What is the thyroid gland and where is it located. How does the thyroid gland function within the endocrine system. What hormones does the thyroid produce and how do they affect metabolism. What are common thyroid disorders and their symptoms. How is thyroid health maintained and monitored.

The Thyroid Gland: Structure and Location

The thyroid gland is a vital organ within the human endocrine system, working in tandem with the nervous and immune systems to regulate bodily functions. But where exactly is this important gland located?

The thyroid gland is situated in the lower front part of the neck, just below the Adam’s apple. It has a distinctive butterfly shape, consisting of two lobes on either side of the windpipe (trachea). This strategic position allows it to efficiently release hormones directly into the bloodstream, affecting various organs and tissues throughout the body.

Thyroid Anatomy

• Two lobes connected by a thin strip of tissue called the isthmus
• Typically weighs between 20-60 grams in adults
• Highly vascularized, with a rich blood supply
• Composed of follicular cells that produce and store thyroid hormones

The unique structure of the thyroid gland enables it to efficiently produce, store, and release hormones as needed by the body. Its location in the neck also makes it relatively easy for healthcare providers to examine and assess its size and condition during routine check-ups.

The Endocrine System: Thyroid’s Role and Function

The thyroid gland is a key player in the endocrine system, but how does it fit into this complex network of glands and hormones?

As part of the endocrine system, the thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate various bodily functions. Its primary role is to control metabolism, which encompasses all the chemical processes that occur within the body to convert food into energy and maintain life.

Thyroid Hormones and Their Functions

The thyroid gland produces two main hormones:

1. Thyroxine (T4)
2. Triiodothyronine (T3)

These hormones influence numerous bodily functions, including:

• Body temperature regulation
• Heart rate and blood circulation
• Energy levels and appetite
• Growth and bone development
• Muscle tone and strength
• Central nervous system function
• Cholesterol levels
• Metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins

The production and release of thyroid hormones are carefully regulated by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland through a feedback mechanism known as the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis. This intricate system ensures that the body maintains optimal levels of thyroid hormones for proper functioning.

Thyroid Hormones and Metabolism: A Delicate Balance

How do thyroid hormones impact our metabolism, and why is maintaining the right balance so crucial?

Thyroid hormones play a pivotal role in regulating metabolism, which refers to all the chemical processes occurring within the body to sustain life. These hormones influence how quickly or slowly our bodies burn calories, use energy, and respond to other hormones.

The Iodine Connection

Iodine is an essential component in the production of thyroid hormones. The thyroid gland combines iodine with the amino acid tyrosine to create T3 and T4. Most people obtain sufficient iodine from their diet, particularly from seafood and iodized salt. However, iodine deficiency can lead to thyroid dysfunction and other health issues.

Metabolic Effects of Thyroid Hormones

• Regulate basal metabolic rate
• Influence heat production
• Affect protein synthesis
• Control lipid metabolism
• Influence carbohydrate metabolism

When thyroid hormone levels are balanced, metabolism functions optimally. However, too much or too little of these hormones can lead to significant health problems. An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can cause an abnormally high metabolism, while an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can result in a sluggish metabolism.

Thyroid Disorders: Common Conditions and Their Impact

What are the most prevalent thyroid disorders, and how do they affect overall health?

Thyroid disorders are relatively common, affecting millions of people worldwide. These conditions can result from the thyroid gland producing either too much or too little hormone, as well as structural abnormalities or autoimmune attacks on the gland itself.

