The hypothalamus produces TRH which stimulates anterior pitu

The hypothalamus produces TRH, which stimulates anterior pituitary to secrete TSH, which in turn stimulates thyroid gland to secrete thyroid hormones (T_3 and T_4). Hyperthyroidism or changes are in can be due to changes in the secretion of any of the above hormones. If the over the thyroid the disorder is said to be primary. If the change is due to the to or under secretion of the or pituitary gland hormones, the secondary. In order to determine the source of the hypo- or blood tests for TSH and T_3 and T_4must be ordered by the physician. The normal plasma levels of these hormones are given below. A patient who was experiencing very rapid heart rate was tested for these hormones. The results are given below. Which values are higher than normal? Would you say that this patient is euthyroid, hyperthyroid, or hypothyroid? Is the disorder primary or secondary? Explain your answer.

Solution

a) TSH values are significantly higher than the normal whereas the T3 and T4 values are also more but not significantly.

a) The patient is hyperthyroid .  

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid makes too much T4, T3, or both

b) The disorder is secendry .

C) beacause the TSH values are higher reflecting that the hyperthyroidism is induced by hypothalamus or the pituitary hormone(TSH).