The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland, located in the lower half of the front of the neck. It makes thyroid hormones that work together with the liver, brain, and pituitary gland to:
- Regulate metabolism and heart rate
- Keep you warm and energetic
- Influence every cell, tissue, and organ in the body
The main thyroid hormones are T4, T3, and TSH:
- T4: This hormone, called thyroxine, is directly produced by the thyroid gland and is called T4 because it contains 4 atoms of iodine.
- T3: T3 is called triiodothyronine. It starts out as T4 but had one iodine atom removed by the liver or brain. It becomes active as T3.
- TSH, or Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, is made in the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. This hormone tells the thyroid gland how much T4 to make, depending on how much it sees.
Here are some facts about thyroid conditions in the US:
- An estimated 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease. Up to 60% may not know it.
- Women are more likely than men to have a thyroid condition.
- Living with an untreated thyroid condition can put people at risk for heart and blood vessel disease, osteoporosis, infertility, and miscarriage.
- Hypothyroidism, or too little thyroid hormone, can cause tiredness, depression, forgetfulness, and weight gain.
- Hyperthyroidism, or having too much thyroid hormone, can cause nervousness, weight loss, irritability, and eye irritation.
Tests and screenings:
- All newborns are tested for ‘congenital hypothyroidism’
- Testing for common thyroid conditions usually involves a simple blood test ordered by your doctor.
Treatment:
- Hypothyroidism is typically treated with pills. Follow your physician’s and pharmacist’s directions carefully.
- Treatment for hyperthyroidism depends on the cause and other factors.
Research:
Thyroid disease research is ongoing and is currently focusing on cancer, pregnancy, genetics, links between thyroid disease and other health conditions, and new treatments.
For more information, go to https://www.thyroid.org/