Diseases of the thyroid gland

• hyperthyroidism (thyrotoxicosis)

• hypothyroidism

• thyroiditis

• goiter

• thyroid nodules and cancer

Hyperthyroidism and thyrotoxicosis are often used interchangeably, but they are technically different

• hyperthyroidism: increased production or release of thyroid hormone from the thyroid gland and the resulting increased thyroid hormone effects

• thyrotoxicosis: excess amount of thyroid hormone in the body and its effects

• prevalence: 2% of adult women, 0.1 to 0.2% of adult men

Major causes of hyperthyroidism

• Graves disease, an autoimmune disease: antibodies bind to TSH receptor and stimulate the thyroid gland

• toxic multinodular goiter, with different nodules autonomously overproducing T3/T4

• thyroiditis, where there is excess release of stored thyroid hormone

• it is important to distinguish between these causes of hyperthyroidism because different therapies are warranted for each

Category: Endocrinology Notes