The reason I’d like share some insight into the functioning of the thyroid and its hormones is because when you understand how something works, you can identify when it is not. An understanding can bring about clarity in the treatment, diet and lifestyle changes and helps patients remain compliant. You can identify when healing is taking place and when hormones are working harmoniously.
So, what is the function of the thyroid gland?
➡ It is an endocrine gland so its function is to produce and release hormones which are thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
➡️ Two glands in the brain—the hypothalamus and the pituitary communicate with each other and the thyroid gland to maintain T3 and T4 balance.
➡️ The hypothalamus produces TSH Releasing Hormone (TRH) that signals the pituitary to signal the thyroid to produce more or less T3 and T4 by either increasing or decreasing the release of a hormone called Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH).
➡️ When T3 and T4 levels are low in the blood, the pituitary gland releases more TSH to tell the thyroid gland to produce more thyroid hormones.
If T3 and T4 levels are high, the pituitary gland releases less TSH to the thyroid gland to slow production of these hormones.
Hypothyroidism (an under active thyroid) occurs when your body is not producing enough thyroid hormone, you’re unable to convert T4 to T3, or the cell is unable to use it.
The thyroid gland plays an important role in your overall health – specifically releasing and controlling the levels of thyroid hormone. The two hormones created by the thyroid regulates how much energy is being used by the cells. When your thyroid gland is functioning optimally, it will maintain the right amount of hormones to keep your metabolism working at the correct rate. This is why weight gain can be the first symptom a person with Hypothyroidism can experience.
Other processes your thyroid gland is responsible for is:
🍃The quality of your sleep
🍃Your digestion
🍃Regulation of your body temperature
🍃Mood and cognition
Article written by Dr Tharushka Naidoo
