Thyroid function
Content:
- The role of the thyroid gland in the human body
- What hormones does the thyroid gland produce?
- Disruption of the thyroid gland
The role of the thyroid gland in the human body
The thyroid gland refers to an organ that is small in size and located in the neck. It occupies the front and side of the trachea. The thyroid gland is similar in shape to a butterfly; two lobes can be distinguished in it, which are connected by the isthmus. If there are no abnormalities in its work, there are no tumors, then it will not be possible to detect the organ by palpation.
The main purpose of the thyroid gland is the production of a number of hormones that affect processes important for life. Their amount is regulated by the pituitary gland. It is able to increase or decrease the release of hormones into the blood. Disruption of the pituitary gland leads to problems with the gland.
What hormones does the thyroid gland produce?
The thyroid gland produces the following hormones, which immediately enter the bloodstream:
- Calcitonin. This hormone, unlike others, is not iodine-containing. The level of calcium and phosphorus in the blood depends on its amount.
- Thyroxine. Substances that are derivatives of it are called thyroid hormones. Thyroxine affects metabolic processes, the characteristics of growth and development in the body. Brain cells are subject to oxidative reactions involving substances. A lack or excess of this hormone can cause complications. Patients in whose blood its content exceeds the norm are prone to myxedema. Cretinism is caused by a lack of thyroxine at the initial stages of development of the human body. In addition, this substance is closely related to protein production.
- Triiodothyronine. When thyroxine is decoded, this hormone is released. But its formation in this way occurs in the liver and kidneys. The thyroid gland secretes triiodothyronine in smaller volumes.
All hormones that are produced by the body take part in the metabolic process in the human body. In addition, they affect the work of other systems, including the nervous and digestive tract.
Disruption of the thyroid gland
All problems arising with the production of thyroid hormones can be roughly divided into 2 groups:
- The first includes those that are associated with insufficient release of hormones into the blood.
- The second type of abnormality implies disorders caused by an excess of hormones produced in the body, which causes hyperthyroidism. Under its influence, toxins accumulate in the body. This type of hyperthyroidism is known as thyrotoxicosis.
It is closely related to the following diseases:
- Autoimmune thyroiditis in the early stages of development;
- Graves 'disease (diffuse toxic goiter or Graves' disease);
- Thyroid adenoma (toxic).
If not enough hormones are released during the thyroid gland, hypothyroidism develops. The first part of this term denotes a shortage, too little.
Hypothyroidism can be caused by:
- Endemic goiter - in this case, the body does not receive water, iodine from food in the required volumes, the patient has difficulty breathing;
- Autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto's thyroiditis).
After the removal of the thyroid gland, the body stops producing the corresponding hormones. The fact that it ceases to perform its main functions is also caused by taking several courses of thyreostatics, congenital abnormalities, and organ damage.
Disorders in the thyroid gland appear in the form of various symptoms. The clinical picture depends on what the patient is suffering from: hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. A specific diagnosis can be predicted based on external signs in the patient's behavior.
So, hyperthyroidism appears in the form:
- Increased mobility and restlessness;
- Fast mood swings;
- Irritability;
- A large number of movements that the patient makes;
- Thirst;
- Fast pace of speech, rapid breathing;
- Unhealthy shine in the eyes;
- Increased sweating and insomnia;
- Dramatic weight loss;
- Frequent urge to urinate;
- Edema of the lower eyelid;
- Asymmetry of the eyes;
- Loose stools;
- Bulb-eye;
- Exposure of the sclera from the iris to the lower eyelid;
- High blood pressure;
- Acceleration of all vital processes in the body.
In turn, hypothyroidism can be determined by the following signs:
- Memory impairment;
- Inhibition of the patient, apathy, lethargy;
- Indifference;
- Lack of shine in the eyes;
- The patient's indifference;
- Low blood pressure;
- Lack of appetite;
- Increase in body weight;
- Impaired mental activity;
- Infrequent urination;
- Daytime sleepiness;
- Dry mouth upon waking;
- Puffiness;
- Dryness and roughness of the skin;
- Constipation;
- Slow heartbeat;
- Decreased performance;
- High blood pressure in elderly patients with hypertension.
The author of the article: Kuzmina Vera Valerievna | Endocrinologist, nutritionist
Education: Diploma of the Russian State Medical University named after NI Pirogov with a degree in General Medicine (2004). Residency at Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry, diploma in Endocrinology (2006).
