The thyroid is a small gland located in front of the neck. It is shaped like a butterfly and is responsible for producing hormones that affect function in every part of the body. Without the proper balance of these hormone levels, sleep, hair growth, metabolism, and other disorders may develop. You could say your thyroid’s hormones help you thrive in many different ways. Here’s more about the three hormones made by the thyroid.
Perfectly Balanced
The thyroid is a part of the endocrine system. It works with both the hypothalamus and pituitary glands for the production, storage, and release of three hormones. The thyroid is the manufacturer of the group. It uses the iodine from our meals which is the main building block for hormones. The pituitary gland produces thyroid-stimulating hormones (TSH), which signal the thyroid to produce and release hormones.
The hypothalamus sends the signals to the pituitary gland by producing TSH-releasing hormones (TRH). These tell the pituitary gland to stimulate the thyroid’s production and release of its three essential hormones for regulating metabolism and other functions such as:
- Breathing
- Heart rate
- Central and peripheral nervous systems
- Bodyweight
- Muscle strength
- Menstrual cycles
- Body temperature
- Cholesterol levels
There are two main hormones, T3 and T4, followed by a third, called calcitonin. Their specific roles include:
- Triiodothyronine (T3)
- Controls the body’s metabolic rate, heart, digestive functions, muscle control, brain development and function, and bone maintenance.
- Tetraiodothyronine (T4)
- The primary secreted hormone into the bloodstream by the thyroid. It aids in digestion, heart and muscle function, brain development, and bone maintenance.
- Calcitonin
- It helps regulate calcium and phosphate levels in the blood, which is essential for bone health and maintenance.
Specialized Care
Most thyroid disorders aren’t preventable. But you can take action to manage the condition. It’s important to get a diagnosis to prevent significant health problems from occurring. Diabetes & Glandular Disease Clinic provides full-service care in diabetes, metabolism, and endocrinology. Our board-certified endocrinologist leads the team, which helps you manage thyroid issues and minimize their impact on your body and life.
Request an appointment today by calling (210) 615-1666 or completing our online request form.
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