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About Thyroids

The thyroid is a small organ located in the front of the neck that functions as a part of the endocrine system. It consists of two lobes that are situated on each side of the trachea, and it's connected by a thin layer of tissue called the isthmus. The thyroid is responsible for secreting hormones that are formed from iodide intake in your diet. The thyroid consists of two types of tissue, the follicular and parafollicular cells. These cells produce the hormones that control metabolism and calcium levels, and increase oxygen use.

  1. Function

    • For people who experience hypothyroidism, the importance of the thyroid function is apparent when metabolism is not maintained and weight gain and sluggishness occur. The thyroid produces hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These two hormones increase oxygen use in organs and tissue, subsequently increasing metabolism. Increased oxygen use makes cells work harder, increasing energy levels and metabolism requirements from cells. These hormones also play a role in growth, fertility, and immune regulation.

    Iodide

    • Approximately 80% of iodine stored in the body is located in the thyroid. Iodide is a nutrient we get from food or vitamin supplements that enter the bloodstream after consumption. It's extracted from the blood by the thyroid and converted to iodine, the useful form for hormone production. Iodine is the starting compound for the two hormones, T4 and T3, which are used for metabolism.

    Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3)

    • T4 is the main hormone compound produced by the thyroid gland. It controls metabolism, and abnormal levels create thyroid conditions such as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. The body needs a healthy balance of this hormone to maintain a regular metabolism. T4 converts to T3, which is the more biologically active hormone found in the bloodstream. As these two hormones circulate in the blood, they bind to hormone receptors on cells and increase oxygen use and metabolism.

    Thyrotropin

    • Thyrotropin (TSH) is an important regulatory hormone produced by the pituitary gland. This hormone is responsible for the uptake of iodide into the thyroid gland. When the body's circulating T4 levels decrease, the pituitary gland recognizes the imbalance and produces thyrotropin. The hormone increases the intake of iodide from the thyroid to maintain or boost metabolism.

    Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone

    • Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) is the start of cascading events that control the thyroid. TRH is produced from the hypothalamus. When thryotropin levels are decreased, the hypothalamus increases production of TRH, which in turn increases thyrotropin and thyroid function.

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