Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism
Powerpoint presentation by: Jessica Stevens

Actions of the thyroid
o Controls body temperature
o How body burns calories
o Controls how fast food moves through digestive tract
o Muscle strength
Thyroid hormones:
o T3-thyroxine
o T4-triiodothyronine
o Calcitonin

Hyperthyroidism is present when the thyroid gland is over secreting hormones.

Diarrhea and weight loss
Eye problems
Enlarged thyroid gland
Hair and skin changes
Heat intolerance
Heart palpitations
Clubbing
Menstrual cycle changes
Muscle weakness
Easily bruised
Nervousness
Restlessness
Anxiety
Irritability
Sleeplessness or insomnia
Exhaustion




Early diagnosis is key to treatment and recovery.

How do we diagnosis these disorders??
o Thyroid stimulation hormone (TSH) test
+ Normal levels of TSH are 0.4-4.5milliunits/L.
o Thyroid hormone test
+ In adults, a normal total T3 level is 80-230 ng/dL. Total T4 levels should be at 5-14 mcg/dL.
Grave’s disease.
A benign nodule on the thyroid.
Thyroiditis.
Taking too much of the synthetic thyroid hormone.

FEMALES…

With Grave’s Disease, the immune system begins to attack the thyroid and produces antibodies that mimic TSH.
Women are more likely to develop Grave’s disease.
Hereditary and environmental influences.
Radioactive iodine
o Typical treatment is 3-12 millicuries.
o However, this treatment can cause hypothyroidism.
o It must also be followed by thyroid replacing hormones.
Beta-Blockers
Antithyroid medication-Propylthiouracil (PTU) or Tapazole

Hypothyroidism is present when the thyroid gland is producing little or no thyroid hormones.
Cold intolerance
Slow digestion
Weight gain
Fatigue
Thin, coarse hair
Brittle fingernails
Muscle aches
Dizziness
Ringing in ears
Numbness
o Carpal tunnel
Poor memory
Skin changes
Voice changes
Milky discharge from breasts

Hypothyroidism can be linked to psychiatric depression.
Some symptoms found are:

Paranoia
Aural and Visual hallucinations
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Treatment for hyperthyroidism
Congenital hypothyroidism
Radiation therapy given to the head and/or neck
Side-effect hypothyroidism
Thyroid replacement pills-most common
Some medicines can cause hypothyroidism.
Stop the medication and symptoms should cease.

Cronin, Colleen. (2005) Hyperthyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism.ppt