Thyroidism Research Paper

A physical exam and blood tests can usually determine if you have a thyroid issue, which one, and the potential causes of it.

Karen Holt describes in her 2010 article Graves’ Disease: Clinical Pathophysiology, Presentation and Treatment Options of certain genetic markers that cause the blood vessels surrounding the thyroid gland to dilate, most often occurring in the second to third decade of life. The dilation of these vessels causes an increase in blood flow and thyroid-stimulating antibodies excite thyrotropin receptors on the gland itself in the same manner that TSH usually works. These antibodies, known as TSAb, bypass the negative feedback loop that TSH works under causing the follicles to produce thyroid hormones in copious amounts without the ability to turn themselves “off”. This in turn causes the thyroid gland to hypertrophy and grow as much as 2 to 3 times its normal size (p. 13-14). In an effort to stop the overproduction of thyroid hormones the pituitary gland will stop making TSH and this becomes part of the diagnosing for Graves’ disease when assessing hyperthyroidism. Increased levels of free T3 and T4 along with an almost non-detectable level of TSH in a blood screen are very indicative of Graves’ disease (Holt, 2010, p. 14). There is no cure for Graves’ disease, but it is treatable with lifestyle adjustments as well as drug therapy it can be managed to a point (p 46).

Commonly, problems with the thyroid involve an abnormal production level of these hormones. It is called hyperthyroidism if there the thyroid hormones are overproduced, and this can cause things like Graves’ disease, Toxic adenomas, and subacute thyroiditis (7). Hypothyroidism is the underproduction of the hormones which can be caused by an inflamed thyroid, iodine deficiency, a non-functioning thyroid gland and more. Hypothyroidism is especially dangerous in infants and newborns as the lack of these thyroid hormones can lead to mental retardation and dwarfism (7). However, in humans hypothyroidism can be caused by things such as a pituitary disorder, a defective thyroid or a lack of the gland completely. (7)

Graves' disease, which is caused by a generalized overactivity of the thyroid gland, is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. In this condition, the thyroid gland usually is renegade, which means it has lost the ability to respond to the normal control by the pituitary gland via TSH. Graves' disease is hereditary and is up to five times more common among women than men. The triggers for Graves' disease include stress,

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.

Hyperparathyroidism is an excess of parathyroid hormone in the bloodstream due to overactivity of one or more of the body's four parathyroid glands. These glands are about the size of a grain of rice and are located in your neck. The parathyroid glands make parathyroid hormone, which helps sustain a suitable balance of calcium in the bloodstream and in tissues that depend on calcium for good functioning. Two types of hyperparathyroidism exist. In primary hyperparathyroidism, an increase of one or more of the parathyroid glands causes overproduction of the hormone, developing in high levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia), which can cause a variety of health problems. Surgery is the most common treatment for primary hyperparathyroidism. Secondary hyperparathyroidism happens as a result of additional disease that primarily causes low levels of calcium in the body and over time, increased

When it goes untreated, there are physical signs and symptoms that may develop such as an enlarged thyroid gland, mild to severe eye problems, and even skin lesions with a thickening of the skin of the tibia. Some of the early symptoms of Graves’ disease are weight loss, anxiety, chest pain, muscle weakness, shortness of breath, and irregular menstrual periods. During the early stages, not everyone will experience symptoms; while others will experience many of them.

When doing my research, I found a blogger who had a similar experience as I, when it came to their doctor. Funnier, she even had the same argument! This writer went on to state how her doctor had made an irrational remark saying "Maybe it's not your thyroid, maybe you just need to get off the couch and eat less." Harsh, right? I unfortunately had about the same response from my doctor when I went in for a CT.

Pay attention to your body and the signals it’s trying to give you, watching for any of the symptoms listed above. If you feel something may be off balance don’t hesitate to reach out to your physician.

Hyperthyroidism , part of the endocrine system, is a the gland that makes hormones that controls the way every cell in the body uses energy. Your thyroid is located in the front of your neck where the collarbones meet. Having this disease can affect some vital signs. Having hyperthyroidism can cause heart palpitations and high blood pressure. Therefore, because of having this disease, blood pressure and pulse need to be checked and documented every visit. It is important to collect vital signs and note them because it could help diagnose a patient.

Hyperthyroidism has a varying group of signs and symptoms. Because the thyroid has an effect on all functions of the body and metabolism, many things occur through They can range from nervousness to exophthalmos. The most important symptom is tachycardia. If there is an unexplained or persistent bout of tachycardia, it should be monitored carefully for any signs of other disorders or diseases. One sign of hyperthyroidism seen often is exophthalmos or proptosis, the protrusion of a single or both eye. This is an opthalmyopathy that can go along with lid lag, photophobia, diplopia and irritation (Hinkle & Cheever, 2014¬). This is due to edema in the tissues surround the eyes. Other symptoms of hyperthyroidism are palpitations, tremors, shortness of breath and dyspnea, muscle weakness, flushing, diaphoresis, irregular menstruation (amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea), hyperventilation, and increased body temperature or heat

Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are both disorders of the thyroid gland and both have to do with the secretion of triiodothyronine and thyroxine. The thyroid hormones are stimulated by the thyroid stimulating hormone, which come from the adenohypophysis, and controls the release of triiodothyronine and thyroxine. Hyperthyroidism, also known as Grave’s disease, means that there is means there is too much thyroid hormone in the system. Symptoms are weight loss, high basal metabolic rate, sweating, nervousness, and rapid heart rate. Hypothyroidism, also known as myxedema, is when there is not enough secretion of thyroid hormones. The symptoms are the exact opposite there is weight gain, lethargy, mental sluggishness, and reduced heart rate.

The central effects of hyperthyroidism are most pronounced in development. Cerebral circulation and oxygen consumption elevate. "In hyperthyroidism, Beta-adrenergic binding sites in the cerebral cortex increases and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) binding sites are decreases." (Bucurescu,2014). Brain levels of serotonin, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, and substance P are altered. Native pain sensitivity and number of opiate receptors are increases. Thyroid hormones affect myelination, therefore increased levels lead to oxidative damage to the myelin membrane and/or the oligodendroglial cells. The neurological manifestation is primarily due to the effect of thyroid hormones on other neurotransmitters, hormones, and generalized increased basal metabolic rate. Some of the neurological symptoms are:

A number of people have complained to have the same hypothyroid symptoms, even after being treated. Wining is not the solution to this, but being aware of these symptoms will help you treat it in the most effective way. Also, when you know you have the condition, you can find ways of solving it.

A patient with hypothyroidism will need to take thyroid replacement hormones for the rest of his or her life. In most cases once the thyroid hormones are managed and maintained within normal levels the outcome is positive. A patient with hyperthyroidism will depend on how they react from treatment. Hyperthyroidism is usually treatable and sometimes it may go away naturally. However, a patient with hyperthyroidism due to an autoimmune disorder such as Grave’s Disease usually gets worse and will affect quality of life.