BIOS 252 Week 7 Case Study: Thyroid

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Chamberlain University

BIOS-252 Anatomy & Physiology II with Lab

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Date

Thyroid and Hormonal Effects on the Body

The thyroid gland, along with its associated hormones, influences every cell and organ within the body. It plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, affecting how the body burns energy, which in turn impacts weight loss or gain. Additionally, the thyroid gland can influence the heart rate, either slowing it down or speeding it up. One common condition affecting the thyroid is a goiter, which refers to an abnormal enlargement of the gland. As the thyroid becomes increasingly damaged, its ability to produce adequate thyroid hormones diminishes. In response to low thyroid hormone levels, the pituitary gland releases more thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) to stimulate the thyroid. This process of stimulation can lead to the development of a goiter due to the thyroid’s increased growth.

Hypothyroidism and Grave’s Disease

In this case, the patient appears to exhibit signs of hypothyroidism, which results from an underactive thyroid gland. When the thyroid fails to produce sufficient hormones, the body compensates by stimulating the gland to increase its output. This over-stimulation can lead to swelling and the appearance of a goiter. Another consideration is the possibility of Grave’s disease, which could explain symptoms such as the patient’s complaint of the room feeling hot despite it normally being cold, as well as her reports of blurred and double vision. These symptoms align with common presentations of Grave’s disease, which involves the overproduction of thyroid hormones.

Conclusion

Based on the patient’s symptoms and thyroid-related issues, it is important to further investigate the possibility of hypothyroidism or Grave’s disease. Both conditions have significant effects on the body’s overall function and require specific treatment approaches to manage the hormonal imbalances and other related symptoms.

BIOS 252 Week 7 Case Study: Thyroid

References

MacGill, M. (November 11, 2020). Everything you need to know about a goiter.