Powering Your Body: The Function of Thyroid Gland Hormones 

Healthcare costs are rising dramatically! Taking care of yourself is more important than ever.

One part of your body you may not think about is your thyroid but it is very important for your health. It performs a very important function in your body. Taking the time to understand it and how it affects other parts of your body is extremely essential.

Here’s a closer look at the function of the thyroid gland in the body and how it protects your health.

What Does Your Thyroid Do?

It is the job of your thyroid gland to produce hormones. These thyroid hormones help regulate your metabolic rate. Your metabolic rate helps to control your digestive function, brain development, and even your muscles.

The pituitary gland, located at the very bottom of your brain, produces thyroid-stimulating hormones. These stimulative hormones then tell your thyroid gland how many hormones it should produce.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone is either increasing or decreasing all the time depending on what your body needs.

Thyroid Malfunction

The thyroid can malfunction for several reasons. Usually, your thyroid glands will keep producing just enough hormones so that your body’s metabolism is allowed to be stable. However, sometimes the thyroid gland will produce too many hormones.

This is hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism causes your body to use energy a lot faster than it should.

Sometimes your thyroid condition may go in the opposite direction and not produce enough hormones. This is hypothyroidism.

When you have hypothyroidism your body will start using energy slower than it normally would.

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism

One of the biggest symptoms of hyperthyroidism is weight loss. Since your body is using energy a lot faster it is easier for you to drop pounds fast. You may become more irritable or have problems sleeping.

On the other hand, if you have hypothyroidism you may experience weight gain. Your heart may start to beat slower and you may feel fatigued very quickly throughout the day. Some people even experience dry skin and hair because of hypothyroidism.

What Causes Thyroid Problems?

Thyroid problems are caused by several factors. If there is an inflammation of the thyroid gland then this can reduce the amount of hormone that is produced.

A person can also be born with thyroid problems. In this case, it is a genetic disorder that can be passed down in a family.

Your immune system may also create antibodies that attack your thyroid cells. You can go to this link to find out more about this.

Nutrition can also play a role in thyroid disease. To prevent thyroid disease you should make sure that they are getting enough iodine in their diet.

The Function of the Thyroid Gland in the Body

As you can see, the function of the thyroid gland is extremely important. Your thyroid gland is essential for ensuring that you are healthy at all times.

When your thyroid gland is not functioning properly it is very hard not to notice. It can cause severe health problems that may require the intervention of a medical team.

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