The Thyroid Gland

Most people don’t think much about their thyroid, but this small, butterfly-shaped gland at the base of your neck produces thyroid hormones that influence every tissue in the body. When the thyroid produces too much hormone, it causes a potentially serious condition called hyperthyroidism.  

What Does the Thyroid Gland Do?

The thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system. The endocrine system is the network of glands throughout your body that produces hormones. Hormones are essential chemicals that help regulate all our bodily functions from our brains to our bowels.

Just as Goldilocks demanded that everything she touched be “just right”, our bodies need just the right amount of hormones, neither too much nor too little.

The endocrine system includes the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, pancreas, and either the ovaries (in females) or testicles (in males). While many of these glands are specialized, affecting just one area or bodily function, the hormones produced by the thyroid gland affect the whole body.

Our metabolism, fertility, ability to regulate temperature and heart rate, sleep, muscle strength and even our mood can be affected when the thyroid isn’t functioning well. The exact symptoms of thyroid dysfunction depend on whether there is too much thyroid hormone, or too little.

Hypothyroidism versus Hyperthyroidism

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone. This causes many bodily systems to slow down. Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain despite a reduced appetite, a sensation of always being cold, dry skin and thinning hair, constipation, unusually heavy or irregular periods, and more.

In contrast, hyperthyroidism – caused by too much thyroid hormone – causes bodily processes to speed up. Symptoms include a rapid heartbeat, sweating and heat intolerance, losing weight even though appetite increases, muscle weakness, diarrhea, missing or lighter menstrual cycles, tremor or a fine shaking in the hands and fingers, difficulty sleeping, and more.

In the early stages, people with hyperthyroidism may feel extra energy as the metabolism revs up, but this soon turns to fatigue as the body is too stimulated to rest and restore itself.

 In extreme cases, untreated hyperthyroidism can result in a thyroid storm, in which heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature increase dangerously. While this condition is rare, it can be fatal and requires immediate medical attention. 

Causes of Thyroid Problems

Autoimmune disorders are the most common cause of thyroid problems. Hashimoto’s disease causes hypothyroidism, while Graves’ disease causes hyperthyroidism. Both autoimmune conditions can be inherited. Other causes of thyroid dysfunction include side effects from medication, surgery, or radiation treatment; nodules (non-cancerous lumps in the thyroid); inflammation of the thyroid gland, which can be caused by viruses or bacteria; and consuming too much or too little iodine.

Fortunately, thyroid function can be assessed with a simple blood test, and many effective treatments exist for thyroid dysfunction.

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Trusted Resources

The Hypothyroidism Solution

Hypothyroidism - #1 Cause of Weight Gain

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