What is the thyroid gland? What does it do?

Most people know that the thyroid gland is the largest endocrine gland in the human body, but many people do not know much about it, and do not know how it protects our health, nor do they know how problems with the thyroid gland can harm our health.

What is the thyroid gland?

The thyroid gland is an endocrine organ. It is butterfly-shaped and named after its shield-like shape. It is about 4-5 cm tall and wide respectively and weighs about 20-30 grams. The thyroid gland is located in front of the neck and below the larynx. It has two lobes, located on both sides of the trachea. The female thyroid gland is slightly larger than the male thyroid gland.

What are the main functions of thyroid hormone?

See the picture below for details:

Effects on metabolism

Thermogenic effect: Hyperthyroidism will increase the body's heat production, and the patient prefers coolness to heat and sweats easily. In hypothyroidism, heat production decreases, and the patient prefers heat to cold. Both conditions cannot adapt well to changes in environmental temperature.

Impact of protein metabolism: Hyperthyroidism can cause muscle weakness and osteoporosis.

Effects of sugar metabolism: In hyperthyroidism, blood sugar often rises and sometimes diabetes occurs.

Impact of fat metabolism: In hyperthyroidism, the cholesterol level in the body's blood is lower than normal.

Therefore, when hyperthyroidism occurs, the metabolism of sugar, protein and fat is enhanced, so the patient often feels hungry, has a strong appetite, and is noticeably thin.

Effects on growth and development

Thyroid hormone is an essential hormone for maintaining normal growth and development, especially for the development of bones and brain. Children with hypothyroidism suffer from cretinism characterized by mental retardation and short stature. In order to prevent congenital thyroid hypoplasia in the fetus after birth, thyroid hormone tests should also be performed during pregnancy.

Effects on the nervous system

In hyperthyroidism, the excitability of the central nervous system increases, which is mainly manifested by difficulty concentrating, mood swings, irritability, etc.

Effects on the cardiovascular system

When hyperthyroidism occurs, patients may experience tachycardia, which may even lead to heart failure.