Hyperthyroidism: When the Thyroid is Overactive

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces an excess of thyroid hormones. The most common cause is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Unexplained weight loss
• Increased appetite
• Nervousness and anxiety
• Tremors in hands and fingers
• Excessive sweating
• Changes in menstrual patterns

Hypothyroidism: When the Thyroid is Underactive

Hypothyroidism is characterized by an underproduction of thyroid hormones. The most frequent cause is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, another autoimmune condition. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Weight gain
• Increased sensitivity to cold
• Dry skin and hair
• Depression
• Impaired memory
• Constipation

Other Thyroid Conditions

Several other disorders can affect the thyroid gland:

• Thyroid nodules: Abnormal growths or lumps in the thyroid
• Thyroid cancer: Malignant growths in the thyroid tissue
• Goiter: Enlargement of the thyroid gland
• Thyroiditis: Inflammation of the thyroid gland

Early detection and proper management of thyroid disorders are crucial for maintaining overall health and preventing complications. Regular check-ups and thyroid function tests can help identify and address these conditions promptly.

The Pituitary-Thyroid Connection: Hormonal Regulation

How does the pituitary gland influence thyroid function, and why is this relationship so important?

The pituitary gland, often referred to as the “master gland” of the endocrine system, plays a crucial role in regulating thyroid function. This small, pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain produces thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which directly controls the activity of the thyroid gland.

The Feedback Loop

The relationship between the pituitary and thyroid glands operates on a feedback loop system:

1. The pituitary gland releases TSH into the bloodstream.
2. TSH stimulates the thyroid gland to produce and release T3 and T4 hormones.
3. As T3 and T4 levels in the blood increase, they signal the pituitary to reduce TSH production.
4. When T3 and T4 levels drop, the pituitary increases TSH production to stimulate the thyroid.

This delicate balance ensures that the body maintains optimal levels of thyroid hormones. However, disruptions in this feedback loop can lead to thyroid dysfunction.

TSH as a Diagnostic Tool

Due to the sensitive nature of this feedback system, measuring TSH levels in the blood is often the first step in diagnosing thyroid disorders. Elevated TSH levels may indicate hypothyroidism, while low TSH levels could suggest hyperthyroidism.

Understanding the pituitary-thyroid connection is essential for healthcare providers in diagnosing and treating thyroid disorders effectively. It also highlights the interconnected nature of the endocrine system and the importance of maintaining balance across all hormonal functions.

Thyroid Health: Maintenance and Monitoring

How can individuals maintain optimal thyroid health, and what methods are used to monitor thyroid function?

Maintaining thyroid health is crucial for overall well-being. While some factors affecting thyroid function are beyond our control, there are several steps individuals can take to support thyroid health and detect potential issues early.

Lifestyle Factors for Thyroid Health

• Balanced diet rich in iodine, selenium, and zinc
• Regular exercise to support metabolic function
• Stress management techniques
• Adequate sleep and rest
• Limiting exposure to environmental toxins

Monitoring Thyroid Function

Regular check-ups and thyroid function tests are essential for monitoring thyroid health, especially for those with a family history of thyroid disorders or other risk factors. Common thyroid tests include:

1. TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) test: The primary screening tool for thyroid function
2. Free T4 test: Measures the amount of unbound thyroxine in the blood
3. Free T3 test: Assesses levels of the active form of thyroid hormone
4. Thyroid antibody tests: Help diagnose autoimmune thyroid disorders

In addition to blood tests, healthcare providers may use physical examinations, ultrasounds, or other imaging techniques to assess thyroid health and detect any structural abnormalities.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Individuals should consult a healthcare provider if they experience persistent symptoms that could indicate thyroid dysfunction, such as:

• Unexplained weight changes
• Fatigue or changes in energy levels
• Mood swings or depression
• Changes in heart rate or blood pressure
• Difficulty regulating body temperature
• Visible swelling in the neck area

Early detection and treatment of thyroid disorders can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life. Regular monitoring and open communication with healthcare providers are key to maintaining optimal thyroid health.

Thyroid Disorders and Pregnancy: Special Considerations

Why is thyroid health particularly important during pregnancy, and how are thyroid disorders managed in expectant mothers?

Thyroid function plays a crucial role in fetal development and maternal health during pregnancy. Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can have significant impacts on the health of the mother and the developing fetus if left untreated.

