A patient is lethargic, frequently complains of cold sensations, and has gained significant weight over the last several months. A TSH found to be low and their thyroid hormone level is also found to be low. The patient is infused with thyrotropinin releasing hormone (TRH) and the TSH level increased after this infusion. This would be considered a _form of hypothyroidism. O Primary O Secondary O Tertiary

Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
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### Understanding Hypothyroidism: Diagnostic Approach

A patient is lethargic, frequently complains of cold sensations, and has gained significant weight over the last several months. A TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone) level is found to be low and their thyroid hormone level is also found to be low. The patient is infused with thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and the TSH level increased after this infusion. This would be considered a ____ form of hypothyroidism.

#### Answer Choices:
- ☐ Primary
- ☐ Secondary
- ☐ Tertiary

### Explanation

To diagnose the form of hypothyroidism, the following information should be considered:

1. **Symptoms Observed**:
    - Lethargy
    - Frequent complaints of cold sensations
    - Significant weight gain

2. **Test Results**:
    - Low levels of Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
    - Low levels of Thyroid Hormones

3. **Response to TRH Infusion**:
    - Increase in TSH levels after infusion with thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH)

### Interpretation
- **Primary Hypothyroidism**: The problem lies in the thyroid gland itself. Here, we would typically expect a high TSH level due to pituitary gland feedback mechanisms.
  
- **Secondary Hypothyroidism**: The dysfunction is in the pituitary gland, leading to insufficient production of TSH. 
  
- **Tertiary Hypothyroidism**: The issue originates in the hypothalamus, which is responsible for releasing TRH.

Since the TSH level increased after the TRH infusion, it implies that the pituitary gland is capable of producing TSH when stimulated, indicating that it is the hypothalamus that might be failing to release enough TRH, characterizing the condition as:
  
- **Tertiary Hypothyroidism**.
Transcribed Image Text:### Understanding Hypothyroidism: Diagnostic Approach A patient is lethargic, frequently complains of cold sensations, and has gained significant weight over the last several months. A TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone) level is found to be low and their thyroid hormone level is also found to be low. The patient is infused with thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and the TSH level increased after this infusion. This would be considered a ____ form of hypothyroidism. #### Answer Choices: - ☐ Primary - ☐ Secondary - ☐ Tertiary ### Explanation To diagnose the form of hypothyroidism, the following information should be considered: 1. **Symptoms Observed**: - Lethargy - Frequent complaints of cold sensations - Significant weight gain 2. **Test Results**: - Low levels of Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) - Low levels of Thyroid Hormones 3. **Response to TRH Infusion**: - Increase in TSH levels after infusion with thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) ### Interpretation - **Primary Hypothyroidism**: The problem lies in the thyroid gland itself. Here, we would typically expect a high TSH level due to pituitary gland feedback mechanisms. - **Secondary Hypothyroidism**: The dysfunction is in the pituitary gland, leading to insufficient production of TSH. - **Tertiary Hypothyroidism**: The issue originates in the hypothalamus, which is responsible for releasing TRH. Since the TSH level increased after the TRH infusion, it implies that the pituitary gland is capable of producing TSH when stimulated, indicating that it is the hypothalamus that might be failing to release enough TRH, characterizing the condition as: - **Tertiary Hypothyroidism**.
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