Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism

Question 1

What is hypothyroidism?

Answer 1

Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland is underactive in producing thyroxine and other important hormones

Question 2

What is hyperthyroidism?

Answer 2

Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid gland is overactive and produces too much of the hormone thyroxine
It accelerates the body’s metabolism dramatically

Question 3

What are the causes of hypothyroidism?

Answer 3

The main cause of hypothyroidism is a lack of the hormone Thyroxine (T3 and T4) in the blood
There are many causes of hypothyroidism including:
- Iodine defeciency disease
- Hasmitos Disease
- Surgery
- Pituitary Gland Dysfunction 
- Birth defects
- Particular drugs

Question 4

What are the causes of hyperthyroidism?

Answer 4

• The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder which is caused when your own immune system antibodies start to attack your body.
• Genetics
• Cancer
• Thyroiditis = inflammation of the thyroid gland

Question 5

What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism?

Answer 5

• Unexplained weight gain
• Fatigue
• Sensitive to cold
• Decrease in heart rate and blood pressure
• Decrease in thyroxine levels
• Goitre (swelling of the neck)
  Pain and swelling in the joints

Question 6

What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism?

Answer 6

• Rapid weight loss
• Bulging/protruding eyes
• Increase in heart rate and blood pressure
• Increase in sweating
• Increase in fatigue

Question 7

What are the treatments for hypothyroidism?

Answer 7

• Replacement of Iodine in the diet (salt, fish)
• Surgery to remove goitre
• Thyroxine replacement - tablet form

Question 8

What are the treatments for hyperthyroidism?

Answer 8

• Radioactive iodine - liquid form - absorbed by the thyroid gland where it causes the gland to shrink and kills the iodine cells in the thyroid gland
• Anti-thyroid medication = will reduce symptoms and prevent the thyroid gland from producing excess amounts of thyroid hormones
• Surgery (thyroidectomy) = removal of part of or all of the thyroid gland