Thyroid Hormones and Fetal Development

During the first trimester, the fetus relies entirely on maternal thyroid hormones for proper brain and nervous system development. After this period, the fetal thyroid gland begins to function, but it still requires iodine from the mother to produce its own thyroid hormones.

Risks of Untreated Thyroid Disorders in Pregnancy

• Increased risk of miscarriage
• Preterm birth
• Low birth weight
• Developmental delays in the child
• Preeclampsia
• Maternal anemia

Management of Thyroid Disorders During Pregnancy

Pregnant women with pre-existing thyroid conditions require close monitoring and may need adjustments to their medication. For those diagnosed with thyroid disorders during pregnancy, treatment typically involves:

1. Careful monitoring of thyroid hormone levels throughout pregnancy
2. Adjustment of medication dosages as needed
3. Regular check-ups with an endocrinologist or obstetrician
4. Ensuring adequate iodine intake through diet or supplements

It’s important to note that certain thyroid medications may need to be changed or adjusted during pregnancy to ensure the safety of the developing fetus. Women with thyroid disorders who are planning to become pregnant should consult with their healthcare provider to develop a management plan before conception.

By addressing thyroid health before and during pregnancy, many potential complications can be avoided, ensuring the best possible outcomes for both mother and child.

The thyroid gland

What is the thyroid gland?

The thyroid gland is a key part of the human endocrine system and works together with your nervous and immune systems to regulate your body’s metabolism.

Metabolism refers to all of the processes that go on inside your body, for example, the process of turning food into energy.

The thyroid gland regulates metabolism by producing and secreting hormones into your bloodstream.

Terms explained

Autoimmune disorder – a condition where your own antibodies attack your body.

Where is the thyroid gland?

The thyroid gland is located in the lower front part of your throat, just below your Adam’s apple. It consists of 2 lobes on either side of your windpipe.

What does the thyroid gland do?

Your thyroid produces 2 important hormones:

• Thyroxine, known as T4
• tri-iodothyronine, known as T3.

Thyroid hormones affect your:

• body temperature and circulation
• appetite
• energy levels
• growth and bone development
• muscle tone and suppleness
• heart rate
• blood sugar levels
• central nervous system and bowel function
• cholesterol levels
• fat, carbohydrate and protein metabolism.

Thyroid hormones and metabolism

Your thyroid controls the chemical metabolic processes constantly taking place inside your body. This process of metabolism is how your body gets the energy it needs to survive and has a vital function.

Your body needs iodine to make thyroid hormones. Most people get suitable amounts of iodine from their diet as it is found in most food, especially seafood. Small amounts of iodine are found in vegetables grown in soils containing iodine.

If your thyroid cannot produce a sufficient amount of hormones you are vulnerable to a range of serious health conditions.

The higher the T3 and T4 iodine count that circulates in your blood the faster your metabolism is. If you have less T3 and T4, your metabolism levels drop.

If your thyroid becomes overactive (hyperthyroidism), or underactive (hypothyroidism) it is not performing normally and starts to produce abnormal chemical reactions in your body leading to:

• disruption of your entire metabolic system
• unusually high or low levels of hormones or enzymes
• malfunctioning hormones or enzymes
• a build-up of toxic substances in your body
• diseases and serious health conditions.

Your pituitary and thyroid glands

The pituitary is an endocrine gland located at the base of your brain that controls your endocrine system, including your thyroid. The pituitary affects the thyroid by producing a hormone called thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).

TSH causes cells within your thyroid to make more T3 and T4 hormone.

If there is too much T4 in your bloodstream your pituitary produces less TSH, which causes your thyroid activity to slow. If there is not enough T4 hormone the pituitary increases the amount of TSH to help speed up your metabolism.

Goitre

A goitre is when your thyroid gland becomes significantly swollen and enlarged – this can happen if your diet is low in iodine.

If you are iodine deficient your pituitary gland may try to compensate by overstimulating your thyroid to produce more thyroid hormone. When this happens your thyroid grows larger and larger.

