This biceps structure is located in our neck at approximately the same level as the cricoid cartilage below the larynx. The thyroid gland plays a special role in themetabolic processof the body.

This thyroid gland secretes hormones called Tri–iodothyronine (T3) and Thyrocalcitonin. These hormones affect the body’s metabolic rate and other growth mechanisms. The thyroid hormone controls the speed of all the processes of our body.

What are Thyroid Disorders:

Abnormal functioning or any deviation in thyroid hormone levels is a sign of a thyroid disorder. The main hormones used as indicators are.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): This is a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland (master gland) in the brain. The production of the thyroid hormones T3 and T4 is controlled by TSH. T3 and T4 in turn reduce the secretion of TSH.

Thyroxine (T4): This is one of the hormones secreted by the thyroid that regulates the basal metabolic rate as well as protein synthesis.

Triiodothyronine (T3): It acts similar to T4 but is more potent and is secreted in lesser amounts.

Thyroid Works:

Your body benefits from thyroid:-

• Thyroxine hormone controls the metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.
• It reduces the amount of sugar, cholesterol, and phospholipids in the blood.
• Controls bones, muscles, and sexual and mental growth.
• Controls heart rate and blood pressure.
  Increases lactation in women.

Thyroid Types:

There are two types of thyroid gland disorders-

• Hyperthyroidism
• Hypothyroidism

Hyperthyroidism:

Overactivity of the thyroid gland leads to the overproduction of T4 and T3 hormones. When these hormones are produced in excess, the body starts using energy in more quantity. This is called hyperthyroidism. This problem is seen more in women than in men. These are the symptoms of its identification:-

• Due to the excess thyroid hormone, the metabolism in the body increases, and everything starts happening faster.
• Nervousness
• Irritability
• Excessive sweating
• Shaking of hands
• Hair thinning and loss.
• Insomnia (trouble falling asleep)
• Muscle weakness and pain.
• Increased heartbeat
• Weight loss occurs even after feeling very hungry.
• Menstrual irregularities are seen in women.
• Osteoporosis occurs, due to which calcium in the bone is rapidly depleted.

Hypothyroidism:

Hypothyroidismoccurs due to underactivity of the thyroid. It can be identified by these problems:-

• Slow heartbeat.
• Always be tired.
• Depression
• Being more sensitive to cold.
• Weight gain due to slowing of metabolism.
• Thinning and cracking of nails.
• Reduction in sweating
• Skin dryness and itching.
• Joint pain and muscle stiffness.
• Excessive hair fall
• Constipation
• Swelling in the eyes
• To forget again and again
• Being confused, unable to understand.
• Irregularity in menstruation. 28 days cycle to be 40 days or more.
• Swelling of face and eyes.
• Increased level of cholesterol in the blood.
• In women, it can cause infertility.