Discussion on Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism: Thyroid Hormones

This essay provides a detailed discussion on hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, two distinct conditions arising from imbalances in thyroid hormone production. Hypothyroidism, characterized by inadequate thyroid hormone production, leads to symptoms such as fatigue, constipation, cold intolerance, and depression, often linked to iodine deficiency. Conversely, hyperthyroidism, marked by excessive thyroid hormone production, results in symptoms like muscle weakness, irritability, increased heartbeat, and heat intolerance, potentially leading to thyroid storm. The essay highlights the importance of blood tests, specifically TSH, T4, and T3 levels, in diagnosing these conditions, noting the differing values observed in hypothyroid versus hyperthyroid patients. Ultimately, the essay underscores the significance of understanding thyroid hormone imbalances and their wide-ranging effects on the body and Desklib provides access to similar essays and study resources for students.

Running head- DISCUSSION
Discussion on thyroid hormones
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

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

2DISCUSSION
patient me also report heat intolerance, drastic weight loss and sudden enlargement of the thyroid
gland (Collet et al., 2012). Another complication thyroid storm, characterized by high fever,
vomiting and agitation might also arise. If untreated it often results in heart failure (Chiha,
Samarasinghe & Kabaker, 2015). The patient might also report hand tremors, and increased
perspiration. This can be attributed to the fact that excess of thyroid hormone over stimulates
general metabolism of the body and exacerbates actions of sympathetic nervous system. This
results in excess production of epinephrine that manifests in the form of the aforementioned
symptoms (Ross, et al., 2016).
Blood tests are help in measuring the amount of TSH, total T4, free T4, total and free T3,
RT3 and thyroglobulins. While a hypothyroid person will show TSH values beyond 10 μIU/mL,
a hyperthyroid patient will have levels under 0.1-0.5 μIU/mL (reference range- 0.5-4.70
μIU/mL). Free and total T4 levels that are above the reference range of 0.8-1.8 ng/dL and 4.5-
12.5 μg/dL, respectively, will be found in the hyperthyroid patient. Similarly, total and free T3
levels below the reference range of 80-200 ng/dL and 2.3- 4.2 pg/mL, respectively, will be found
in the hypothyroid patient. To conclude, it can be stated that both hypothyroidism and
hyperthyroidism occur due to inability of the thyroid gland to secrete the necessary hormones,
which in turn results in a wide range of symptoms.

3DISCUSSION
References
Almandoz, J. P., & Gharib, H. (2012). Hypothyroidism: etiology, diagnosis, and
management. Medical Clinics, 96(2), 203-221.
Braverman, L. E., & Cooper, D. (2012). Werner & Ingbar's the thyroid: a fundamental and
clinical text. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 32-47.
Chiha, M., Samarasinghe, S., & Kabaker, A. S. (2015). Thyroid storm: an updated
review. Journal of intensive care medicine, 30(3), 131-140.
Collet, T. H., Gussekloo, J., Bauer, D. C., den Elzen, W. P., Cappola, A. R., Balmer, P., ... &
Gencer, B. (2012). Subclinical hyperthyroidism and the risk of coronary heart disease and
mortality. Archives of internal medicine, 172(10), 799-809.
Gaitonde, D. Y., Rowley, K. D., & Sweeney, L. B. (2012). Hypothyroidism: an update. South
African Family Practice, 54(5), 384-390.
Louwerens, M., Appelhof, B. C., Verloop, H., Medici, M., Peeters, R. P., Visser, T. J., ... &
Dekkers, O. M. (2012). Fatigue and fatigue-related symptoms in patients treated for
different causes of hypothyroidism. European journal of endocrinology, 167(6), 809-815.
Ross, D. S., Burch, H. B., Cooper, D. S., Greenlee, M. C., Laurberg, P., Maia, A. L., ... &
Walter, M. A. (2016). 2016 American Thyroid Association guidelines for diagnosis and
management of hyperthyroidism and other causes of thyrotoxicosis. Thyroid, 26(10),
1343-1421.