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The Function of the Thyroid Gland

The thyroid is the largest gland in the neck (though small at less than an ounce), sitting in the front and wrapping around the trachea. It produces hormones that regulate the metabolism and is tied to weight, body temperature, hair, skin and mood.

  1. What the Thyroid Does

    • The thyroid gland, resembling a butterfly, is located in the front of the neck just below the Adam's apple (or where the Adam's apple would be on a woman). The thyroid is integral to the body's functioning; although the body may maintain for a short while with a malfunctioning thyroid, it cannot exist long-term. The thyroid gland takes iodine (from foods) and converts it into two hormones the body requires: triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). T3 and T4 regulate protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism, along with generating heat and regulating bone growth.

    Weight Gain/Loss

    • With the thyroid producing the hormones that control metabolism, a malfunctioning thyroid will quickly show itself through weight gain or loss. A low-functioning thyroid condition is called hypothyroid, and these people will experience weight gain or the inability to lose weight despite regular exercise and controlled portions. By contrast, the condition of a thyroid functioning too high is called hyperthyroid. People who suffer from hyperthyroid often cannot gain weight or keep it on, despite increasing the calories they take in.

    Moods and Dysfunction

    • An improperly functioning thyroid gland may affect a person's mood. Low functioning thyroid patients often feel depression, hopelessness and sadness. Many hypothyroid patients spend time in therapy before receiving a diagnosis from their doctor or endocrinologist. Patients with thyroids functioning in overdrive also suffer from mood swings, feeling manic at times with a racing heart and sweats. Both hypo- and hyperthyroid patients may suffer from sexual dysfunction. Some patients lose interest in sex as their thyroid malfunctions, others suffer an inability to orgasm.

    Hair and Skin Changes

    • Despite being so small, the thyroid gland can have intense affects throughout the body. The thyroid produces hormones that affect hair growth; therefore, when it is functioning at too-low a level, hypothyroid patients' hair may become brittle and break or fall out. Their skin may become rough and scaly, and they also become more sensitive to cold. Hyperthyroid patients become more sensitive to heat, feeling sweaty even in the most cold temperatures.

    Fatigue

    • Producing hormones that contribute to the body's energy reserves, the thyroid can affect how tired a person feels. Low functioning thyroids may cause a patient to feel extreme fatigue, bone weariness and the desire to sleep much more. On the other hand, too-high functioning thyroids cause patients to feel manic, hearts racing and sweaty. These patients may not ever feel tired, or may find it impossible to sleep even when they attempt to.

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