The presence of goitre in your neck suggests your thyroid is not functioning properly or you are iodine deficient.

Other thyroid gland disorders

Several disorders are associated with the thyroid gland:

• Graves’ disease
• Hashimoto’s disease
• thyroid cancer
• thyroid nodules
• congenital thyroid disease
• iodine deficiency disorder.

Hyperthyroidism – overactive thyroid

Hyperthyroidism is a condition where your thyroid is overactive and releases too many T4 and T3 hormones into your bloodstream, creating a hormonal imbalance and causing your metabolism to speed up.

The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is an autoimmune condition called Graves’ disease.

Learn more about hyperthyroidism, including Graves’ disease and the symptoms and treatment of an overactive thyroid.

Hypothyroidism – underactive thyroid

Hypothyroidism is a condition where your thyroid is underactive and releases too little T4 and T3 hormones into your bloodstream.

This causes your metabolism to slow down too much and reduces the thyroid’s ability to make hormones.

The most common cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune condition called Hashimoto’s disease.

Learn more about hypothyroidism, including Hashimoto’s disease and the symptoms and treatment of an underactive thyroid.

Where to get help

• See your doctor
• See your endocrinologist
• Visit a GP after hours
• Ring healthdirect Australia on 1800 022 222.

Remember

• People with a family history of thyroid conditions have a higher risk of also getting thyroid and other autoimmune conditions.
• An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) releases too much T4 and T3 into your blood stream and causes your metabolism to speed up.
• An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) does not release enough T4 and T3 into your blood stream and causes your metabolism to slow down too much.
• Thyroid conditions can be treated and have a good prognosis.
• Thyroid conditions affect more women than men.

Acknowledgements

Diabetes and Endocrine Health Network

This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

See also

• 
  Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)




• 
  Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)




• 
  Your family health history




• 
  Genetic conditions




• 
  Genetic testing

Thyroid gland | You and Your Hormones from the Society for Endocrinology

Where is my thyroid gland?

The thyroid gland is located at the front of the neck just below the Adam’s apple (larynx). It is butterfly-shaped and consists of two lobes located either side of the windpipe (trachea). A normal thyroid gland is not usually outwardly visible or able to be felt if finger pressure is applied to the neck.

click to enlarge

Diagram showing the location of the thyroid gland in the neck. It has two lobes and sits in front of the windpipe (trachea). The voice box (larynx) sits just above the thyroid. Image created using Biorender.

What does the thyroid gland do?

The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate the body’s metabolic rate, growth and development. It plays a role in controlling heart, muscle and digestive function, brain development and bone maintenance. Its correct functioning depends on a good supply of iodine from the diet. Cells producing thyroid hormones are very specialised in extracting and absorbing iodine from the blood and incorporating it into the thyroid hormones.

Who tells the thyroid to produce and release hormones? 

The signal comes from a small gland located at the bottom of our brain called the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland produces and sends out a hormone called thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH then tells the thyroid gland how much hormone to produce and secrete. TSH levels in your blood are rising and falling depending on your body’s needs, to produce more or less thyroid hormones.

The pituitary gland responds either directly to the thyroid hormones in the blood, but it also responds to signals from the hypothalamus, which sits above the pituitary gland as part of your brain. The hypothalamus releases its own hormone thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). TRH in turn stimulates the release of TSH in the pituitary, which then signals to the thyroid gland.

This whole network is also referred to as the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis (HPT) and it adapts to metabolic changes and your body’s needs.

click to enlarge

Diagram showing the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis (HPT). The highlighted areas show the hypothalamus and the anterior pituitary. Image created using Biorender

Which hormones does my thyroid gland produce?

