The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped organ located at the base of your neck.
The thyroid gland produces certain hormones that are very crucial for the proper functioning of almost all organ systems in the body. When issues arise within the thyroid, whether from disease, hormonal imbalances, or cancer, it can have widespread effects. Thyroid hormone (TH) regulates metabolic processes essential for normal growth and development as well as regulating metabolism in an adult.
FUNCTION OF THYRIOD HORMONE:
1. Thyroid hormones Influences the basal metabolic rate (BMR), which is the rate at which your body uses energy while at rest.
2. Thyroid hormone helps in Body Temperature Regulation. An overactive or underactive thyroid can lead to feelings of being excessively warm or cold.
3. Thyroid hormones helps in contraction of heart and can influence blood pressure and heart health.
4. An imbalance of thyroid hormone can lead to problems like osteoporosis over time.
5. An underactive thyroid can make the digestive process slower leading to issues like constipation.
Thyroid Regulation:
The thyroid gland is regulated by thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).
The production and release of thyroid hormone is regulated from pituitary gland involving the hypothalamus. Your brain gives signal to pituitary gland to release thyrotropin-releasing(hormone (TRH). This TSH stimulates the thyroid gland to produce T4 and T3.
If the thyroid produces too much or too little T4 and T3, it can lead to hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) or hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), respectively. Both conditions can have significant health implications and require medical attention and lifestyle modifications.
Common Autoimmune thyroid conditions include:
- Hashimoto disease: An autoimmune disorder in which TSH levels are extremely high
- Graves’ Disease: An autoimmune disorder in which TSH levels are extremely high