Overview
The thyroid gland is located just below the Adam’s apple (larynx) in the front of the neck. It is butterfly-shaped and has two lobes on either side of the windpipe (trachea). A normal thyroid gland is not usually visible or evident when finger pressure is applied to the neck.
It is part of your endocrine system and regulates many of your body’s important functions by producing and secreting hormones.
Every cell in your body requires energy to function.The primary function of your thyroid is to regulate the rate of your metabolism (metabolic rate), which is the process by which your body converts the food you eat into energy.
Why do you require a thyroid gland?
The thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system, which is made up of glands that produce, store, and release hormones into the bloodstream so that they can reach the cells of the body. The thyroid gland uses iodine from food to produce two major hormones:
- Triiodothyronine (T3) (T3)
- Thyroxine (T4) (T4)
It is important that T3 and T4 levels are neither too high nor too low. The hypothalamus and pituitary glands in the brain communicate to maintain T3 and T4 levels balanced.
TSH Releasing Hormone (TRH) is produced by the hypothalamus and signals the pituitary gland to indicate the thyroid gland to produce more or less T3 and T4 by increasing or decreasing the release of a hormone known as thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).
- Low T3 and T4 levels – When T3 and T4 levels are low in the blood, the pituitary gland releases more TSH to tell the thyroid gland to produce more thyroid hormones.
- High T3 and T4 levels – If T3 and T4 levels are high, the pituitary gland releases less TSH to the thyroid gland to slow the production of these hormones.
- Hypothyroidism – When your thyroid does not produce and release enough thyroid hormones, you have hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). This slows down certain aspects of your metabolism. It is curable.
Below are other symptoms that indicates the sign of low T3 and T4 in your body:
- Tiredness and fatigue
- Concentration difficulties
- Dry Hair and skin
- Depression
- Cold temperature sensitivity
- Heavy periods occur frequently.
- Muscle and joint pain
- Trouble sleeping
Hyperthyroidism – When your thyroid produces and releases more thyroid hormones than your body requires, you have hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). This causes certain aspects of your metabolism to accelerate.
Below are other symptoms that indicates the sign of high T3 and T4 in your body:
- Anxiety
- Irritability or Mood swings
- Hyperactivity and nervousness
- Sweating or hypersensitivity to heat
- Trembling hands (shaking)
- Hair loss
- Irregular menstrual periods
What is the function of my thyroid?
Your thyroid, as an endocrine gland, produces and secretes hormones.
The following hormones are produced and released by your thyroid:
- Thyroxine (T4): This is the primary hormone produced and released by your thyroid. Although your thyroid produces the majority of this hormone, it has minimal effect on your metabolism. When your thyroid releases T4 into your bloodstream, it can be converted to T3 via a process known as deiodination.
- Triiodothyronine (T3): Although your thyroid produces less T3 than T4, it has a much greater impact on your metabolism than T4.
- Reverse triiodothyronine (RT3): Your thyroid produces a trace amount of RT3, which counteracts the effects of T3.
- Calcitonin: This hormone aids in the regulation of calcium levels in the blood.
- Your thyroid gland requires iodine, an element found in food (most commonly, iodized table salt) and water to produce thyroid hormones. Iodine is acquired by your thyroid gland and converted into thyroid hormones. If you have too little or too much iodine in your body, it can affect the amount of hormones produced and released by your thyroid.
What are the early signs and symptoms of thyroid?
Thyroid conditions cause a variety of symptoms. However, because your thyroid plays an important role in certain body systems and processes, such as heart rate, metabolism, and temperature control, there are some symptoms to look out for that may indicate a thyroid condition, such as:
- Unexplained weight loss or gain.
- Inability to tolerate cold or heat.
- Anxiety or depression.
- Irregular menstrual cycles.
- Rapid or slow heart rate.
If you have any of these symptoms, consult Dr. Pradeep Tripathi about getting a blood test to check your thyroid function.
How is thyroid treated?
There are several treatment options for thyroid conditions, depending on the intensity of the condition.
A thyroidectomy is the most common type of surgery associated with thyroid conditions. The surgical removal of your entire thyroid gland is known as a thyroidectomy. Thyroidectomy is one of the thyroid disease treatment options and the first-line treatment for thyroid cancer.
A lobectomy is another surgical option that involves removing only a portion of your thyroid.
Your thyroid is an important endocrine gland that influences many aspects of your body. Thyroid disease is very common and easily treated.
Don’t be afraid to consult to Dr. Pradeep Tripthi if you have any thyroid disease-related symptoms or want to know if you have any risk factors for developing thyroid disease. They are there to assist you. The best Thyroid surgeon in Thane can be contacted at +91 91522 21666. For further information, you can email us at info@drpradeeptripathi.com.