Thyroid Gland Central Dysfunction
Nearly one in eight women will develop some type of thyroid disorder in their lifetime. Despite its frequency, however, thyroid disorders are too often missed, misdiagnosed, or mistreated. Dr. Donnica Moore discusses the different types of common thyroid disorders, their symptoms, and what you should do if you have them.
What is the Thyroid Gland? Why is it Important?
The thyroid gland is often referred to as "Gland Central". It is the small, butterfly-shaped gland found just below the Adam's apple in the throat area of the neck. It produces thyroid hormones, which are critical for the proper functioning of nearly every organ and tissue in the body as well as the body's metabolism (energy production). It works in close concert with hormonal "instructions"
from the pituitary gland (the "Master Gland") and the hypothalamus, a regulatory
center on the underside of the brain. The hypothalamus first sends a hormone
signal to the pituitary telling it to produce TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone).
TSH travels through the blood to act on the thyroid gland, telling it to increase
production of thyroid hormones called T3 and T4. These then travel through the
blood to give different messages to the heart, liver, muscles, and other organs.
In addition, they signal the pituitary that the thyroid "got the message" and
that no more TSH is needed at that time.
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Nearly one in eight women will develop some type of thyroid disorder in their lifetime. Despite its frequency, however, thyroid disorders are too often missed, misdiagnosed, or mistreated.
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