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Questions and Answers
What is the most common age range for people to develop an overactive thyroid?
What is the most common age range for people to develop an overactive thyroid?
What is a risk factor for thyroid cancer?
What is a risk factor for thyroid cancer?
What is a symptom of hypothyroidism?
What is a symptom of hypothyroidism?
What is the most common cause of hypothyroidism?
What is the most common cause of hypothyroidism?
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What is a type of thyroid disorder that occurs after childbirth?
What is a type of thyroid disorder that occurs after childbirth?
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What is a symptom of hyperthyroidism?
What is a symptom of hyperthyroidism?
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What is a type of thyroid disorder that results in an enlargement of the thyroid gland?
What is a type of thyroid disorder that results in an enlargement of the thyroid gland?
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What can damage the thyroid gland?
What can damage the thyroid gland?
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What is a common symptom of Hashimoto's thyroiditis?
What is a common symptom of Hashimoto's thyroiditis?
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What does a high TSH level indicate?
What does a high TSH level indicate?
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What is the treatment for hypothyroidism associated with Hashimoto's disease?
What is the treatment for hypothyroidism associated with Hashimoto's disease?
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What is a risk factor for hyperthyroidism?
What is a risk factor for hyperthyroidism?
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What is the purpose of a TSH test?
What is the purpose of a TSH test?
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What is a characteristic of Hashimoto's thyroiditis?
What is a characteristic of Hashimoto's thyroiditis?
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What is a normal T4 level in Hashimoto's thyroiditis?
What is a normal T4 level in Hashimoto's thyroiditis?
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At what time of the day should levothyroxine be taken?
At what time of the day should levothyroxine be taken?
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At what age is hyperthyroidism more common?
At what age is hyperthyroidism more common?
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What is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism?
What is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism?
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What is a symptom of Graves' disease?
What is a symptom of Graves' disease?
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What is a treatment option for hyperthyroidism?
What is a treatment option for hyperthyroidism?
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What is the most widely used treatment for hyperthyroidism in the United States?
What is the most widely used treatment for hyperthyroidism in the United States?
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What is a sign of an overactive thyroid?
What is a sign of an overactive thyroid?
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What is the effect of beta blockers in treating hyperthyroidism?
What is the effect of beta blockers in treating hyperthyroidism?
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What is the purpose of radioactive iodine therapy?
What is the purpose of radioactive iodine therapy?
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Which of the following medications can interact with thyroxin?
Which of the following medications can interact with thyroxin?
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What should be avoided within several hours of dosing thyroxin?
What should be avoided within several hours of dosing thyroxin?
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What is a possible effect of biotin use on thyroid function tests?
What is a possible effect of biotin use on thyroid function tests?
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Which of the following is NOT a medication that can interact with thyroxin?
Which of the following is NOT a medication that can interact with thyroxin?
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What should be separated from the administration of levothyroxine by at least 4 hours?
What should be separated from the administration of levothyroxine by at least 4 hours?
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What is the effect of aluminum-containing antacids on thyroxin absorption?
What is the effect of aluminum-containing antacids on thyroxin absorption?
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Which of the following foods can reduce the absorption of levothyroxine?
Which of the following foods can reduce the absorption of levothyroxine?
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What is Sevelamer used to treat?
What is Sevelamer used to treat?
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What is the primary function of the thyroid gland?
What is the primary function of the thyroid gland?
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What are the two main hormones produced by the thyroid gland?
What are the two main hormones produced by the thyroid gland?
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What is hypothyroidism?
What is hypothyroidism?
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What is a common symptom of hyperthyroidism?
What is a common symptom of hyperthyroidism?
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What is a common cause of thyroid gland damage?
What is a common cause of thyroid gland damage?
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What is a possible complication of thyroid disorders?
What is a possible complication of thyroid disorders?
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What is a common early warning sign of thyroid problems?
What is a common early warning sign of thyroid problems?
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What happens when the thyroid gland produces too much of its hormones?
What happens when the thyroid gland produces too much of its hormones?
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Study Notes
Thyroid Gland
- The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland in the neck that produces two hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
- These hormones are necessary for all cells in the body to function normally.
Functions of Thyroid Gland
- The thyroid gland regulates the body's metabolic rate, controlling heart, muscle, and digestive function, brain development, and bone maintenance.
Thyroid Problems
- Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) occurs when the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone.
- Early warning signs of thyroid problems include:
- Digestive challenges
- Mood issues
- Unexplained weight fluctuations
- Skin problems
- Difficulty dealing with temperature changes
- Changes in vision
- Hair loss
- Memory problems
Thyroid Disorders
- Thyroid disorders can range from harmless goiter (enlarged gland) to life-threatening thyroid cancer.
- The two most common thyroid problems involve abnormal production of thyroid hormones:
- Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid): too much thyroid hormone production
- Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid): too little thyroid hormone production
Causes of Thyroid Gland Damage
- An underactive thyroid often occurs when the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, damaging it and leading to symptoms of hypothyroidism.
Age and Thyroid Problems
- Thyroid problems can occur at any age, but hyperthyroidism is more common in people aged 60 and older.
- Graves' disease, a common cause of hyperthyroidism, is more likely to occur between ages 40-60 years old.
Thyroid Disorders and Symptoms
- Goiter: enlargement of the thyroid gland
- Hyperthyroidism: symptoms include:
- Nervousness, anxiety, and irritability
- Mood swings
- Difficulty sleeping
- Persistent tiredness and weakness
- Sensitivity to heat
- Swelling in the neck from an enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)
- Irregular and/or fast heart rate (palpitations)
- Hypothyroidism: symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Lethargy
- Cold intolerance
- Weight gain
- Constipation
- Change in voice
- Dry skin
- Tiredness
- Sensitivity to cold
- Muscle aches and weakness
Thyroid Blood Tests
- Commonly ordered thyroid blood tests include:
- T4 test: measures the blood level of the hormone T4 (thyroxine)
- T3 total test: measures the other major thyroid hormone in the blood
- TSH test: measures thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) to help diagnose thyroid disorders
Treatment of Thyroid Disorders
- Hypothyroidism: treated with synthetic hormone called levothyroxine (T-4 hormone replacement therapy)
- Hyperthyroidism: treated with:
- Antithyroid medications (methimazole and propylthiouracil)
- Radioactive iodine ablation of the thyroid gland
- Surgical thyroidectomy
- Beta blockers
- Radioiodine therapy
- Thyroidectomy
Drug Interactions and Food Interactions
- Drug interactions with thyroxin (levothyroxine) include:
- Antacids
- PPI
- Iron supplements
- Calcium carbonate
- Sevelamer
- Raloxifene
- Orlistat
- Sucralfate
- Antiarrhythmics (such as amiodarone)
- Glucocorticoids
- Antiepileptics
- Food interactions with levothyroxine include:
- Soybean flour
- Cotton seed meal
- Walnuts
- Dietary fiber
- Calcium
- Calcium fortified juices
- Grapefruit or grapefruit juice
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Description
Learn about the thyroid gland, its hormones, and their role in regulating the body's metabolic rate, heart, muscle, and digestive functions, brain development, and bone maintenance.