1. Is Barbara’s thyroid functioning properly? If not then is she suffering from hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism? Explain your answer.
2. What are some things that could cause low levels of T3 and T4?
3. What are some things that could cause low levels of TSH?
4. Why does Barbara feel cold?
5. Why has she gained weight?

Hypothyroidism is a condition of underactive thyroid gland which consequently doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones-thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). In this case, patient has low levels of TSH (stimulates the thyroid gland) and as a result the production of thyroid hormones is decreased. Since the thyroid hormones are essential for metabolic processes and proper development and differentiation of the cells the symptoms might include low toleration of cold, tiredness, depression, weight gain..

2. Barbara has secondary hypothyroidism. It is type of hypothyroidism where thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels are low and that is why there is decreased stimulation of the pituitary gland. Consequently, the production of thyroid hormones is also decreased. Secondary hypothyroidism might develop due to pituitary lesions, infections, autoimmune diseases…

3. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is a hormone of pituitary gland with the main role to stimulate the thyroid to release thyroid hormones. When the levels of both TSH and thyroid hormones are low, the problem is central, meaning that the hypothalamus/pituitary is not working properly. This might be due to pituitary lesions (pituitary adenoma, metastasis, infections, autoimmune diseases, surgery or radiation to the pituitary…

4. One of the symptoms of the hypothyroidism is poor ability to tolerate cold.

This happens because thyroid hormones regulate the metabolism and energy consumption in the body and also are able to influence how much the blood vessels dilate and thus how much heat can escape the body. Hypothyroidism slows down the metabolism and drops down the body temperature.

5. Thyroid hormones regulate the metabolism (protein, fat, and carbohydrate metabolism) and energy consumption in the body. Normally, thyroid hormones increase the rate of lipolysis (breakdown of lipids) and glycogen breakdown. So, when there is not enough of those hormones, lipid might accumulate and become stored as fat.

Diatonic254 Diatonic254 · Answer 2 · 2018-12-07T15:31:36+01:00

1. The answer is; her thyroid is not functioning properly as can be viewed in her serum Thyroxine and Triiodothyronine levels. Her levels of the two hormones is below the normal ranges for a healthy person as indicated in the table. This means that she has hypothyroidism – meaning her thyroid glands are underperforming.

2. T3 and T4 hormones are produced by the thyroid gland. Therefore abnormal serum levels of the two hormones mean that either the thyroid gland is malfunctioning (primary hypothyroidism) or the pituitary gland that produces Thyroid Stimulating Hormone is malfunctioning (secondary hypothyroidism).

3. One is pituitary disorder due to a medical conditions such as a tumor growth in the gland. The pituitary gland is responsible for secreting TSH that influence T3 and T4 levels in the blood. The second cause could be hyperthyroidism. The pituitary may be trying to reduce THS levels because the thyroid is producing excess T3 hormone.

4. The thyroid hormones are significant in regulating vital functions of the body from breathing, body weight, heart rate, menstrual cycle, body temperatures, and cholesterol levels. T3 and T4 are significant in regulating metabolism in the body cells. When the hormones are produced at low levels, metabolism is reduced hence the body struggles to raise body temperatures when they drop.

5. Due to the low metabolism rates in cells (as a result of hypothyroidism) the body’s rate of burning calories and fats is reduced. Therefore, there is an accumulation of excess glucose and fats in the body that is stored in fat tissue.