HPA - hypothyroidism

Question	Answer
What is hypothyroidism	The thyroid does not produce enough thyroid hormone
Prevalence	5 % of the population
Risk factors	Family history
Aetiology	Causes include: Congenital defects in the gland Loss of thyroid tissue following treatment for hyperthyroidism with surgery or radiation Antithyroid medications Thyroiditis Endemic iodine deficiency The cardiac drug amiodarine contains a high percentage of iodiine which can cause thyroid problems Secondary hypothroidism may result from pituitary TSH deficiency or peripheral resistance to thyroid hormones
Basic pathophysiology	Has a slow onset, with manifestations occurring over months or even years. When TH production decreases, the thyroid gland enlarges to produce more hormones. The goiter that results is usually simple or non toxic.
Symptoms	Goiter Fluid retention Oedema Decreased appetite Weight gain Constipation Dry skin Dyspnoea Pallor Hoarseness Muscle stiffness Decreased sense of taste and smell Menstrual disorders Anaemia Cardiac enlargement Slow pulse Sleep apnoea
Abnormal vital signs	HR - bradycardia, arrhythmia BP - hypotension
Treatments	Hypothyroidism is treated with medications that replace TH. Thyroxine, T4 (Levothyroxine) Daily body weight

Resource summary

	Created by Em J over 6 years ago