Weighing only a few grams of the thyroid gland, located at the front of the neck and has a shape like a "butterfly".
Two "butterfly wings" (lobes) connected by a network known as the isthmus (isthmus). The thyroid gland affects every tissue in the body that require increased cell activity.
Weight change (up or down), changes in heart rate, sensitivity to heat and cold, motor coordination and even fertility can be affected when the thyroid is not functioning properly.
T3 & T4
The thyroid is responsible for production of the two kinds of hormones tri-iodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Both of these hormones are secreted into the body through the conversion of iodine by the thyroid.
After T3 and T4 are released into the blood stream, they are sent to the cells that are responsible for controlling the body's metabolism.
A normally functioning thyroid gland will produce 80 percent and 20 percent T3 T4.
TSH and thyroid hormones
Sometimes, thyroid hormone levels will drop too low. When this occurs, the pituitary gland (a small gland at the base of the brain) releases what is known as the TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) to encourage the thyroid to produce and secrete more of the hormone.
Once the thyroid to produce more hormone, the pituitary gland will stop producing TSH. Pituitary and thyroid glands are always working together to maintain the condition of the hormone is always balanced.
However, if someone has a thyroid disorder where hormone produced too much or too little, the release of TSH will irritate the thyroid gland and cause "goiter" (enlarged thyroid).
Hyperthyroidism (hyperthyroidism)
Hyperthyroidism occurs when too much thyroid hormone is released into the body, resulting in a very fast metabolism.
While hyperthyroidism has many causes, accompanying symptoms are basically the same.
The symptoms include a body temperature higher than normal and that weight loss can not explain why, or in some cases an increase in weight due to increased appetite.
Physical fatigue are also common in patients with hyperthyroidism or with difficulty sleeping disturbances in the sleep cycle.
In addition, motor tremor also occurs accompanied muscle fatigue and heart palpitations. Some patients report mood swings and irritability.
The presence of goiter is very typical, but because these symptoms occur gradually, hyperthyroidism is often difficult to diagnose early.
Hypothyroidism (Hypothyroidism)
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces T3 and T4 less than the body needs.
Such as hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism is often difficult to diagnose in its early stages.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism is characterized by a slowed metabolism, weight gain, inability to lose weight, hair loss, cold intolerance, joint and muscle pain, weakness, memory loss, dry skin or pale, decreased s'xual desire, and too much sleep.
In certain cases, patients with hypothyroidism reported falling asleep while stopped at traffic lights or while sitting at your desk.
Hashimoto's disease, the most common form of hypothyroidism, have an auto-immune because that is when the thyroid is attacked by the immune system.
Other Conditions Thyroid
Hormone production can also be hampered by other conditions that affect the thyroid gland, including thyroid nodules, thyroiditis, and thyroid cancer. This condition can result in thyroid hormone production is below or above the normal level.
Care and Treatment of Thyroid Disease
Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are not life threatening if treated appropriately. In most cases, hypothyroidism successfully treated with hormone replacement drugs, like Synthroid.
Hyperthyroidism bit more difficult to treat and require the use of oral medication that blocks the production of thyroid.
In addition, beta-blockers are used to reduce symptoms such as increased heart rate and excessive sweating.
If the symptoms are severe or comes back after treatment, doctors may recommend radioactive iodine treatment.
However, in some cases, radioactive material actually kill all thyroid cells, causing patients had hypothyroidism.
That is why, it is advisable to consult with your doctor about the long-term effects of radioactive iodine treatment.
