...Wrong With the Human Body: Hypothyroidism Introduction: Over time, a significant amount of problems with the human body have evolved. These problems have been developed due to both environmental and genetic factors. Dietary changes and urbanization have also played a crucial role in the development of problems that may occur. Our bodies contain a number of functioning systems that are all imperative to our survival. Without these systems, our bodies would not function and in turn, we would cease to exist. The endocrine system serves as one of the body’s ways of sending messages to the brain. It includes a number of vital glands that keep our body’s performance stable and functional. The thyroid gland is one of the most important components in the endocrine system. It is located in the neck, just under the voice box. Its primary function is to release the hormones thyroxin (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) which control body metabolism, by taking iodine from our food and converting it into these hormones. When the levels of T4 and T3 become too low, the pituitary gland must produce a Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) which then activates the thyroid gland to generate more hormones. (Norman, 2012). If the thyroid gland does not work properly, these hormones cannot be produced on their own. This condition is known as Hypothyroidism. This paper examines the types and causes of hypothyroidism, as well as the symptoms that may occur. Possible treatments and statistics of this health...
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...Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid is an endocrine disorder triggered by the failure of the small butterfly-shaped thyroid gland, located next to the Adam’s apple, to produce the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) that are essential to the body’s function. Hypothyroidism has been designated the silent disease that affects metabolism, weight, body temperature, breathing, and heart rate. Hypothyroidism is one of the most common diseases believed to affect millions of people around the world that is unpreventable, but regulated by medication, therefore it is imperative to understand some of the causes of hypothyroidism, the symptoms and untreated complications behind the disease, medical diagnosis, and treatments...
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...Valerie Van Beusekom Pharm D IV Paper Proposal I. Title: Subclinical hypothyroidism. The importance of screening, treating and management of patients with slightly elevated TSH levels when compared to reference ranges. II. Problem: Purpose of the Study: Subclinical hypothyroidism is defined as an elevated serum TSH level with a normal serum free T4 concentration. Whereas hypothyroidism is an elevated serum TSH level along with a decreased serum T4 concentration. In subclinical hypothyroidism the TSH level is usually above 4.5 mIU/L but not greater than 10 mIU/L. Subclinical hypothyroidism is a common condition discovered by thyroid screening. According to the review of Helfand and Redfern, 5% to 10% of adult women have an elevated TSH level.5 Controversy persists about screening for subclinical hypothyroidism and the TSH level at which treatment should be initiated. A 1998 position paper from the American College of Physicians questioned whether there were sufficient data to recommend treatment of patients with subclinical hypothyroidism.6 A 2004 publication from the US Preventive Services Task Force found that the data were insufficient to recommend for or against screening in adults.7In 2002, a consensus development panel sponsored by the American Thyroid Association, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, and the Endocrine Society found insufficient evidence to support screening and recommended against treating patients with a TSH concentration between...
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...essential for life and have many effects on body metabolism, growth, and development. Several different types of thyroid problems may develop including an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), and growths on the thyroid that may be nodules or cancer. As mentioned in an article from Cleveland clinic, to control metabolism, the thyroid produces hormones, T4 and T3, which tell the body's cells how much energy to use. A properly functioning thyroid will maintain the right amount of hormones needed to keep the body's metabolism functioning at a satisfactory rate. As the hormones are used, the thyroid creates replacements. The quantity of thyroid hormones in the bloodstream is monitored and controlled by the pituitary gland. When the pituitary gland, which is located in the center of the skull below the brain, senses either a lack of thyroid hormones or a high level of thyroid hormones, it will adjust Thyroid- stimulating hormones (TSH) and send it to the thyroid to tell it what to do. Thyroid disease is quite common. When the thyroid produces too much hormone, the body uses energy faster than it should. This condition is called hyperthyroidism. When the thyroid doesn't produce enough hormones, the body uses energy slower than it should. This condition is called hypothyroidism. There are many different reasons why either of these conditions...
