What is thyroid gland
Thyroid function
Thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ with right and left lobes, located in the anterior part of your neck. Thyroid is an endocrine gland which produces thyroid hormones for regulation of metabolism in the body. It is important to consume sufficient iodine with your diet, because the cells of the thyroid gland use iodine to produce hormones like thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) which are called thyroid hormones.
The processes of hormone production and synthesis are regulated by pituitary gland (also called hypophysis). It produces thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) which instructs your thyroid gland how much thyroid hormones to produce for bodily requirements. This is the reason why the levels of TSH fluctuate depending on bodily needs. Normally, our thyroid knows exactly how much hormone to produce for proper metabolism in the body. However, when the gland’s function disrupts, it starts producing either insufficient or extra amounts of hormones, which leads to hormonal imbalance. There are many different factors that can contribute to thyroid problems including inflammatory conditions like thyroiditis, hyperactive nodule, as well as your diet. Heredity also plays a huge role.
Why is your thyroid important
Our overall health depends on the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. This is because the thyroid is responsible for regulating all essential organs and system, like։
- breathing
- heart beat
- peripheral and central nervous system
- body mass
- muscle strength
- menstrual cycle
- body temperature
- cholesterol level
- metabolism
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