Thyroid
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck, just below the Adam’s apple. It’s a crucial part of the endocrine system, responsible for producing hormones that regulate various bodily functions, including metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, and growth and development.
The two main hormones produced by the thyroid gland are thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones play a vital role in controlling the body’s metabolism, which affects how quickly the body uses energy and the rate at which it burns calories.
When the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones (a condition called hypothyroidism), it can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, and depression. Conversely, when the thyroid gland produces an excess of hormones (hyperthyroidism), it can cause symptoms such as weight loss, rapid heartbeat, sweating, and anxiety.
Thyroid function is regulated by the pituitary gland in the brain, which releases thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) to signal the thyroid to produce more or less hormones as needed to maintain balance in the body. Disorders of the thyroid gland are relatively common and can usually be effectively managed with medication, lifestyle changes, or, in some cases, surgery.