Skip to content
WebMD: Better information. Better health.
 
Other search tools:Symptoms|Doctors|Medical Dictionary

Quiz: Could You Have a Thyroid Problem?

  1 of  
Current Score:  
slide image

Women are more likely than men to have a thyroid imbalance.

slide image

Women are more likely than men to have a thyroid imbalance.

  • Your Answer:
  • Correct Answer:

Thyroid disorders are more common in women. For example, women are about 50 times more likely than men to suffer from an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). Some scientists theorize that female hormones, such as estrogen, may be a factor in triggering autoimmune conditions, including problems with the thyroid. But no one knows for sure why women are more susceptible.

slide image

The thyroid gland is primarily responsible for regulating your:

slide image

The thyroid gland is primarily responsible for regulating your:

  • Your Answer:
  • Correct Answer:

The thyroid gland is a small gland in your neck that produces hormones that regulate how you use energy. Thyroid hormones influence how your organ systems perform: how fast or how slow they consume oxygen, produce proteins, and respond to other hormones.

 

Sometimes thyroid glands don't function properly. If your thyroid gland is underactive, producing less thyroid hormone than normal, you're said to have hypothyroidism. If your thyroid is overactive, producing more thyroid hormone than normal, it's called hyperthyroidism.

slide image

Weight gain is often a problem for people with:

slide image

Weight gain is often a problem for people with:

  • Your Answer:
  • Correct Answer:

People with an underactive thyroid gland often gain weight because their thyroid hormones are insufficient and, consequently, the body's metabolism slows down. This leads to retention of salt and water and fat. People with an overactive thyroid gland often lose weight as their metabolism speeds up.

slide image

Fatigue is another symptom of an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).

slide image

Fatigue is another symptom of an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).

  • Your Answer:
  • Correct Answer:

Symptoms of an underactive thyroid gland are associated with a slowing metabolism. In addition to fatigue and weight gain, symptoms can include depression, constipation, sluggishness, dry skin and dry hair, and muscle cramps. Some people develop an enlarged thyroid, which leads to a swelling in the front of the neck known as a "goiter."

slide image

Hypothyroidism occurs most frequently in women who are:

slide image

Hypothyroidism occurs most frequently in women who are:

  • Your Answer:
  • Correct Answer:

Most women enter menopause in their late 40s and early 50s, and experts aren’t sure why this age group is more susceptible to hypothyroidism. Some researchers think it may be related to hormonal changes.

slide image

Which of the following are symptoms of an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism)?

slide image

Which of the following are symptoms of an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism)?

  • Your Answer:
  • Correct Answer:

Symptoms of an overactive thyroid gland are generally symptoms of an increased metabolism. These can include weight loss, nervousness or anxiety, irritability, a racing heart, increased bowel movements, sweating, sleeplessness, hand tremors, and muscle weakness.

slide image

It's normal for women to experience changes in thyroid function during pregnancy.

slide image

It's normal for women to experience changes in thyroid function during pregnancy.

  • Your Answer:
  • Correct Answer:

Pregnant women go through a number of physiological changes that affect the thyroid gland. In particular, pregnancy brings on higher levels of hormones, such as estrogen, which can alter the levels of thyroid hormones in the blood.

 

In most cases, the thyroid usually continues to function properly. But the hormonal stresses of pregnancy can bring on either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Thyroid problems can be difficult to diagnose during pregnancy because the symptoms of thyroid dysfunction are often similar to the normal symptoms of pregnancy (fatigue, weight gain, changes in mood or sleeping patterns). Pregnant women should be monitored for potential thyroid problems.

slide image

In the U.S., autoimmune disorders are the most common cause of overactive (hyperthyroidism) and underactive (hypothyroidism) thyroid glands.

slide image

In the U.S., autoimmune disorders are the most common cause of overactive (hyperthyroidism) and underactive (hypothyroidism) thyroid glands.

  • Your Answer:
  • Correct Answer:

The most common cause of an overactive thyroid gland is Graves' disease, an autoimmune disorder that occurs when the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, causing it to produce too much thyroid hormone. An underactive thyroid is most often caused by Hashimoto's disease, which occurs when the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, causing chronic inflammation and interfering with the production of thyroid hormones.

