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The Thyroid Gland
Definition:
Gland at the base of the neck that produces hormones that control the metabolic rate (how much energy the body uses) and level of calcium in the blood.
| Hormones are the chemical substances that are produced by different glands in the body and are carried to various organs through blood. |
Location of the Gland:
The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck attached to the lower part of the voice box (or larynx) and to the upper part of the windpipe (or trachea). It's brownish red, with left and right halves (called lobes) that look like a butterfly's wings. The lobes are connected by a narrow neck (or isthmus). Each lobe is about 4 cm long and 1 to 2 cm wide. The name "thyroid" comes from the Greek word, which means, "shield".
This hormone is also referred to as one of the life-saving hormones. It controls the metabolic rate, i.e. the amount of energy the body uses to maintain the action such as breathing, circulation and digestion. Another important function of this hormone is being involved in the maturation of the brain and physical growth in babies both before and after birth. Deficiency of thyroid hormone certainly can affect height in the growing children. In short, this gland helps control the metabolism and growth.
Getting Thyroid?
The gland normally increases during adolescent and pregnancy. There is no need to be unless the gland is small, but when the size increases you would need to visit a doctor. When the size of this gland increases it is called Goiter. Previously goiter was caused to the deficiency of iodine but today since there is iodination of salt and water goiter is not caused by the deficiency of iodine.
| Hypo means under-active: Hyper means overactive |
The body systems affected by this disorder are quite variable. A lack of thyroid hormones leads to a general decrease in the rate of utilization of fat, protein, and carbohydrate.
Symptoms
| IN HYPERTHYROIDISM | IN HYPOTHYROIDISM |
| Nervousness Weight Loss Inability to tolerate warm temperature Increased bowel activity Palpitations Particularly fine hair & skin Muscle weakness (upper arms and thighs) Insomnia Cardiac Complications Hair Loss Increased blood pressure Diarrhoea Hyperactivity in children Irritable / Excitable | Dry Skin Weight Gain Inability to tolerate cold temperature Elevated Cholesterol Depression Coarsening of skin & hair Adrenal insufficiency Hoarse, slow speech Muscle Complaints Weakness Constipation Nerve Problems Puffiness around the eyes Poor growth in children |
Diagnosis:
The actual diagnosis of hyperthyroidism is easy to make once its possibility is entertained. Accurate and widely available blood tests can confirm or rule out the diagnosis quite easily within a day or two.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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