle-aged women who have a family history of thyroid dysfunctions. Some of the symptoms of chronic thyroiditis are enlarged neck, presence of goiter, constipation, mild weight gain, hair loss, and intolerance to colder temperatures.

Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid does not produce enough of the hormones that are required to maintain metabolism (Harvard School of Medicine, 2007).

TPO is an enzyme that plays a role in the production of thyroid hormones. However, over time, thyroiditis causes slow and chronic cell damage leading to the development of a goiter (enlarged thyroid) with gradual thyroid failure, and most patients will eventually develop symptoms of hypothyroidism. Hypothyroid symptoms may include fatigue, weight gain, constipation, increased sensitivity to cold, dry skin, depression, muscle aches and reduced exercise tolerance, and irregular or heavy menses. (American Thyroid Association 2017).

There are two leading problems experienced by the thyroid; hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. These conditions lead to over production or an underactive thyroid gland respectively. Symptoms vary but

V.G.’s current symptoms of fatigue, difficulty concentrating, a weight gain of 10 pounds and irregularity noted to her menstrual cycle along with lab findings of an elevate TSH and a decreased T4 level are consistent with hypothyroidism. The condition is more common in women and is associated with an increased risk of heart disease (Woo & Wynne, 2012). Individuals with hypothyroidism present with clinical findings which may include bradycardia, anemia, dyspnea, decreased appetite, constipation, weight gain, hyperlipidemia, dry skin, brittle hair, difficulty with reproduction, memory impairment, hearing loss and changes in vision (Woo & Wynne, 2012). These clinical manifestations are secondary to changes in metabolic demands and blood flow secondary to the thyroid hormone (Woo & Wynne, 2012). With this wide array of potential symptoms V.G.’s physical exam would involve a thorough head to toe exam carefully evaluating her current cardiovascular status including blood pressure, heart sounds, rhythm and rate with perfusion assessment to identify bradycardia and risks of heart failure. In addition, a careful examination of her neck would be

Primary causes include iodine deficiency and the autoimmune disease named after Hashimoto (NIDDK, 2013). As stated earlier iodine deficiency occurs in countries that do not have iodine in their water supply. Hashimoto’s disease occurs when there is a problem with the immune system that causes white blood cells to accumulate on the thyroid gland that results in loss of thyroid function (NIDDK, 2013). Other causes of primary hypothyroidism include: thyroidectomy, thyroid ablation, inflammation of thyroid gland, not enough medication and some medications (NIDDK, 2013). Causes of secondary hypothyroidism include: pituitary cancer, Sheehan syndrome, injuries of the brain, brain cancer, radiation, administration of growth hormones, and brain hemorrhages (NIDDK, 2013). The numerous symptoms of hypothyroidism include: weight gain, decreased activity, fatigue, constipation, intolerance of cold conditions, pain in the muscles and joints, dry, course hair with or without hair loss, depression, problems with memory, bradycardia, problems in women with menstruation (NIDDK, 2013). People may experience any of these symptoms. People that have hypothyroidism for prolonged period of time have symptoms that may include: loss of taste, hoarse voice, edema, slow speech, thin eyebrows and thick skin (NIDDK, 2013). Diagnosis of this disease is not always easy because these

The symptoms of Hypothyroidism: Swollen neck, brittle nails, coarse hair, hair loss, weight gain, intolerance to cold/heat, irregular menstrual, fatigue, depression, skin disorders, puffy face, constipation and numbness of limbs. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms you should consult with you physician about a diagnosis.

Hyperthyroid is a disease that happens when your thyroid gland makes an increased amount of the hormone thyroxine than usual. When having Hyperthyroid your body’s metabolism will increase majorly.This causes many symptoms and signs such as a rapid heartbeat, nervousness, irritability, sweating, insomnia, sudden weight loss, hand tremors( Very big symptom), and the enlargement of the eyes and neck.There are a few different ways the doctor can find out if you have this disease. One of the ways is by your family medical history and a physical exam.

Both hypo and hyperthyroidism are a result of a disease in caused by malfunction of the thyroid gland located in the neck as represented by the image below left. The causes of chronic hypothyroidism are fairly distinct. Around the world in third-world and developing countries, iodine deficiency is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. This used to be true as well for developed countries, but today this is a less common cause as iodine usually finds its way into our diets without too much trouble. In modern-day developed countries, hypothyroidism is mainly a result of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, a birth defect which lacks a thyroid gland or a deficiency of hormones from either the hypothalamus or the pituitary gland.

Chronic diseases such as hyperthyroidism can be debilitating if not managed well. Hyperthyroidism is an overactive thyroid gland that secrets too much hormones throughout the body causing many different clinical manifestations within all systems. The thyroid gland is located right underneath the larynx also known as the voice box, and straddling the windpipe.