Thyroid is one of the largest endocrine gland in the body and is responsible for the rate at which your body burns energy and makes proteins. This gland produces various hormones that regulate various bodily functions, such as metabolism, and controls the rate for other bodily functions' work. Thyroid disorders are a common problem, according to the U.S. Office of Minority Health, affecting over 27 million people with an overactive or underactive metabolism.
The thyroid, a butterfly shaped gland, is situated below the Adam’s apple. It controls metabolism of the body. The gland also plays a vital role in the maintenance of health. Factors like heart rate and calorie burning are controlled by it.
The thyroid produces two main hormones, Thyroxine and triiodothyronine. The duo maintains the rate at which your body uses fats and carbohydrates; it helps control your body temperature; it influences your heart rate, and helps regulate protein metabolism. Your thyroid gland also produces calcitonin, a hormone that helps regulate the amount of calcium in your blood.
The rate at which thyroxine and triiodothyronine are released is controlled by the pituitary gland and hypothalamus – located at the base of your brain. This acts like the thermostat for your whole system.
When your thyroid gland malfunctions, the production of its hormones fluctuates. When under-active, it leads to a condition called hypothyroidism; when it is overactive, the outcome is hyperthyroidism.
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