Question

One patient presents with hyperthyroid and one patient presents with hypothyroid. Briefly describe how each patient might present (how they are different). Describe what your two patients’ initial lab results show.

Answer 1

The signs and symptoms, of Hyperthyroidism include;

·         Sudden weight loss, even when your appetite and the amount and type of food you eat remain the same or even increase

·         Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) — commonly more than 100 beats a minute — irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) or pounding of your heart (palpitations)

·         Increased appetite

·         Nervousness, anxiety and irritability

·         Tremor — usually a fine trembling in your hands and fingers

·         Sweating

·         Changes in menstrual patterns

·         Increased sensitivity to heat

·         Changes in bowel patterns, especially more frequent bowel movements

·         An enlarged thyroid gland (goiter), which may appear as a swelling at the base of your neck

·         Fatigue, muscle weakness

·         Difficulty sleeping

·         Skin thinning

·         Fine, brittle hair

Hypothyroidism signs and symptoms may include:

·         Fatigue

·         Increased sensitivity to cold

·         Constipation

·         Dry skin

·         Weight gain

·         Puffy face

·        

·         Hoarseness

·         Muscle weakness

·         Elevated blood cholesterol level

·         Muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness

·         Pain, stiffness or swelling in your joints

·         Heavier than normal or irregular menstrual periods

·         Thinning hair

·         Slowed heart rate

·         Depression

·         Impaired memory

The diagnosis of hyperthyroidism is nearly always associated with a low (suppressed) TSH ( Thyroid-stimulating hormone) level.

An abnormally high level of TSH, it could mean hypothyroidism (Mayo clinic). ?