CASE 7:  A patient enters your clinic for a routine checkup

CASE 7:

 A patient enters your clinic for a routine checkup. You notice that since his last appointment, the patient has gained a considerable amount of weight. He assures you that this weight-gain is likely no cause for concern, as he has been somewhat heavy his entire life. However, after learning that there have been no changes in his diet or exercise regimen, you inquire further about any other symptoms he might be experiencing as of late. The patient states that other than feeling tired most of the time, he cannot think of anything out of the ordinary. You take his pulse and find that it is slower than normal; furthermore, you notice that his skin appears puffy. Rather than simply encouraging him to eat healthier, you decide to run some tests. 

Case Study #:7

Now that you have investigated your case study, answer the following questions

• What endocrine gland do you suspect might be implicated in the patient's symptoms? Explain your reasoning.

• List the hormone(s) produced by this gland.

• You can confirm your suspicions by testing the levels of ONE of these hormones. Which hormone will you test? Explain your reasoning.

• The tests come back indicating a (lower / higher) than normal level of the hormone you chose to test. What is your final diagnosis?