The thyroid gland produces thyroxine (referred to as T4), which is a relatively inactive prohormone, and the highly active hormone called triiodothyronine (referred to as T3). Collectively, thyroxine and triiodothyronine are referred to as the thyroid hormones. The thyroid gland produces just 20% of the highly active T3, and it mainly produces the prohormone T4, which constitutes about 80% of the secreted thyroid hormones. Once secreted by the thyroid, specific enzymes in other tissues like the liver or kidneys convert T4 into the active hormone T3 (which accounts for most of the T3 in the body).

In addition, there are other hormone-producing cells within the thyroid gland called C-cells. These cells produce calcitonin. Calcitonin plays a role in regulating calcium and phosphate levels in the blood, which is important for your maintain healthy bones.

What could go wrong with the thyroid gland?

Normally the thyroid gland produces the exact number of hormones needed to keep your body’s metabolism running and in balance. As described earlier, TSH secreted by the pituitary gland remains at a constant level in your blood circulation, but the level increases when the T4 levels fall and decrease when T4 levels in the blood rise. This hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid feedback loop keeps the levels of T4 in your blood stable and reacts to small changes immediately.

However, there are several disorders associated with the thyroid gland with most problems concerning the production of thyroid hormones. Either the thyroid gland produces too much hormone (called hyperthyroidism), resulting in your body using energy more quickly than it should; or your thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormone (called hypothyroidism), resulting in your body using energy more slowly than it should. Rarely cancer of the thyroid gland may develop.

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Diagram showing the effects of the thyroid hormone on various organs. Image created using Biorender.

What are typical symptoms of hyper- and hypothyroidism?

Typical symptoms for hyperthyroidism are weight loss, fast (and sometimes irregular) heart rate, irritability/nervousness, muscle weakness and tremors, changes in menstrual periods, sleep problems, eye problems and heat sensitivity.

Symptoms for hypothyroidism include weight gain, slower heart rate, fatigue, menstrual period abnormalities, forgetfulness, dry skin and hair, hoarse voice and intolerance to cold.

In addition, both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can be accompanied by an enlargement of the thyroid gland known as goitre.

Who is affected by thyroid disease?

On a worldwide scale, it is estimated that more than 200 million people have some form of thyroid disease. People of all ages and races can get thyroid disease. However, women are 5 to 10 times more likely than men to develop problems with their thyroid function.

What causes thyroid disease?

There are different factors that can cause hyper- and hypothyroidism.

The following conditions cause hypothyroidism:

Thyroiditis is inflammation of the thyroid gland. This can reduce the amount of thyroid hormones produced.

A special form of thyroiditis is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. This is a genetic disorder that causes the immune system to make the thyroid gland underactive. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis often runs in families. In addition, thyroiditis can occur in women after giving birth, this is called postpartum thyroiditis. Postpartum thyroiditis is usually a temporary condition and occurs only in 5-9% of woman giving birth.

Nutrition also impacts the function of your thyroid gland. Iodine deficiency can cause hypothyroidism. This is a worldwide problem affecting approximately 100 million people. As mentioned earlier, iodine is used by the thyroid gland to produce hormones.

Medications, radioactive iodine treatment and thyroid surgery and conditions affecting the pituitary gland can also result in hypothyroidism.

The following conditions cause hyperthyroidism:

Graves’ disease is a condition where the immune system causes the thyroid gland to become overactive and produce too much hormone. Your thyroid gland might be enlarged and referred to as a diffuse toxic goitre.

Thyroiditis (inflammation) caused by a viral infection can trigger the release of hormones that were stored in the thyroid gland. This uncontrolled release of thyroid hormones causes hyperthyroidism for a few weeks or months, with thyroid function returning to normal in most cases.

Excessive iodine intake may have negative effects on your thyroid gland. High quantities of iodine are found in a number of drugs such as Amiodarone, Lugol’s solution (iodine), some cough syrups and contrast dyes used for some types of scans. This might cause the thyroid to produce either too much or too little thyroid hormones in some individuals.

