5. A hypothyroid patient is found to have low blood levels of both TSH and thyro

Question

5. A hypothyroid patient is found to have low blood levels of both TSH and thyroxine. Is this patient more likely to have a problem with their pituitary gland or thyroid gland? Explain your reasoning. 6. Suppose a patient had low levels of thyroxine however their TSH level was increased above normal. Which organ is most likely effected? Why are their TSH levels increased even though you are seeing a decreased thyroxine level? 20 7. A hypothyroid patient with elevated TSH is given Synthroid, a synthetic thyroxine substitute, and her TSH levels decrease. Explain why this happens

Explanation / Answer

5.) Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone.

It can be primary where the caused by failure or disease of thyroid or secondary caused by pituitary disorders.

In primary hyperthyroidism, TSH will be elevated & thyroxine will be low . In secondary hyperparathyroidism, both TSH & thyroxine will be decreased . Hence it is due to problem in the pituitary gland.

6.) When their is low thyroxine & elevated TSH , it means it is primary hyperthyroidism & the disease is in the thyroid gland.

This is because TSH stimulates the thyroid to secrete thyroxine which causes resultant stimulation of TSH. Hence thyroxine is decreased & TSH is elevated in hypothyroidism.

7.) Synthroid is man made hormone that's identical to thyroxine. It has active ingredient called levothyroxine sodium. Thyroxine (T4) is hence converted to it's active metabolite T3 due to actions of synthroid & hence TSH levels decreases in a hypothyroid patient who earlier had elevated TSH.

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