1. Describe the signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism
2. Describe the epidemiology of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
3. Describe how hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism affect other diseases.
The thyroid gland is instrumental in regulating the rate of most cell metabolism. Hypothyroidism is a state in which there is not enough active thyroid hormone and therefore metabolism is slowed down. The most common etiology of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto=s disease. Some common signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism are: coarse skin and hair, cold or dry skin, periorbital puffiness, bradycardia, slow speech, hoarse, muscle cramps, proximal muscles, distal muscles, relaxation of deep tendon reflexes, myalgia, stiffness and, alopecia.
Hyperthyroidism is caused by excess thyroid hormone and results in increased metabolism. The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is an autoimmune disease called Graves. Some common symptoms of hyperthyroidism are: weight loss especially with increased appetite, nervousness, emotional liability, heat intolerance, proximal muscle weakness, hair thinning, changes in menses, warm smooth moist skin, oncholysis, retraction of eyelids, lid lag, increase deep tendon reflexes, tachycardia.
Hyperthyroidism affects 3:1,000 people in the United States and it has a strong hereditary component. Caucasians are four times more likely to develop hyperthyroidism when compared to other races. Females are eight times more likely to develop the disease than males. Hypothyroidism occurs in 1.5% to 2% of women and 0.2% of men. The incidence of hypothyroidism increases with age.
Thyroid disease can worsen hypertension, diabetes, coronary artery disease and dyslipidemia.
