What Does Your Thyroid Do?

What Does Your Thyroid Do?

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck. It plays a vital role in the body's metabolism, growth, and development.

The thyroid gland produces two hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones regulate the body's metabolism, which is the rate at which the body converts food into energy.

How does the thyroid gland work?

The thyroid gland works in conjunction with the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, two other glands located in the brain.

The hypothalamus monitors the levels of T3 and T4 in the blood. When the levels of these hormones are low, the hypothalamus releases a hormone called thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH).

TRH travels to the pituitary gland, which then releases thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH travels to the thyroid gland, which then produces and releases T4 and T3.

What are the functions of the thyroid hormones?

The thyroid hormones regulate a wide range of bodily functions, including:

* Metabolism

* Growth and development

* Heart rate

* Blood pressure

* Breathing

* Digestion

* Reproduction

* Mood

What happens if the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormones?

If the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormones, a condition called hypothyroidism can occur. Hypothyroidism can cause a wide range of symptoms, including:

* Fatigue

* Weight gain

* Constipation

* Cold intolerance

* Dry skin

* Brittle hair

* Muscle weakness

* Depression

What happens if the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormones?

If the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormones, a condition called hyperthyroidism can occur. Hyperthyroidism can cause a wide range of symptoms, including:

* Weight loss

* Increased appetite

* Diarrhea

* Heat intolerance

* Sweating

* Anxiety

* Irritability

* Difficulty sleeping

How is thyroid disease diagnosed?

Thyroid disease is diagnosed with a blood test that measures the levels of thyroid hormones and TSH in the blood.

How is thyroid disease treated?

The treatment for thyroid disease depends on the type of thyroid disease that you have.

The treatment for hypothyroidism is to take thyroid hormone medication to replace the thyroid hormones that your body is not producing.

The treatment for hyperthyroidism may include medication to slow down the production of thyroid hormones, radioactive iodine therapy to destroy the thyroid gland, or surgery to remove the thyroid gland.