HYPOTHYROIDISM Medical Condition Diagnosis

The symptoms that the patient in question presents are hair changes, weight gain, and fatigue. On the basis of the symptoms presented, my primary diagnosis in as far as this 34-year-old female patient is concerned would be hypothyroidism. In the words of Athanassiou and Ntalles (2010), “hypothyroidism is the most common disorder arising from hormone deficiency” (83). In this case, certain crucial hormones are not produced by the thyroid gland. It should, however, be noted that during the very early stages, the condition may not necessarily trigger noticeable symptoms. According to Chaker, Bianco, Jonklass, and Peeters (2017), some of the symptoms associated with hypothyroidism are inclusive of fatigue, weight gain, constipation, changes in memory and mood, sore joints and muscles, as well as menstrual changes and hair loss. Other symptoms are goiter (enlarged thyroid gland), slowed heart rate and thinning hair. The symptoms that the female patient presents in this particular case match those highlighted herein.

To ascertain the diagnosis...

One appropriate test in this case would be the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test. In basic terms, this particular test seeks to assess the TSH levels. It is important to note that TSH levels are boosted by the pituitary glands in those instances whereby the hormones being produced by the thyroid are not...…by the patient’s TSH levels – which will be assessed after a period of approximately one to two months. Later on, TSH levels can be checked after six months and then yearly. It is important to note that this will most likely be a lifelong treatment.
The relevance of treatment in this case cannot be overstated. This is more so the case given that lack of treatment could result in serious complications including, but not limited to, heart disease and infertility. Other complications of hypothyroidism are obesity and joint pain. Further, it should also be noted that for a woman who is pregnant, thyroid concerns could have a negative effect on the mental development of the unborn baby.…