Question

Discuss at least three symptoms caused by physiologic changes and consequences of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Discuss the findings for each type of thyroid disorders; comparing and contrasting symptoms, lab findings, and possible etiologies. Discuss how pharmaceutical treatments are designed to alleviate those symptoms. What are the risks and benefits of these treatments? What are potential drug interactions with these medications?

Answer 1

Ans. Following symptoms are caused by physiologic changes and consequence of hypothyroidism ---

1. Weight gain --- The hormones the thyroid gland releases help to regulate metabolism, or how effectively the body will burn food for energy. And in hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland makes less of its hormone which results in metabolism slow down and delayed calories burn off which will eventually result in weight gain.

2. Fluid retention like edema, pleural effusion --- The thyroid gland releases hormones that play a role in managing fluid levels, and hypothyroidism limits kidney activity all this results in disruption of fluid balance and fluid filtration causing edema.

3. Hair loss --- The thyroid hormone plays an essential role in the development and maintenance of the hair follicles, and because of disruption of hormone production, the hair falls out and may not get replaced by new growth resulting in thining and loss of hair.

Following symptoms are caused by physiologic changes and consequence of hyperthyroidism ----

1. Exophthalmos -- Because of sympathetic overstimulation of muscles that control eye movements, it makes the eye open wider and more open than normal resulting in more whites of the eye and this is a sign of exophthalmos.

2. Weight loss -- Despite an increase in appetite because of the increased basal metabolic rate.

3. Rapid heart rate -- Because of the effects of thyroid hormones on the sympathetic nervous system.

Answer is given in the attached pictures.