Introduction
The thyroid gland is a part of the endocrine system that coordinates most body functions. It is a butterfly in shape with two wings that are wide and extend around the throat side. The gland stores produces, and releases hormones into the bloodstream to the blood cells to regulate metabolism.
Discussion
The gland uses the acquired iodine from the food to make the two primary hormones; thyroxine and triiodothyronine. The pituitary and hypothalamus glands regulate the underproduction and overproduction of these hormones. The hypothalamus in the brain produces the Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), which alerts the pituitary gland to inform the thyroid gland to increase or reduce the production of Thyroxine and Triiodothyronine by decreasing or increasing the release of TSH (Cleveland Clinic, 2020). Heart rate reduces with underproduction, while an increase in hormone production leads to weight loss leading to thyroid disorders.
Common disease associated with overproduction or underproduction of thyroid hormone includes hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. The glands stop functioning when the hormones are under or overproduced, resulting in thyroid disorders. The condition where the thyroid gland produces excess hormones is known as hyperthyroidism. Excess production is caused by Graves’ disease, Thyroiditis, Nodules, and too much-consumed iodine and its symptoms include moodiness, anxiety, hyperactivity, sweating, and hair loss (Cleveland Clinic, 2020). On the other hand, it is known as hypothyroidism when there is an underproduction of thyroid hormones. It is caused by thyroids, Hashimoto’s, and iodine deficiency, and the symptoms include iodine deficiency in the body, depression, muscle pain, and concentration difficulty.
Conclusion
To conclude, a normal thyroid gland is butterfly-shaped with a pair of wings around the throat side. It regulates the production and release of hormones into the bloodstream to be transported into the cells for efficient metabolism. The pituitary glands and the hypothalamus regulate the production of these hormones. Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism disorders occur when the thyroid glands overproduce and underproduce thyroid hormones.
Reference
Cleveland Clinic. (2020). Disease & Condition: Thyroid disease. Web.