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...The Difference Between Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism First let’s break these words down, so we may better understand them. Thyroid=thyroid gland, Ism=process;condition, hypo=deficient;below;under;lessthan normal, hyper=above;excessive. Hypothyroidism is a condition when there is a deficiency of thyroid hormones in the body. Hyper- thyroidism is characterized by excessive amounts of thyroid hormones in the body. These conditions are extremely difference cases. There are many signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as brady- cardia- decreased heart rate, constipation, intolerance to cold, memory problems, coarse dry hair, slow speech movements, puffy face, loss of eyebrow hair and heavy menstrual periods. Medications like lithium carbonate, genetic, decreased level of iodine in the body, disturbances in pituitary gland, hypothalamus, and infections. These are mainly causes of hypothyroidism. Treatment for this condition includes thyroid hormones such as thyroxine; which is a T4 hormone of the thyroid gland. Hyperthyroidism is caused by any growth present in the thyroid gland. Thyroid glands can be affected by a disorder called Grave’s disease, which is a immunological disorder. A sign of hyperthyroidism is a classical feature of protruding eyeball. Hyperthyroidism can also lead to thyrotoxicosis-the over production of a hormone by the butterfly-shaped gland in the neck. There is a treatment for hyperthyroidism. Anti-thyroid drugs...
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...This interview has similar findings compared to the literature results in regards to her symptoms. Although J.C. did not display all of the known symptoms of hypothyroidism, she experienced fatigue, slowed thoughts, acne, and weight gain but attributed these symptoms to her pregnancy. Her treatment consists of levothyroxine, routine blood work, and check-ups. Acne does not appear to be a common symptom of hypothyroidism. Hashimoto’s disease is a known cause and in reflection of the literature information found, she should be checked for additional immune diseases. J.C. was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease at thirty-two-years-old and this diagnosis is most common in thirty to fifty-year-old women (Huether & McCance, 2012). Surprisingly,...
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...Temeka Campbell NURS 337 SEC 01 Instructor Susan Growe-Rosenthal, MSN/Ed, RN Alterations of Thyroid Function April 18, 2014 Abstract Disorders of thyroid function develop as a result of primary dysfunction or disease of the thyroid gland, or secondarily, as a result of the pituitary or hypothalamic alterations. Both primary and secondary disorders result in some sort of alteration to the thyroid hormone (TH), thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), and the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). If these levels are elevated or showing inadequate production of the hormone, then the result would be hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Of course there are underlying causes for these hormone levels to alter such as, thyrotoxicosis, Graves’ disease, and Hashimoto disease to name a few. This paper will describe the difference between hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. The thyroid gland is the largest endocrine gland in the body. It is located in the anterior part of the neck, on the trachea just inferior to the larynx. Internally, the gland is composed of hollow, spherical follicles, which have follicle cells that produce thyroglobulin. Thyroid hormone (TH) derives from thyroglobulin. Thyroid hormone is referred to as the body’s major metabolic hormone. TH is actually two iodine containing amine hormones, thyroxine or T4 , and triiodothyronine or T3. TH is regulated through negative feedback loop involving the hypothalamus, the anterior pituitary, and the thyroid gland. TRH, which is synthesized...
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...Health Care Models Analysis Directions: Develop a hypothetical case requiring the treatment of a patient (for example, the patient has a virus, an allergy, or a chronic condition). Using this case, explain the process in which each model (medical, holistic, epidemiological triangle, and social) would provide treatment (considering underlying causes, symptoms, as well as personal, social, economic, and environmental factors). If a model can be explained using a labeled graphic, then that is acceptable as well. Hypothetical Case (basic details only): A 23 year old female presents today with hypothyroidism. She is obese with a BMI of 50, has hypertension, and diabetes. She is concerned about how this affects her weight, hypertension and diabetes. There is a family history of hypertension and diabetes on both the maternal and paternal side. Her maternal grandmother died of a stroke at the age of 45. Medical Model: In diagnosing hypothyroidism, your doctor will take into account both your symptoms and the results of a thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) test. Hypothyroidism is the result of diminished levels of thyroid hormones—known as T3 and T4. Today's TSH tests are very accurate and sensitive; they can help diagnose even the mildest cases of hypothyroidism. Your doctor may measure the level of free T4 (the portion of total T4 thyroid hormone that is available to your tissues) in your bloodstream. A third hypothyroid test is for anti-thyroid microsomal antibodies—anti-thyroid...
