Thyroid Gland

found in the neck, below the thyroid cartilage

The bridge between the two lobes of the thyroid
is the Isthmus
Its a butterfly- shape organ, lobus dexter, right
lobe, lobus sinister, left lobe
Composed of Follicular and Parafollicular cells
Follicular Cells produce the Thyroxine (T4) and
Triiodothyronine(T3)
Parafollicular Cells produce and secrete
Thyrocalcitonin, w/c helps regulate serum
calcium level in the blood in response to
Hypercalcemia and serum Phosphorous
levels by reducing bone resorption

Up to 80% of the T
4
is converted to T
3
by
peripheral organs such as the liver, kidney
and spleen.
T
3
is several times more powerful than T
4
,
which is largely a pro hormone,
four or even ten times more active.


Hormonal output from the thyroid is
regulated by thyroid-stimulating
hormone (TSH)produced by the
anterior pituitary, which itself is regulated
by thyrotropin-releasing hormone(TRH)
produced by the hypothalamus.
The most common problems of the
thyroid gland
Overactive thyroid gland,
Hyperthyroidism
Underactive thyroid gland
Hypothyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid, is
the overproduction of the thyroid hormones
T
3
and T
4
, and is most commonly caused
by the development of Graves' disease, an
autoimmune disease in which antibodies
are produced which stimulate the thyroid to
secrete excessive quantities of thyroid
hormones.
The disease can result in the formation of
a toxic goiter as a result of thyroid growth
in response to a lack of negative feedback
mechanisms.

Typical symptoms of hyperthyroidism
thyroid goiter
protruding eyes (exopthalmos)
palpitations
excess sweating
diarrhea
weight loss
muscle weakness
unusual sensitivity to heat.
appetite is often increased.

Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is the underproduction
of the thyroid hormones T
3
and T
4
.
Autoimmune disorders such
as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, iodine
deficiency or the removal of the
thyroid following surgery to treat severe
hyperthyroidism and/or thyroid cancer,
causes hypothyroidism


Typical symptoms of hypothyroidism
abnormal weight gain
tiredness
baldness
cold intolerance and
bradycardia

Hypothyroidism is treated with hormone
replacement therapy such
levothyroxine,

Psychosocial Assessment of
Hyperthyroidism
-Mood swings
-Decrease attention span
-Manic behavior
Diagnostic Assessment of Hyperthyroidism
-Thyroid Scan-Evaluates the position,
size and functions
-Ultrasonography- To determine its
size, composition of masses and
nodules
-Electrocardiography- Usually shows
tachycardia, atrial fibrillation and changes
in P and T waveforms

Drug Therapy Hyperthyroidism
-Propylthiouracil (PTU)
-Methimazole (Tapazole)
-Carbimazole (Neo-Mercazole)