Thyroid Quiz: Test Your Medical IQ

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

• True
• False

Explanation:
The most common thyroid disorder acquired at any age is thyroiditis. Women are more likely than men to experience
thyroid disorders; however, the reason is not known. Some investigators believe that the immune system changes
during pregnancy and delivery may contribute to the higher risk of autoimmune disorders observed in adult women.

Q:Where is the thyroid gland located?

AAt the base of the spine
BIn the abdomen
CIn the neck
DIn the brain

Explanation:
The thyroid gland is located below the Adam's apple in the lower part of the neck and wraps around the windpipe
(trachea). The thyroid gland has the shape of a butterfly. The two lobes or "wings" are attached to one another by the
middle portion, called the isthmus.

Q:The thyroid produces hormones that regulate what bodily function?

AMetabolism
BTemperature
CBlood pressure
DDigestion

Explanation:
The thyroid gland is the only human tissue that actively absorbs and processes iodine from the diet, usually seafood or
iodized salt. The thyroid gland uses the iodine to produce hormones that help regulate the body's metabolism including
growth and other functions of the body.

Q:Weight loss, rapid heart rate, and heat sensitivity are likely symptoms of...
AHypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
BHyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
CThyroid cancer
DAll of the above

Explanation:
Hyperthyroidism or overactive thyroid gland is caused when thyroid gland is too active. As a result, the thyroid gland
produces more hormones than the body needs. These high levels of thyroid hormone can lead to weight loss, increased
heart rate, and heat intolerance.

Q:An abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland is called a goiter.

• True
• False
Explanation:
A goiter is not cancerous. It is simply a thyroid gland that is bigger than usual. A goiter can be associated with levels of
thyroid hormone that are normal (euthyroid), too high (hyperthyroid) or too low (hypothyroid).

Q:Symptoms such as very high body temperature, rapid heartbeat, and

shortness of breath describe:
AThyroid storm
BThyroid crisis
CThyroid failure
DThyroid death

Explanation:
Thyroid storm is a rare medical emergency and requires hospitalization to stabilize the patient. Thyroid storm generally
occurs in the context of undiagnosed hyperthyroidism, after several weeks or months of progressively worsening
symptoms unrecognized by the affected person or family members until the thyroid storm occurs.

Q:Which is more common?

• Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
• Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)

Explanation:
Hypothyroidism is much more common than hyperthyroidism. Failure of the thyroid to form is the most common cause
of hypothyroidism present at birth (congenital hypothyroidism). In older children and adults, the most common cause of
hypothyroidism is when the body's white blood cells silently destroy the thyroid in error (called autoimmune thyroiditis).
Proper thyroid function is required to maintain normal weight. If you significantly gain or lose weight unintentionally as
an adult (for example, more than 10 pounds in 6 months), consult your health-care professional.

Q:Thyroid disorders are sometimes mistaken for which disease or condition?

ACrohn's disease
BMenopause
CPregnancy
DPosttraumatic stress disorder

Explanation:
In some women, symptoms related to thyroid disorders may be mistaken for those of menopause. Symptoms of
hyperthyroidism like menstrual changes or lack of menstruation (amenorrhea), mood swings, hot flashes, and insomnia
may be mistaken for menopause symptoms.

Q:Once over the age of 35, thyroid function screening should take place every
____________.
A6 months
B2 years
C5 years
D10 years

Explanation:
Everyone should be screened for thyroid dysfunction every 5 years, beginning at age 35, according to the American
Thyroid Association. People with symptoms or risk factors may need tests more often.
Q:Radioactive iodine treatment for hyperthyroidism leaves the body through
_______________.
APerspiration
BUrine
CBreathing
DBathing

Explanation:
The thyroid gland is the only human tissue which actively absorbs and stores iodine. Whether ingested from the diet or
as radiotherapy, any iodine circulating in the blood is filtered by the kidney into the urine.

Q:In most adults, one radioactive iodine treatment is typically given for
Graves' hyperthyroidism.
• True
• False

Explanation:
Graves's hyperthyroidism can be treated with medication (methimazole) to suppress the thyroid, radioactive iodine to
destroy the thyroid, or surgery to remove the thyroid (called thyroidectomy). The risks, potential benefits, and timing of
each approach should be discussed with your endocrinologist or health-care professional based on your specific
circumstances. Pediatric patients (younger than 18) with Graves' hyperthyroidism may enter remission with medication
alone, thereby avoiding the risks and inconvenience of radioiodine or surgery. However, most adults with Graves' do not
respond with medication alone. Radioiodine is preferred as initial therapy for Graves' disease in adults. Permanent
hypothyroidism should be expected after radioiodine or thyroidectomy, and hypothyroidism can be conveniently treated
with once daily dosing of a small thyroid hormone replacement pill.

Q:The study of thyroid diseases falls under which branch of medicine?

AOncology
BEndocrinology
CDermatology
DRheumatology

Explanation:
The study of disease and conditions of the thyroid fall under the branch of medicine referred to as endocrinology,
Endocrinologists are doctors and researchers who care for, manage, and study individuals with hormone problems and
endocrine gland problems.