Meet your Thyroid.

Hello friends,
It's another week on our health segment. We will be taking a look at the Thyroid gland.
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The thyroid gland is about 2 inches long and lies in front of the windpipe.
The thyroid has two sides called lobes on either side of your windpipe, and is usually connected by a strip of thyroid tissue known as the Isthmus.
In some persons, the Isthmus is absent and instead they have two separate thyroid lobes.

Functions of the Thyroid gland.

The thyroid gland is part of what we call the endocrine system which is made up of glands that produce, store and release hormones into the bloodstream so the hormones can reach the body cells.

The thyroid uses iodine from the food you eat to make two main hormones;
1.Tri-iodo thyronine.(T3)

2.Thyroxine(T4)

These hormones go into the blood stream and create certain effects;

1.The thyroid hormones control metabolism, this they do by causing the cells to use up fats and stored glucose to carry out body activities.

2. They regulate heart rate.

3. They play a role in regulating the menstrual cycle in females.

4. They are responsible for controlling muscle strength by participating in the production of proteins which are the building blocks for muscles.

The Control System for the release of the Thyroid Hormones.

The thyroid hormone production is controlled by a feedback system that involves the hypothalamus and the pituitary.

When there is a drop in the blood level of the thyroid hormones the hypothalamus responds by releasing the TSH releasing hormone that signals the pituitary to release the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone(TSH).
This is then sent to the thyroid to stimulate it to produce T3 and T4.

Also high levels of these hormones in the blood also inhibit the production of these hormones through a negative feedback effect.

Effects of Hyperthyroidism.
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Nervousness
-Rapid heart rate.
- Missed or light menstrual periods.
- Nervousness /hyperactivity
-Diarrhea
-Weight loss.
-Thin skin
-Bulging eyes(Graves disease).

Effects of Hypothyroidism.
- Inability to sleep
- Dry skin and hair.
-Depression
- Frequent and heavy periods.
- Tiredness/Fatigue.
- Sensitivity to cold.
-Weight gain.

Next week, we will look at some disease conditions that can affect the thyroid.

Credits:
endocrineweb.com
healthline.com
photo:Mayo clinic.org

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