The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland at the front of your neck. Despite its size, it helps control how fast your body uses energy, how warm you feel, how fast your heart beats, and even your mood.
🔎 What does the thyroid do?
- Makes the hormones T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine).
- These hormones affect metabolism, body temperature, heart rate, growth, skin & hair, and fertility.
- The thyroid also produces a small amount of calcitonin, which helps regulate calcium.
🧭 Where is it?
In the lower front of the neck, wrapped around the windpipe (trachea). It has two lobes connected by a thin bridge called the isthmus.
🧠 How the thyroid is controlled (HPT axis)
- Hypothalamus in the brain releases TRH.
- Pituitary gland releases TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone).
- Thyroid responds by making T3 & T4.
- Negative feedback: enough T3/T4 tells the brain to reduce TRH/TSH.
⚠️ Common thyroid problems
- Hypothyroidism (underactive): low energy, weight gain, cold sensitivity, dry skin, hair loss, constipation, depression.
- Hyperthyroidism (overactive): anxiety, weight loss, heat intolerance, fast heartbeat, tremor, sweating, frequent stools.
- Autoimmune causes: Hashimoto’s disease (often leads to hypo), Graves’ disease (often causes hyper).
- Goitre (enlarged thyroid) and nodules (lumps); most nodules are benign.
🧪 How doctors test the thyroid
- TSH: the most sensitive first test.
- Free T4 and sometimes T3.
- Antibodies: TPOAb/TRAb for autoimmune disease.
- Ultrasound for size and nodules; fine-needle biopsy only when needed.
💊 Treatment in simple terms
- Hypothyroidism: daily levothyroxine (T4) to replace what’s missing.
- Hyperthyroidism: antithyroid medicines (e.g., methimazole), radioactive iodine, or sometimes surgery. Beta-blockers help with fast heart rate.
🥗 Nutrition & lifestyle
- Iodine is essential (iodised salt, seafood, dairy). Too little or too much can be a problem.
- Selenium (nuts like Brazil nuts, fish) supports thyroid enzyme activity.
- Biotin supplements can distort lab results; stop 48–72h before testing (ask your clinician).
🧩 Quick summary
The thyroid is tiny but powerful. It works through a smart brain–gland feedback loop and affects energy, heart, temperature, skin, hair, and mood. If symptoms suggest a problem, a simple TSH blood test is the best starting point.
FAQ
1) Can stress affect the thyroid?
Stress doesn’t usually change TSH/T4 directly, but it can worsen symptoms or autoimmune activity in some people.
2) Do I need iodine supplements?
Most people get enough from iodised salt and food. Don’t supplement unless your doctor recommends it.
3) Is hair loss always thyroid?
No. Thyroid imbalance can cause it, but iron deficiency, stress, and other causes are common too.
4) How often should I test TSH on treatment?
Every 6–8 weeks after a dose change, then every 6–12 months when stable.
5) Can I lose weight with hypothyroidism treatment?
Levothyroxine corrects metabolism, but healthy diet and activity are still key.
Tags:
thyroid, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, TSH, T3, T4, hormones, endocrine system, metabolism, women’s health
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