Swelling and lumps can occur within the thyroid gland, and they are called nodules. Most thyroid nodules are harmless, but some can cause the overproduction of thyroid hormones. Rarely, thyroid nodules can be cancerous. In some cases, such as cancer, some or all of the thyroid gland is removed. You can live without your thyroid, but you need to take medicine daily to replace the hormones produced by your thyroid gland.

How can I promote the health of the thyroid gland?

Iodine is the critical ‘ingredient’ for the production of thyroid hormones. We don’t need a lot of iodine, but a daily and constant supply of this micronutrient is important. Too much iodine can cause problems with your thyroid gland as described above. The best way to get your daily dose of iodine is through eating foods like seafood and dairy products. In addition, iodized salt (salt with iodine added to it) is a good source of iodine and you can use it to season your food.

Last reviewed: Jan 2020

Testes

its functions and diseases – FGBU “NMITs TPM” of the Ministry of Health of Russia

The thyroid gland plays an important role in the work of our body, if it does not function properly, metabolic processes are disrupted, and other systems malfunction. It is no coincidence that one day of the year was dedicated to this organ – today, May 25, is World Thyroid Day.

Alla Makarovskaya, a doctor-endocrinologist of the National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine of the Russian Ministry of Health, told about how the thyroid gland is arranged, what hormones it produces and what function it performs.

“The thyroid gland is one of the largest endocrine glands, located under the larynx, anterior to the trachea, consists of two lobes and an isthmus (has the shape of a butterfly).

The name “thyroid” was given to it by the anatomist Thomas Worth in 1656; iron in its shape reminded him of the shields of the warriors of Ancient Greece. And the first mention of the thyroid gland dates back to the 4th century BC. – they were found in the writings of Hippocrates and Plato, in the writings of physicians in ancient Greece, India and Egypt. According to WHO statistics, among endocrine disorders, thyroid diseases are the second most common after diabetes mellitus.

This “butterfly” gland has its own holiday: May 25 is World Thyroid Day. The date was proposed in 2008 by the European Thyroid Association.

The thyroid gland produces hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which, released directly into the blood, affect all cells and tissues of the body, regulate the rate of various metabolic processes, thereby affecting the functions of all organs and systems .

In the blood, most of the thyroid hormones are associated with proteins, they are biologically inactive, and only a small fraction of hormones free from proteins actively performs their functions (free T3 and free T4). The “conductor” of the work of the entire endocrine system is the hypothalamic-pituitary system, which consists of two glands: the pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain, and the hypothalamus, located in the brain a little higher than the pituitary gland.

Thyroid, pituitary and hypothalamus work in concert to control thyroid hormone levels. If, for example, there is not enough thyroid hormone in the blood, the pituitary gland increases the production of its thyroid-stimulating hormone (or TSH), which stimulates an increase in the production of hormones by the gland. Once normal thyroid hormone levels are restored, TSH production slows down and approaches normal.

The state of normal functioning of the thyroid gland is called euthyroidism (“eu-” in Greek means “good”, “normal”). If the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones, then the metabolic processes in the body slow down. This condition is called hypothyroidism.

If there is more thyroid hormone than necessary, the metabolism increases and the opposite state of hypothyroidism develops – hyperthyroidism.

The symptoms of hypo- and hyperthyroidism are not specific to thyroid disorders, they can be associated with completely different problems. In order to accurately assess the activity of the thyroid gland, it is enough to donate blood, in which the level of TSH, free T4 and free T3 is primarily assessed.

Goiter refers to an enlarged thyroid gland. Currently, an accurate method for determining its size and structure is ultrasound (ultrasound). Autoimmune thyroid diseases are widespread. Diseases of this type are diffuse toxic goiter (DTG) and autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT). Each of these occurs in about one in 100 people.

Other thyroid diseases are nodules, cancer, subacute thyroiditis. For the differential diagnosis of nodular goiter (thyroid nodules larger than 1 cm in diameter), a fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) is indicated.

You can make an appointment with an endocrinologist at the Consultative and Diagnostic Center of the National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine of the Russian Ministry of Health by calling 8 (495) 790-71-72.

