Questions numbers 4(a) to 4(d) are based on table given below. Study the table in which the levels of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) in women are given and answer the questions that follow on the basis of understanding of the following paragraph and the related studied concepts.
Age Range Normal (mU/L) Low (mU/L) 18 – 29 years 0.4 – 2.34 mU/L < 0.4 mU/L 30 – 49 years 0.4 – 4.0 mU/L < 0.4 mU/L 50 – 79 years 0.46 – 4.68 mU/L < 0.46 mU/L
Women are at greater risk for developing abnormal TSH levels during menstruation, while giving birth and after going through menopause. Around of women in the United States have some kind of thyroid problem compared to of men. Despite claims that high TSH increases your risk for heart disease, a 2013 study found no link between high TSH and heart diseases. But a 2017 study showed that older women are especially at risk for developing thyroid cancer if they have high TSH levels along with thyroid nodules.
(a) A 35 year old woman has TSH level 6.03 mU/L. What change should she bring in her diet to control this level?
(b) When do women face a greater risk of abnormal TSH level?
(c) State the consequence of low TSH level.
(d) Name the mineral that is responsible for synthesis of hormone secreted by thyroid gland.
Questions numbers 4(a) to 4(d) are based on table given below. Study the table in which the levels of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) in women are given and answer the questions that follow on the basis of understanding of the following paragraph and the related studied concepts.
| Age Range | Normal (mU/L) | Low (mU/L) |
|---|---|---|
| 18 – 29 years | 0.4 – 2.34 mU/L | < 0.4 mU/L |
| 30 – 49 years | 0.4 – 4.0 mU/L | < 0.4 mU/L |
| 50 – 79 years | 0.46 – 4.68 mU/L | < 0.46 mU/L |
Women are at greater risk for developing abnormal TSH levels during menstruation, while giving birth and after going through menopause. Around of women in the United States have some kind of thyroid problem compared to of men. Despite claims that high TSH increases your risk for heart disease, a 2013 study found no link between high TSH and heart diseases. But a 2017 study showed that older women are especially at risk for developing thyroid cancer if they have high TSH levels along with thyroid nodules.
(a) A 35 year old woman has TSH level 6.03 mU/L. What change should she bring in her diet to control this level?
(b) When do women face a greater risk of abnormal TSH level?
(c) State the consequence of low TSH level.
(d) Name the mineral that is responsible for synthesis of hormone secreted by thyroid gland.
(a) The woman's TSH level of is higher than the normal range () for her age group (), indicating hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). To control this, she should include iodised salt or iodine-rich foods in her diet, as iodine is essential for the thyroid gland to synthesize thyroxine hormone.
(b) Women face a greater risk of abnormal TSH levels during menstruation, while giving birth, and after going through menopause.
(c) A low TSH level (less than ) indicates hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland), which leads to excessive secretion of thyroid hormones (thyroxine), causing rapid metabolism, weight loss, and increased heart rate.
(d) Iodine is the mineral responsible for the synthesis of thyroxine hormone secreted by the thyroid gland.
Marking Scheme
- 1For (a): Identifying high TSH/hypothyroidism and recommending iodised salt/iodine-rich diet - 1 Mark
- 2For (b): Mentioning menstruation, giving birth, and menopause - 1 Mark
- 3For (c): Stating hyperthyroidism / overactive thyroid gland as the consequence - 1 Mark
- 4For (d): Naming 'Iodine' as the mineral - 1 Mark
Hint
Identify the normal range for the 30–49 age group from the table to determine if 6.03 mU/L is high or low. Recall the role of iodine in thyroid hormone synthesis.
Quick Oral Answer
The thyroid gland requires iodine to synthesize thyroxine. If iodine is deficient, thyroxine cannot be produced in sufficient quantities, leading to enlargement of the thyroid gland, a condition known as goitre.
Analysis & Explanation
Analysis of the Case:
- Part (a): According to the table, the normal TSH range for a 35-year-old woman (falling in the 30–49 years bracket) is . Her level is , which is elevated. High TSH levels indicate that the pituitary gland is overproducing TSH to stimulate an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism). Since iodine is required for the synthesis of thyroid hormones (thyroxine), increasing dietary iodine intake (via iodised salt) helps support thyroxine production, which via negative feedback will help normalize TSH levels.
- Part (b): Directly extracted from the passage: "Women are at greater risk for developing abnormal TSH levels during menstruation, while giving birth and after going through menopause."
- Part (c): Low TSH levels (< 0.4 mU/L) indicate that the thyroid gland is overactive (hyperthyroidism), producing excess thyroxine which suppresses TSH secretion from the pituitary gland.
- Part (d): Iodine is the key mineral required by the thyroid gland for the synthesis of thyroxine.
Common Mistakes
- 1Confusing high TSH with hyperthyroidism. In clinical terms, high TSH indicates hypothyroidism because the body is trying to stimulate a sluggish thyroid.
- 2Forgetting to link the dietary change (iodine) to the synthesis of thyroxine.
Interesting Facts
The thyroid gland uses iodine from the food we eat to make two main hormones: Triiodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxine (T4).
The pituitary gland acts as the thermostat for the thyroid, releasing TSH to keep thyroid hormone levels in a very tight, healthy range.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many marks does this question carry in CBSE Class 10 Science 2020?
This question carries 4 marks in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2020 examination.
Which chapter does this question come from in Science?
This question is from the chapter "Control and Coordination" in the CBSE Class 10 Science syllabus.
What topic does this question cover in Science?
This question covers the topic "Hormones in Animals" from CBSE Class 10 Science.
What type of question is this in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2020 paper?
This question appears in Section A in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2020 paper.