Thyroid Problems

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[edit] Thyroid Problems

Thyroid problems:

Hyperthyroidism (thyrotoxicosis)

Hypothyroidism (myxedema)

Subclinical hypothyroidism

Thyroiditis (Hashimoto's)

Introduction:

The thyroid gland is located in front of the neck. Thyroid problems have been known to mankind for hundreds of years as goiters (enlargement of the thyroid gland). They were common in regions where the iodine is low in the diet, in water and soil. The iodine deficiency results in a deficit of thyroid hormone production, as without enough iodine the body cannot make effective thyroid hormones (T3 or T4 thyroid hormones).

Each molecule of these hormones needs 3 or 4 atoms of iodine and if this is not available in the food or diet, a goiter and hypothyroidism will develop.

On the other hand, the thyroid gland might produce thyroid nodules, which produce much more thyroid hormone than the rest of the thyroid gland leading to thyrotoxicosis, a thyrotoxic condition called hyperthyroidism.

Thyroid hormones have an inhibitory effect on the hypothalamus in the brain that produces the stimulatory TRH (thyroid releasing hormones). This image explains this feedback system. Thyroid hormones stimulate the metabolism of all of the body cells making them produce more protein and the T3 thyroid hormone also increases oxygen consumption in the liver, the muscles, heart and kidneys. Several disease states of the thyroid gland are outlined under the link below (click on "thyroid disease").

Home page

Hormones

Thyroid disease

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