Discussion on Endocrine Disorders

Endocrine Disorders- Scenario 4: Hypothyroidism
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NURS 6501
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Endocrine Disorders- Scenario 4: Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a thyroid disorder more prevalent in women, especially as they get older. The condition results from the thyroid gland excess function when there is an increase in metabolism. Excessive stimulation of the thyroid gland affects the thyroid hormone (TH made up of T 3 and T4) and the basal metabolic rate. In hypothyroidism, there is decreased synthesis of T3 and T4, including because of iodine deficiency. Hypothyroidism then causes low blood levels of T3 and T4, and this stimulates the hypothalamus (VanMeter & Hubert, 2018).
The increased prevalence in women is linked to autoimmunity alterations, physiological and hormonal variations of the endocrine system at different stages of life. Excessive stimulation of the thyroid gland can also occur because of estrogen and hormonal levels changes. The risk factors for thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism include advanced age, female, smoking, stress, family history of thyroid or autoimmune disease, radiation therapy, little or excess iodine, damage to the pituitary gla...