Lecture Notes: Hyperthyroidism vs Hypothyroidism

Introduction

Presenter: Register Nurse RN
Purpose: Quick review of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism; comparison of signs, symptoms, causes, and treatments.
Additional Resource: Free quiz available at registernursern.com.

Thyroid Hormones: Regulate metabolism, sympathetic nervous system, heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature.

Definition: Excessive production of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4).
Causes:
- Excessive iodine intake.
- Graves' disease (autoimmune condition, TSI production).
- Toxic nodular goiter (nodular growths producing thyroid hormones).
- Overuse of thyroid replacement medications.
Signs and Symptoms:
- Weight loss, heat intolerance, and sweating.
- Goiter in Graves' disease.
- Restlessness, irritability, fast heart rate, diarrhea.
- Oily skin, nervousness, menstrual problems.
Complications: Thyroid storm.
Treatments:
- Anti-thyroid medications (e.g., Tapazole, PTU).
- Iodine solutions (Lugol's solution), beta-blockers (e.g., Inderal).
- Radioactive iodine therapy or thyroidectomy.
- Avoid salicylates and iodine-rich foods/supplements.

Definition: Low production of thyroid hormones.
Causes:
- Insufficient iodine intake.
- Hashimoto's disease (autoimmune condition attacking the thyroid).
- Overuse of anti-thyroid medications.
- Pituitary tumors affecting TSH production.
Signs and Symptoms:
- Weight gain, cold intolerance, potential hypothermia.
- Goiter in Hashimoto's disease.
- Fatigue, slow heart rate, constipation, memory loss.
- Myxedema (swelling, especially in face/eyes), dry skin, depression.
Complications: Myxedema coma.
Treatments:
- Thyroid hormone replacement (e.g., Synthroid).
- Avoid sedatives and narcotics (risk of myxedema coma).