Function of the Hormones of the Thyroid Gland
The thyroid gland is an essential part of the system that ensures the proper functioning of the body. This organ produces several important hormones, including thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) (Czarnywojtek et al., 2020). This, in turn, affects some critical physiological processes in the human body. These include regulation of metabolism, growth and development, and the functioning of the cardiovascular system.
Thus, the thyroid gland is an integral part of a person that provides all the functions that support the development and maintenance of the physiology of the body (Ahmadi et al., 2020). The function of thyroid hormones also extends to regulating cholesterol metabolism. If it goes wrong, a person may begin to gain weight.
Regulation of Thyroid Hormones: The Feedback System and Its Relevance to Thyroid Levels
The feedback system for regulating thyroid hormones includes the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis feedback loop. This means that the hypothalamus is responsible for detecting a decrease in hormones that can lead to insufficient development of the body (Czarnywojtek et al., 2020). When such an error is detected, it produces thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) to normalize and restore all necessary functions (Ahmadi et al., 2020). Thus, TRH embodies the feedback function that occurs when hormone levels are insufficient. Increased levels of T3 and T4 in the bloodstream have a negative feedback effect on the hypothalamus and pituitary gland (Czarnywojtek et al., 2020). This means that the balance of hormone production is essential for the normal functioning of the body.
Signs and Symptoms of Grave’s Disease
Grave’s disease is an autoimmune disease that can lead to an overactive thyroid gland. It is characterized by several symptoms, such as Hypermetabolism, which increases metabolism and leads to weight loss. In addition, the symptom is characterized by increased nervousness and anxiety, which increases hormone levels (Hou et al., 2021). Tachycardia can also be an essential symptom characterized by increased heart rate. This, in turn, affects heat intolerance, which is accompanied by profuse sweating. Heat and sweating can negatively affect the fine motor skills of the hands and fingers, which can cause tremors (Hou et al., 2021).
The list of symptoms includes such an important aspect as exophthalmos, which is manifested by bulging eyes. This can occur under various conditions due to inflammation of the eye muscles. In this case, this symptom affects more muscles in the body that begin to experience weakness (Hou et al., 2021). Without timely support and treatment, this situation can progress to atrophy.
Treatments for Grave’s Disease: Description and Mechanisms of Action of Medications
Treatments for Grave’s disease may include Antithyroid Medications such as methimazole and propylthiouracil, which are aimed at reducing thyroid production. The mechanism of action of these drugs acts in such a way as to reduce T4 and T3 (Hou et al., 2021). In addition to this method, Radioactive Iodine (RAI) Therapy can be used, which destroys overactive tissue and thus establishes normal functioning of the thyroid gland. Radioactive iodine is absorbed by thyroid cells, damaging them and lowering hormone levels (Hou et al., 2021).
Thyroidectomy involves surgery. However, this method is considered in particularly severe cases when other tools are not considered. Beta-blockers such as propranolol, which are prescribed when symptoms are appropriate, may also be an important mechanism of action on the disease (Hou et al., 2021). They include an extensive list of symptoms that include rapid heartbeat, tremors, and anxiety. In extreme cases, beta-blockers may help improve the situation and the patient’s well-being.
References
Ahmadi, N., Ahmadi, F., Sadiqi, M., Ziemnicka, K., & Minczykowski, A. (2020). Thyroid gland dysfunction and its effect on the cardiovascular system: a comprehensive review of the literature. Endokrynologia Polska, 71(5), 466-478. Web.
Czarnywojtek, A., Zgorzalewicz-Stachowiak, M., Czarnocka, B., Sawicka-Gutaj, N., Gut, P., Krela-Kazmierczak, I., & Ruchala, M. (2020). Effect of lithium carbonate on the function of the thyroid gland: mechanism of action and clinical implications. Journal of Physiology & Pharmacology, 71(2). Web.
Hou, J., Tang, Y., Chen, Y., & Chen, D. (2021). The role of the microbiota in Graves’ disease and Graves’ orbitopathy. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, 11, 1301. Web.