Question

Write disorders cause by hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism in adults...

Answer 1

Hypothyroidism

If the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone, the result is a condition called hypothyroidism, or simply an underactive thyroid. Because we know that the prefix 'hypo' means 'less than normal,' and we see that the word 'thyroid' is contained in this condition's name, it's easy to recall this term because the name describes the condition. Literally, the thyroid gland is producing less-than-normal amounts of thyroid hormone. Since we know that the thyroid hormones play an important role in regulating your body's metabolism, it makes sense that a decrease in these hormones would lead to symptoms such as a loss of energy, an increased need for sleep, an intolerance to cold, a slow pulse, constipation, weight gain, and depression. It's almost as if the body of a person with hypothyroidism shifts into low gear.

An underproduction of thyroid hormones can come about due to a number of factors, including disease, radiation therapy, certain medications, or thyroid surgery. A thyroidectomy is an operation to surgically remove all or part of the thyroid gland. This might be necessary if a person is diagnosed with thyroid cancer or some other condition of the thyroid gland. As you might suspect, if untreated after the surgery, this person would experience a decreased metabolic rate. Therefore, after a thyroidectomy, a person may need to take a synthetic thyroid hormone medication to prevent hypothyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid disease, means your thyroid gland makes and releases too much thyroid hormone. The thyroid gland is located in the front of your neck, just below your Adam’s apple. It makes hormones that control your metabolism. Metabolism is the pace of your body’s processes and includes things like your heart rate and how quickly you burn calories.

Hyperthyroidism can affect your metabolism. It can also cause nervousness, increased perspiration (sweatiness), rapid heartbeat, hand tremors, difficulty sleeping and weight loss.

SymptomsWhat are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism usually begins slowly, so its symptoms can be mistaken for stress or other health problems. It can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

Weight lossRapid heartbeat, irregular heartbeat or pounding of the heartNervousness, anxiety or irritabilityTremors (trembling of the hands and fingers)Changes in menstrual patterns (usually lighter flow, less frequent periods) in womenIncreased sensitivity to heatIncreased perspirationChanges in bowel patternsAn enlarged thyroid gland (called a goiter), which can appear as a swelling at the base of the neckFatigueMuscle weaknessDifficulty sleepingIncreased appetite

Older adults may have subtle symptoms, such as increased heart rate, increased perspiration and a tendency to become more tired during normal activities.

If your hyperthyroidism is caused by Graves’ disease, you may also have Graves’ opthalmopathy, a disorder that affects your eyes. These symptoms may show up before, after or at the same time as your symptoms of hyperthyroidism. In Graves’ opthalmopathy, the muscles behind the eyes swell and push the eyeballs forward. Often, the eyeballs will actually bulge out of their normal position. The front surfaces of the eyeballs become can dry, red and swollen. You may notice excessive tearing or discomfort in your eyes, sensitivity to light, blurry or double vision, and less eye movement.