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...essential for life and have many effects on body metabolism, growth, and development. Several different types of thyroid problems may develop including an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), and growths on the thyroid that may be nodules or cancer. As mentioned in an article from Cleveland clinic, to control metabolism, the thyroid produces hormones, T4 and T3, which tell the body's cells how much energy to use. A properly functioning thyroid will maintain the right amount of hormones needed to keep the body's metabolism functioning at a satisfactory rate. As the hormones are used, the thyroid creates replacements. The quantity of thyroid hormones in the bloodstream is monitored and controlled by the pituitary gland. When the pituitary gland, which is located in the center of the skull below the brain, senses either a lack of thyroid hormones or a high level of thyroid hormones, it will adjust Thyroid- stimulating hormones (TSH) and send it to the thyroid to tell it what to do. Thyroid disease is quite common. When the thyroid produces too much hormone, the body uses energy faster than it should. This condition is called hyperthyroidism. When the thyroid doesn't produce enough hormones, the body uses energy slower than it should. This condition is called hypothyroidism. There are many different reasons why either of these conditions...
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...Differences between Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism Before you talk about the differences between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism you first have to know what the purpose of the thyroid. The thyroid gland is a butterfly shaped gland that produces hormones for your body to function. These hormones helps help the brain, heart, muscles and many other major organs. The thyroid gland is located in the front of your neck at the base of your throat. Hypothyroidism means under active thyroid and it does not produce enough hormones needed for the body. It makes your body slow down. Symptoms are fatigue, dry skin nails and hair, constipation, weight gain, heavy mensural flow, irritability, bradycardia (decreased heart rate), increased respiratory rate. In blood testing hypothyroidism shows decreased levels of T3 and T4 and increased levels of TSH. Hypothyroidism is treated by supplements of thyroid hormones and are lifelong treatments. Hyperthyroidism means over active thyroid and produces too much hormone. This causes the body to go into over drive and speed up. Symptoms are sweating, feeling hot, and racing thoughts, anxiety, fatigue, increased bowel movements, insomnia, muscle weakness, soft nails, increased moisture of the skin, tachycardia (increased heart rate). In blood testing the T3 and T4 levels are increased and the TSH levels are decreased. The treatment for hyperthyroidism is by anti- thyroid drugs and is taken lifelong. There are auto immune diseases that can...
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...The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the base of the throat. The thyroid is the largest of the endocrine glands; it has two lobes joined by the isthmus. It hugs the trachea on either side of the second and third ring, opposite of 5th, 6th, and 7th cervical vertebrae. Though the thyroid is small, it has an enormously important job to do, especially for teens. It manufactures the hormones that help control metabolism and growth. To produce thyroid hormones, the thyroid needs a chemical element called iodine that the body absorbs from the foods such as seafood, bread, and salt and from the water you drink. “The entire body contains about 50 milligrams of iodine. About 1/5 to 1/3 of that supply (10 to 15 milligrams) is stored in your thyroid. The thyroid combines the iodine with tyrosine to make important hormones.” Thyroid hormones travel through the bloodstream of your body’s cells. They are important to the growth and structure of bones, puberty and sexual development, and many other body functions. They are responsible for helping your cells convert oxygen and calories into the energy, which is needed to help them work properly. These hormones are important in making sure your body will mature as it should and may affect how your organs function. The two most important thyroid hormones are thyroxine (T4) and triiodothronine (T3), which account for 99.9% and 0.1% of the thyroid hormones present in your blood supply. The hormone with...