All about the thyroid gland – general information, diseases, diagnosis and treatment

The thyroid gland is an organ of the endocrine system, located in the larynx, in front, localized in front of the thyroid cartilage. They probe the organ just below the Adam’s apple, but not always even doctors can palpate the gland in a normal state due to its soft structure, but when seals occur, the changes are immediately noticeable. The thyroid gland covers the trachea on both sides, but does not close around. The size of the gland is approximately 4 cm in height, and its weight is about 20 g. Despite such a modest size, the gland performs a number of important functions in the body, and if its work is disrupted, failures become immediately noticeable.

Functions of the thyroid gland

The thyroid gland belongs to one of the most complex systems – the endocrine. Her work is very important, and the impact on other organ systems is very noticeable. The thyroid gland is closely connected with other organs of internal secretion and performs the following functions:

• regulates the production of hormones – sex hormones, adrenal hormones;
• produces thyroid hormones based on dietary iodine.

Signs of thyroid disorders

Thyroid problems are predominantly observed in women. They are diagnosed with various disorders 10 times more than men. Thyroid pathology can be provoked by various factors – both heredity and environmental influences. Signs of a thyroid disorder are:

1. Exhaustion of the body – thyroid diseases often lead to the fact that patients complain of weakness. The reason for this is the lack of thyroid hormones. Especially fatigue is felt in the morning, and even after a full 8-hour sleep, a person still feels overwhelmed. This usually indicates that the thyroid gland is not working at full capacity. With a lack of thyroid hormones in the blood, muscle cells do not receive signals for active work.
2. Depression – Feeling depressed and overwhelmed is usually associated with hypothyroidism. This hormone is responsible for the neurotransmitters of good mood – serotonin, therefore, with a lack of hormones, moral well-being, psychological mood are at zero. Due to depression, interest in life, a sense of beauty, disappears. There is more and more concentration on the negative, and getting out of this state is not easy.
3. Anxiety and nervousness are symptoms of increased production of thyroid hormones, which mobilize all the forces of the body and make it overexcited. An elementary event can provoke a wave of irritation and overexcitation, the metabolism accelerates more strongly, bringing all organs into the system of readiness. A person has the feeling that he lives in constant tension and nervousness, he cannot relax.
4. Changes in taste sensations, a strong feeling of hunger – all these signs indicate symptoms of hyperthyroidism. A constantly high level of thyroid hormones provokes a feeling of hunger, and against the background of a state of hyperactivity, a person may not even gain weight.
5. Fuzzy thinking – images and categories that a person thinks also suffer from pathologies of the thyroid gland. Sometimes people attribute such inhibition in expressing their thoughts to old age or fatigue, but in fact, the hormonal background is to blame for everything. When the level of thyroid hormones is too high, a person feels problems with concentration, and a low level leads to problems with memory, blurred thinking.
6. Loss of interest in intimate life is another side effect in thyroid pathologies. Due to the low hormonal background, libido decreases, interest in the partner and coitus itself fades. The situation is complicated by the fact that along with the loss of libido, a person also feels physical discomfort, pain in the back.
7. Dry skin is the result of low levels of thyroid hormones. Due to the slowdown in metabolism, changes in the skin are visible very quickly and become visible to the naked eye. Sweating is disturbed and becomes excessive, the body loses a large amount of water, due to which the skin is faced with dehydration, which is manifested by dryness and flaking. Nails become brittle, stripes appear on them.
8. Feeling of trembling – patients with thyroid pathologies often complain that their body is covered by bouts of sudden trembling. Sometimes this is manifested by an increase in heart rate, a knocked down frequent pulse can be seen on the wrist or throat, when the vein pulsates, there is a strong squeezing. Such conditions are caused by hyperthyroidism, as well as sudden releases of the hormone into the blood.
9. Malfunctions of the intestines – another manifestation of a lack of thyroid hormones. This condition is usually accompanied by constipation, as intestinal motility slows down. With an increased level of hormones, the situation is reversed – patients note frequent bowel movements.
10. A change in the menstrual cycle with any fluctuation of the hormonal background makes one alert and is a reason for donating blood for steroids. With an increased level of hormones, menstruation becomes irregular, spotting is scarce, and the cycle lengthens. A decrease in hormonal levels also demonstrates problems with menstruation – the discharge intensifies, becomes more abundant, a woman often suffers from soreness during these periods.
11. Muscle pain and aches are a typical symptom of thyroid problems. Patients suffer from pain of an incomprehensible nature, numbness, twisting of the joints, muscle tingling. With a constantly high level of hormones, nerve endings suffer, the conductivity of signals is disturbed.
12. Hypertension – increased blood pressure and persistent high numbers on the pressure gauge indicate that both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can be the cause. According to statistics, patients with low levels of thyroid hormones in the blood are 3 times more likely to suffer from high blood pressure. But studies by other specialists have confirmed that with a low level of thyroid hormones, heart contractions become weaker. Obviously, a number of other factors also affect, but hypertension is clearly associated with a violation of the hormonal background.
13. Persistent chills – People with thyroid disease often complain of being cold. They give the impression of disturbed thermoregulation, in which one feels both chills (with hypothyroidism) and fever (with hyperthyroidism).
14. Sensation of a lump in the throat, unpleasant interfering sensations when swallowing – this is another reason to contact an endocrinologist. Self-diagnosis should not be carried out, but a specialist consultation will not be superfluous. But if you find irregularities in the trachea, bulges on one side, a visit to the endocrinologist is simply mandatory.
15. Sleep problems are another manifestation of thyroid pathology. With a hormone deficiency in a person, severe drowsiness occurs, which even in the daytime tends to sleep, but with an increase in steroid levels, patients complain of insomnia, constant overexcitation, and the inability to disconnect from the events of the past day.
16. Hair thinning and hair loss – a symptom occurs with hypothyroidism, when due to low hormone levels, many hair follicles go into a state of slow metabolism, and it becomes problematic to stimulate hair growth. They become dull, brittle and dry, fall out in large quantities.
17. Impossibility of conception – doctors also look for the reason for non-occurrence of pregnancy in hormonal fluctuations and prescribe the patient an analysis for thyroid hormones. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism interfere with ovulation, making it harder to get pregnant.