 

Hyperthyroidism also can be caused by a thyroid nodule, and hypothyroidism also can be caused by iodine deficiency or problems associated with the pituitary gland.

slide image

You're more likely to have a thyroid disorder if a family member has a thyroid disorder.

slide image

You're more likely to have a thyroid disorder if a family member has a thyroid disorder.

  • Your Answer:
  • Correct Answer:

Thyroid problems -- including hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism -- tend to run in families.

slide image

At what age should doctors begin screening most people for thyroid dysfunction?

slide image

At what age should doctors begin screening most people for thyroid dysfunction?

  • Your Answer:
  • Correct Answer:

The American Thyroid Association recommends that adults be screened for thyroid dysfunction beginning at age 35, and once every five years afterward. Screening involves a simple blood test to measure the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and possibly other hormones, in your bloodstream.

slide image

Thyroid hormones from animals are the preferred treatment for an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).

slide image

Thyroid hormones from animals are the preferred treatment for an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).

  • Your Answer:
  • Correct Answer:

The preferred treatment for an underactive thyroid is a synthetic version of the main thyroid hormone, thyroxine. For many years, thyroid hormones taken from animals (mainly pigs) were used to treat hypothyroidism -- and similar supplements are still sold today. But their quality and effectiveness can vary widely. Synthetic thyroxine is much safer.

slide image

Which of the following are used to treat an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)?

slide image

Which of the following are used to treat an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)?

  • Your Answer:
  • Correct Answer:

Treatment options for hyperthyroidism include antithyroid drugs that block the gland’s ability to produce thyroid hormone; radioactive iodine, which damages the cells that make thyroid hormone; and surgery to remove the thyroid gland. Factors that help determine the course of treatment are the patient’s age, the type of hyperthyroidism involved, the severity of the condition, and other conditions affecting the patient’s health.

slide image

Left untreated, thyroid disease can lead to:

slide image

Left untreated, thyroid disease can lead to:

  • Your Answer:
  • Correct Answer:

Untreated thyroid disease can lead to a number of very serious long-term problems, including heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, infertility, mental deficiencies, and miscarriage or other pregnancy-related issues.

slide image

Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism can lead to thyroid cancer.

slide image

Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism can lead to thyroid cancer.

  • Your Answer:
  • Correct Answer:

There's no evidence that thyroid problems can lead to thyroid cancer. However, because thyroid cancer is often the result of ionizing radiation that can damage the thyroid gland, people with thyroid cancer can suffer from an underactive thyroid. Thyroid cancer is only rarely found in people with a history of hyperthyroidism.

Your Score:   You correctly answered   out of   questions.
Your Score:   You correctly answered   out of   questions.
results image

RESULTS: Great job! You know your way around the thyroid gland.

RESULTS: Not bad, but you could do better. Do a little more reading and try again.

RESULTS: Keep trying; you can do better. Do a little more reading and take the quiz again.

More Reading on Thyroid Disorders

 

Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD on June 24, 2011

Sources: Sources

This tool does not provide medical advice. See additional information: See additional information

© 2011 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

Today in Women’s Health

woman looking in mirror
Article
Going Gray? Reasons and Treatments
Woman resting on fitness ball
Evaluator
Yeast Infection Tool
 
woman collapsed over laundry
Quiz
Fatigue Myths and Facts
Public restroom door sign
Slideshow
Coping With Overactive Bladder
 
cat on couch
Evaluator
Is Your Pet's Health in Danger?
Young woman being vaccinated
Slideshow
Vaccines: Not Just for Kids
 
woman holding hand to ear
Slideshow
Hearing Loss: Causes and Treatments
Couple with troubles
Article
6 Sex Mistakes Women Make
 
Blood pressure check
Slideshow
Essential Screenings for Women
mother and daughter talking
Evaluator
How to Talk to Your Daughter About Sex
 
intimate couple
Article
Diabetes and Women's Sexual Health
puppy eating
Slideshow
New Fur-Kid? Try These Tips