What is the Thyroid?
What is the thyroid and how does it work?
What is the thyroid and how does it work? The thyroid is one of seven glands in each person’s body. These seven glands are a part of the “endocrine system,” and together, they are responsible for regulating major bodily functions, such as metabolism, bodily growth, puberty, and more. Endocrine glands are “ductless,” which means that they don’t secret fluids or substances, contrary to exocrine glands like sweat glands and salivary glands.
Common problems with the endocrine system include thyroid disease and diabetes. Each endocrine disease is the result of a poorly regulated hormone release function, often correlated with a missing gland, enlargement or shrinking of a gland, an inappropriate response by the body to glandular “signaling,” or other related issues.
The amazing thing about the thyroid gland is that every cell in the body depends on it in order to function properly. And for anyone who’s had a thyroid problem before, you know it – because everything from your ability to think to your ability to move is impacted.
The glands in the endocrine system communicate with one another via chemical signals. The different glands have relationships with one another, and some glands control or influence the function of the others. For example, the thyroid gland is regulated by the pituitary gland, which tells the thyroid that it needs to produce hormones (such as T3 and T4). The T3 and T4 is then released into the bloodstream, and where they control the conversion of calories and oxygen into energy (also known as “metabolism”).
When the body is low on T3 and T4, the pituitary gland gives the thyroid a signal by producing thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). When the thyroid detects TSH, it produces additional T3 and T4. When the thyroid doesn’t appear to listen, additional TSH is produced, signaling that the body should keep trying to produce T3 and T4. When enough TSH is produced to try to stimulate the thyroid gland to do its job, the TSH level will be high. This is when a medical test will show a high TSH level, indicating low thyroid function. This condition is known as “hypothyroidism.”
This is just the tip of the iceberg with thyroid function, and there are many other conditions, facts, and ways to view things than are presented here.
Other Good Articles:
- How Your Thyroid Works: A “Delicate Feedback Mechanism.” http://www.endocrineweb.com/thyfunction.html
- Thyroid Gland Function: Common Tests to Examine. http://www.endocrineweb.com/tests.html
For more thyroid info, pick a topic:
- What is the thyroid and how does it work?
- What are the signs of a thyroid condition?
- Getting diagnosed
- What other things could it be?
- Dieting with a thyroid problem
- What else can I do to help my thyroid condition?
Want to see some new topics or content? Email mary@thyroidstory.com
Submit your experiences or suggestions for new topics to mary@thyroidstory.com
Please see the Products page for helpful products regarding metabolism, weight loss, thyroid management, and general well-being.