Aninsightofthethyroidgland:MetabolismRegulator

Introduction of An insight of the thyroid gland: Metabolism

Regulator
Situated in the front of the windpipe,
the thyroids primary objective in the
endocrine systemis to control metabolism (bodys ability to break down food and
convert it to energy) levels through the release of hormone from Thyroid Gland.
Thyroid cells are highly specialized in absorbing and using iodine and help the gland
in extracting iodine from the blood.
Thyroid is controlled and managed by bothhypothalamusand the
pituitary gland. When thyroid hormone levels dip, the hypothalamus releases TRH
(TSH Releasing Hormone) which signals the pituitary to make TSH (thyroid
stimulating hormone). The thyroid responds with more production of hormones.
Hormones released by Thyroid gland
The thyroid gland is responsible for producing and releasing two major hormones T3
(tri-iodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). A normal functioning thyroid produces and
releases 20% T3 and 80% T4 hormones, though T3 is firmer of the two. The thyroid
also produces some amount ofcalcitoninwhich manages blood calcium levels.
Diseases associated with the thyroid gland
There are multiple diseases linked with the thyroid. There are no age restrictions to
them and can occur due to other diseases, injury, malnutrition etc. But in most
cases the problems are:
Excess or limited production of thyroid hormone
Irregular thyroid growth.
Lumps within the thyroid
Thyroid cancer

Some of the common thyroid problems are:

Goiters: Agoiteris an inflammation of the neck. A toxic goiter is linked to
hyperthyroidism, and a non-toxic goiter is just an endemic goiter caused by
iron deficiency.
Hyperthyroidism:Too much release of thyroid hormone leads to
hyperthyroidism. Patients suffering from this disease are responsive to heat,
eat in large quantities and hyperactive. Sometimes, goiter is the side-effect of
hyperthyroidism. This happens because of over-stimulated thyroid and swelled
tissues.
Hypothyroidism:Hypothyroidism occurs due to less production of thyroid
hormone. Cretinism is the term used when it happens to infants. The side
effects are severe including mental retardation and abnormal bone formation.
In adults, receptiveness to cold, little appetite and sluggishness are some of
the symptoms of hypothyroidism.Hypothyroidismcan go unnoticed for years.

Solitary Thyroid Nodules:Solitary nodules in the thyroid are very common. It is

estimated that in future, half of the population will have this disease. Most of
the nodules dont possess a threat to life. However, FNA (Fine needle
aspirationbiopsy) is required to check for cancerous nodule.
Thyroid Cancer:Thyroid Canceris very common but patients can survive it.
Symptoms include neck pain, enlarged lymph nodes and hoarseness. People of
any age or sex can suffer from thyroid cancer, though man and women over 30
years of age are more likely to develop this condition.
Thyroiditis:Thyroiditisis swelling of the thyroid gland that may be linked with
unusual thyroid function. Swelling can kill thyroids cells affecting its ability to
produce enough hormones to maintain the body's normal metabolism. There
are five kinds of thyroiditis, treatment which differs from each other.

Specific thyroid conditions

Hypothalamus: It results when thyroid gland produces inadequate amount of
thyroid hormone. Some of the symptoms include fatigue, fluid retention,dry skin,
constipation,muscle or joint pain,depression, extended
menstrual bleeding in women.
Hyperthyroidism: It is a condition where thyroid gland produces excess amount
of thyroid hormone. Hyperthyroidism is less common than hypothyroidism.
Symptoms include nervousness, increased sweating, inability to concentrate,
tremor,increased bowel movements, fast heart rate and more.
Goiter: Goiter means enlargement of the thyroid gland, regardless of the cause. It
may be associated with hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism or
normal thyroid function.
Thyroid Nodules: Nodules are lumps formed within the thyroid gland. It can be
caused by benign tumors, cysts or less common thyroid cancer. Nodules can be
one or many and develop in different shapes.
Thyroid Cancer: Thyroid cancer is common among adult women than men. There
are differenttypes of thyroid cancerwhich totally depends on the specific cell
type within the thyroid gland, that has become cancerous.