40 Questions
What is the most common age range for people to develop an overactive thyroid?
20-40 years
What is a risk factor for thyroid cancer?
Exposure to high levels of radiation
What is a symptom of hypothyroidism?
Fatigue
What is the most common cause of hypothyroidism?
Hashimoto's disease
What is a type of thyroid disorder that occurs after childbirth?
Post-partum hypothyroidism
What is a symptom of hyperthyroidism?
Rapid heart rate
What is a type of thyroid disorder that results in an enlargement of the thyroid gland?
Goiter
What can damage the thyroid gland?
Some beauty devices
What is a common symptom of Hashimoto's thyroiditis?
Hypothyroidism
What does a high TSH level indicate?
Hypothyroidism
What is the treatment for hypothyroidism associated with Hashimoto's disease?
Levothyroxine (Levoxyl, Synthroid, others)
What is a risk factor for hyperthyroidism?
Family history of thyroid disease
What is the purpose of a TSH test?
To help tell how well the thyroid is working
What is a characteristic of Hashimoto's thyroiditis?
Inadequate thyroid hormone production
What is a normal T4 level in Hashimoto's thyroiditis?
Sometimes normal
At what time of the day should levothyroxine be taken?
In the morning before breakfast
At what age is hyperthyroidism more common?
Over 60 years old
What is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism?
Graves' disease
What is a symptom of Graves' disease?
Difficulty sleeping
What is a treatment option for hyperthyroidism?
Antithyroid medication
What is the most widely used treatment for hyperthyroidism in the United States?
Radioactive iodine ablation
What is a sign of an overactive thyroid?
Fatigue and weakness
What is the effect of beta blockers in treating hyperthyroidism?
They have no effect on thyroid hormone levels
What is the purpose of radioactive iodine therapy?
To destroy part of the thyroid gland
Which of the following medications can interact with thyroxin?
Antiepileptics
What should be avoided within several hours of dosing thyroxin?
Grapefruit or grapefruit juice
What is a possible effect of biotin use on thyroid function tests?
Falsely high levels of T4 and T3, and falsely low levels of TSH
Which of the following is NOT a medication that can interact with thyroxin?
Ibuprofen
What should be separated from the administration of levothyroxine by at least 4 hours?
Multivitamin with minerals
What is the effect of aluminum-containing antacids on thyroxin absorption?
Decreased absorption
Which of the following foods can reduce the absorption of levothyroxine?
Soybean flour
What is Sevelamer used to treat?
Hyperphosphatemia in patients with chronic kidney disease
What is the primary function of the thyroid gland?
To produce hormones that regulate the body's metabolic rate
What are the two main hormones produced by the thyroid gland?
Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3)
What is hypothyroidism?
A condition where the thyroid gland doesn't make enough thyroid hormone
What is a common symptom of hyperthyroidism?
Very loose stools
What is a common cause of thyroid gland damage?
Immune system attack
What is a possible complication of thyroid disorders?
Thyroid cancer
What is a common early warning sign of thyroid problems?
Digestive challenges
What happens when the thyroid gland produces too much of its hormones?
It can cause unpleasant and potentially serious problems
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
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.
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