Which term describes insufficient production of thyroid hormones?

Which term describes insufficient production of thyroid hormones?

• A. Hyperthyroidism
• B. Hypothyroidism
• C. Euthyroid
• D. Goiter

Answer: (B)

Insufficient production of thyroid hormones slows the body's metabolic rate. When the thyroid makes too little thyroid hormone (T3 and T4), you get hypothyroidism. The reduced hormone levels lower overall metabolism, which commonly presents as fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, dry skin, and constipation, sometimes with slowed heart rate and other subtle signs. This condition can arise from autoimmune destruction of the thyroid (such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis), iodine deficiency, previous thyroid surgery or radiation, or certain medications that suppress production. In contrast, excessive thyroid hormone production—hyperthyroidism—causes weight loss, heat intolerance, and restlessness; euthyroid means normal thyroid hormone levels; a goiter is simply an enlarged thyroid, which can accompany various thyroid states or occur with iodine deficiency.

Insufficient production of thyroid hormones slows the body's metabolic rate. When the thyroid makes too little thyroid hormone (T3 and T4), you get hypothyroidism. The reduced hormone levels lower overall metabolism, which commonly presents as fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, dry skin, and constipation, sometimes with slowed heart rate and other subtle signs. This condition can arise from autoimmune destruction of the thyroid (such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis), iodine deficiency, previous thyroid surgery or radiation, or certain medications that suppress production. In contrast, excessive thyroid hormone production—hyperthyroidism—causes weight loss, heat intolerance, and restlessness; euthyroid means normal thyroid hormone levels; a goiter is simply an enlarged thyroid, which can accompany various thyroid states or occur with iodine deficiency.