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Related Concept Videos

Synthesis and Regulation of Thyroid Hormones01:20

Synthesis and Regulation of Thyroid Hormones

Low blood levels of the thyroid hormones — triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) — signal the hypothalamus to release the thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). TRH then reaches the pituitary gland and stimulates the release of thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH) into the bloodstream.
Upon reaching the thyroid gland, TSH stimulates the follicular cells' active uptake of iodide ions from the blood. The ions diffuse to the apical surface of the cells and are oxidized to iodine. The iodine is then...
Hypothyroidism II: Pathophysiology01:23

Hypothyroidism II: Pathophysiology

Hypothyroidism is a disorder characterized by insufficient production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, energy balance, and multiple organ systems.TypesHypothyroidism is classified based on the level of dysfunction. Primary hypothyroidism results from intrinsic thyroid gland dysfunction, causing reduced hormone production despite normal or increased stimulation. Secondary hypothyroidism arises from inadequate thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) secretion by the pituitary. Tertiary...
Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology01:27

Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology

Hyperthyroidism is a hypermetabolic state caused by elevated levels of thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). It results from dysregulation at the thyroid, pituitary, or immune system level and affects multiple organ systems.PathophysiologyThe most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies, specifically thyroid-stimulating antibodies (TSAb), a subtype of TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb), bind to and activate TSH receptors...
Functions of Thyroid Hormones01:18

Functions of Thyroid Hormones

The thyroid hormone (TH) plays a pivotal role in the intricate orchestration of physiological processes, exerting profound effects on development, metabolism, and homeostasis throughout different life stages.
TH is indispensable for the normal development and maturation of the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems during fetal and childhood growth. It facilitates bone mineral turnover and regulates protein synthesis in developing tissues, contributing significantly to overall growth and...
Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology01:24

Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the production of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) that activate TSH receptors, leading to excessive synthesis and release of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and resulting in hyperthyroidism.Among all causes of hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease is the most common and can happen at any age, though it is more frequent in women. It produces a hypermetabolic state with features such as weight loss, tachycardia, tremor, and heat...
Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction01:25

Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction

Hyperthyroidism is a type of thyrotoxicosis characterized by the thyroid gland's overproduction of the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). This hormone excess increases the basal metabolic rate and enhances sensitivity to catecholamines.DiagnosisDiagnosis is based on clinical features and biochemical testing. It typically shows suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels below 0.4 mIU/L, with elevated free T3 and/or T4. Additional tests, including thyroid...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Generation of a Mouse Spontaneous Autoimmune Thyroiditis Model
04:39

Generation of a Mouse Spontaneous Autoimmune Thyroiditis Model

Published on: March 17, 2023

Age modifies the pituitary TSH response to thyroid failure.

Allan Carlé1, Peter Laurberg, Inge B Pedersen

  • 1Department of Endocrinology and Medicine, Aalborg Hospital, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark.

Thyroid : Official Journal of the American Thyroid Association
|February 24, 2007
PubMed
Summary

Serum TSH levels are lower in elderly patients with hypothyroidism, indicating a reduced pituitary response to low thyroxine (T4). This finding impacts diagnosing thyroid disease severity in older adults.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Generation of a Mouse Spontaneous Autoimmune Thyroiditis Model
04:39

Generation of a Mouse Spontaneous Autoimmune Thyroiditis Model

Published on: March 17, 2023

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Thyroidology

Background:

  • Hypothyroidism diagnosis relies on thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroxine (T4) levels.
  • Patient characteristics, including age, may influence TSH and T4 measurements.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the relationship between serum TSH, total T4, and patient demographics at hypothyroidism diagnosis.
  • To assess how age, sex, and T4 levels affect the pituitary TSH response.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective identification of 685 patients with new, overt hypothyroidism in Denmark.
  • Verification of diagnosis and classification of disease type.
  • Recording of serum TSH and total T4 in 578 untreated patients with autoimmune hypothyroidism.

Main Results:

  • A fourfold difference in average serum TSH was observed between the youngest (0-20 years) and oldest (80+ years) age groups.
  • No age-dependent variation in serum total T4 was found.
  • Log TSH showed an inverse linear correlation with age and total T4, with lower median TSH in elderly patients for all T4 values.

Conclusions:

  • Elderly patients exhibit lower serum TSH for equivalent thyroid failure, likely due to diminished hypothalamic/pituitary response to low T4.
  • Increased TSH may signify more severe hypothyroidism in the elderly.
  • Longer TSH normalization times may be needed in elderly patients for effective radio-iodine therapy post-thyroid hormone withdrawal.