Discussion on Thyroid Hormones

Running head- DISCUSSION
Discussion on thyroid hormones
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1DISCUSSION
The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland present in the neck that consists of two lobes
which are connected by an isthmus. The primary function of thyroid hormone is related to
production of hormones that contain iodine, thyroxine, triiodothronine, and calcitonin (the
peptide hormone). Excess production of thyroid hormone or its deficiency leads to the formation
of two conditions called hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism respectively, which manifest in the
form of distinct symptoms (Braverman & Cooper, 2012). This essay will discuss the differences
in between patients suffering from the aforementioned disorders.
Hypothyroidism is also referred to as underactive thyroid and refers to disorder of the
endocrine system that the thyroid gland fails to produce adequate amount of thyroid hormone.
Inadequate stimulation from the pituitary gland or less release of thyrotropin-releasing hormone
from the hypothalamus might also result in this condition. A hypothyroid patient open presents a
plethora of symptoms such as a continuous feeling of fatigue and exhaustion, constipation, poor
ability to tolerate cold temperature, depression and increased weight (Louwerens et al., 2012).
Occasionally, the patient might also report swelling in front part of the neck, or goitre. Other
signs and symptoms may be associated with poor hearing, delayed relaxation of the muscles,
shortness of breath, poor appetite, paraesthesia and lack of adequate concentration and memory
(Gaitonde, Rowley & Sweeney, 2012). Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome may also be
observed where the median nerve traveling through the wrist gets compressed which leads to
numbness, pain and the tingling sensation in the fingers (Almandoz & Gharib, 2012). Iodine
deficiency can be considered as the primary reason for development of the symptoms.
On the other hand, hypothyroidism refers to the condition where there is excess
production of thyroid hormone, which often leads to thyrotoxicosis. Common symptoms include
muscle weakness, irritability, increased heartbeat, diarrhea and sleeping problems. Hypothyroid