Pop Quiz: Think You Know Thyroid Disorders? Think Again

Features, Health News /

Weight gain and weight loss are common occurrences in any adult’s lifetime, but unexplained weight fluctuations can be the result of a thyroid problem. Issues with your thyroid can have long-lasting side effects for your health beyond just weight loss or weight gain, so it’s not an issue that you want to ignore. January is Thyroid Awareness Month, so take our thyroid health pop quiz and get the facts about hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. 

 

1.) Which of the following is the function of your thyroid gland, an organ located in the front of your neck?

  1. To regulate food consumption
  2. To release hormones that regulate your body’s use of energy 
  3. To signal your brain when you’re full
  4. To release insulin to change carbohydrates into sugar 

 

2.) What bodily functions are controlled by the hormones produced by the thyroid gland, which are thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3)?

  1. Metabolism and weight
  2. Breathing
  3. Heart rate
  4. Nervous system and body temperature
  5. All of the above 

 

3.) What are the signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism, when your thyroid gland is overactive and makes more thyroid hormones than your body needs?

  1. Changes in appetite and/or weight loss
  2. Anxiety or nervousness and/or rapid heartbeat
  3. Hand tremors
  4. Excessive sweating
  5. Difficulty sleeping (insomnia) 
  6. All of the above 

 

4.) True or false? Hyperthyroidism affects 1.2% of the U.S. population. 

 

5.) What are some of the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism, when your thyroid gland is NOT able to produce enough thyroid hormone?

  1. Fatigue and weakness
  2. Weight gain or increased difficulty losing weight
  3. Issues with hair loss and dry skin
  4. Depression, irritability, and memory loss
  5. Abnormal menstrual cycles and/ or decreased libido
  6. All of the above

 

6.) True or false? While it’s estimated that 10 million Americans suffer from hypothyroidism, as much as 10% of women may have some degree of thyroid hormone deficiency. 

 

7.) Which of the following does NOT increase your risk for hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism?

  1. You have a family history of thyroid disease or you are older than 60 years old.
  2. You have certain medical conditions, like type 1 diabetes, Addison’s disease, pernicious anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, or were pregnant within the last six months.
  3. You eat a lot of spicy food.
  4. You eat a diet high in iodine or take medications containing iodine (like amiodarone).
  5. You are a woman.
  6. None of the above

 

8.) Which of the following are treatments for either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, or both?

  1. Radioactive iodine therapy
  2. Antithyroid medication
  3. Surgery
  4. Limiting iodine and sodium in your diet
  5. All of the above

 

9.) What is the best resource if you feel you suffer from hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism?

  1. The internet
  2. Your primary care doctor
  3. Friends and family
  4. None of the above

 

compiled by ERIKA ALDRICH / Information from endocrineweb.com

 

ANSWERS

  1. B. To release hormones that regulate your body’s use of energy. The thyroid gland controls many of the functions that regulate your body.
  2. E. All of the above. The thyroid controls metabolism, heart rate, body temperature and many other core body functions.
  3.  F. All of the above. Hyperthyroidism is most commonly associated with unexplained weight loss and more energy, though there are many other symptoms.
  4. True. Women are 2 to 10 times more likely to be affected by hyperthyroidism.
  5. F. All of the above. Hypothyroidism is most commonly associated with unexplained weight gain and a loss of energy, though there are many other symptoms of the condition.
  6. True. Women are more commonly affected by hyperthyroidism than men.
  7. C. You eat a lot of spicy food. While spicy food does not affect the function of your thyroid, consuming an iodine-rich diet, being a woman, being older than 60 years old, and others can increase your risk of having either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
  8. E. All of the above. There are many treatment options for both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
  9. B. Your primary care doctor. Your doctor will listen to your symptoms and order blood tests to check your hormone levels.

Accessibility Toolbar