Diseases of the thyroid gland

Like any other organ, the thyroid gland is subject to various disorders, as a result of which the entire body suffers. Endocrinologists distinguish such pathologies associated with the thyroid gland:

1. Goiter – the disease is accompanied by an increase in the size of the thyroid gland, but the functions of the organ are preserved. This pathology is called euthyroid goiter and it occurs most often.
2. Endemic goiter is a disease in which the thyroid gland is also enlarged, but this is caused by iodine deficiency in the body (the development of such a pathology is most dangerous in childhood, in pregnant women).
3. Nodular goiter – a disease in which the thyroid tissue is affected by one or more nodes. This condition can occur both with a deficiency of hormones and with their excess. Doctors monitor such patients, and those with a nodule larger than 1 cm are referred for a biopsy to rule out malignant tumor development.
4. Hypothyroidism is a violation of the direct function of the gland in the production of hormones. With hypothyroidism, they become insufficient, so the patient experiences all the symptoms of a deficiency.
5. Hashimoto’s goiter is a chronic autoimmune thyroiditis in which the gland begins to destroy itself, perceiving its cells as abnormal.
6. Hyperthyroidism – increased production of thyroid hormones. The condition is also characterized by symptoms that include palpitations, fever, anxiety, and irritability.
7. Thyrotoxicosis is a condition in which the body is poisoned by its own products of the endocrine system. Occurs due to hyperactivity of the gland and a constantly high level of pressure.

Pathologies of the thyroid gland give their characteristic symptoms, but the patient may not always recognize them.