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...Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism happens due to a lack of production of thyroid hormone from the thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism may be primary or central, primary being the more common one. The most common cause of primary hypothyroidism is autoimmune thyroiditis which is characterized by inflammation and destruction of thyroid tissue. This happens due to infiltration of autoreactive T lymphocytes and circulating thyroid autoantibodies. Hypothyroidism is related to many genetic risk factors and is associated with many other autoimmune disorders such as hashimoto thyroiditis, subacute thyroiditis, painless thyroiditis, and postpartum thyroiditis. One type of hypothyroidism is congenital hypothyroidism which is when an infant is born without thyroid...
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...Hypothyroidism is an underactive thyroid gland; a glandular disorder resulting from insufficient production of thyroid hormones. This occurs when your body does not produce enough thyroid hormone. The main purpose of thyroid hormone is to "run the body's metabolism," it is understandable that people with this condition will have symptoms associated with a slow metabolism. There are two common causes of hypothyroidism. The first is a result of previous inflammation of the thyroid gland, which leaves a large percentage of the cells of the thyroid damaged (or dead) and incapable of producing sufficient hormone. The second major cause is the broad category of "medical treatments." The treatment of many thyroid conditions is surgical removal of a portion or all of the thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism is diagnosed by a simple blood test to see how much thyroid is in the blood. This blood tests the levels of T4 and TSH (thyroid - stimulating hormone) in the blood. The signs and symptoms of Hypothyroidism are: fatigue, weakness, weight gain or increased difficulty losing weight, Coarse or dry hair, dry or rough pale skin, hair loss, cold intolerance (you can't tolerate cold temperatures), muscle cramps and frequent muscle aches, constipation, depression, irritability, memory loss, abnormal menstrual cycles and decreased libido. My father has suffered from this for years, cause by diabetes. He takes Levothyroxine, manages a strict diet and follows a rigorous exercise routine. Hyperthyroidism...
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...Juana Davidson Hypothyroidism Professor Cocimano HTH 1105- 92016 To understand hypothyroidism, you must first understand the function of the thyroid. The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly shaped organ at the base of your neck, measuring only 2-4 inches in diameter. (Sagmiller, 2) The principle role of the thyroid gland is to manufacture, store, and secrete the thyroid hormones, 1-thyroxine (T4) and triidothyroxine (T3). The thyroid is also responsible for storing much of the body’s supply of iodine, which is used to form T4 and T3. The hypothalamus detects a need for more thyroid hormone and signals the pituitary gland to make thyrotropin (TSH). The thyroid then adjusts its production of hormones based on the amount of TSH it receives. When the thyroid does not make enough hormones, hypothyroidism occurs. (Blanchard and Abrams-Brill) Simply put, hypothyroidism is the result of an underactive thyroid. Because the thyroid controls metabolism, regulates body temperature, affects body weight, muscle strength, energy level, and fertility (Sagmill, 206), an underactive thyroid can have significant effects on individuals who are diagnosed with hypothyroidism. There are an estimated 27 million people living with hypothyroidism, the majority being female. Women are nine times more likely to develop this disease, most cases occurring during the childbearing years. (Blanchard and Abrams-Brill, 1491) While not as common; men and children are still susceptible to the disease. After...
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...production r/t femur fracture DRY SKIN: Dehydration FATIGUE: Pt could be pain LABS: What labs should be ordered for patient CBC; TSH; Serum Electrolyte Levels; Kanahi Beathea Johnnie Tolbert Critical Thinking Chapter 21 From the findings the pt was presenting with s/s of hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism develops when the thyroid gland fails to produce or secrete as much Thyroxine(T4) as the body needs. Because thyroxine regulates such essential functions as heart rate, digestion, physical growth, and mental development, an insufficient supply of this hormone can slow life sustaining process, damage organs and tissue in every part of the body, and lead to life-threatening complications. Hypothyroidism is very common in patients over 60 years of age, and is steadily increasing with age. The symptoms of hypothyroidism are very non-specific in all patients, even more so in the older patient. Symptoms and signs of hypothyroidism may include weight gain, sleepiness, dry skin, and constipation. But lack of these symptoms does not rule out the diagnosis. To make this diagnosis in the elderly patient, you will need to palpate the patient thyroid for a lump to determine thyroid dysfunctions. Clues to possibility of hypothyroidism include a positive family history of...
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