Thyroid Glands

The thyroid gland is an integral part of the endocrine system in the human body. The thyroid gland secretes the thyroid hormone, which plays an important role in the growth of the body. The thyroid is butterfly shaped, and located at the bottom of the neck. Two important hormones produced by the thyroid gland are thyroxine and triidothyronine. Both of these hormones help the body grow after birth, and they also aid tissues increase their oxygen use within these tissues. The thyroid gland secretes another hormone that plays a part in skeletal growth called thyrocalcitonin. “It decreases circulating calcium by inhibiting bone resorption and by promoting calcium deposition in the bones,” Haywood and Getchell (2005) state.

According to Ditkoff and Gerfo (2000), the thyroid gland affects almost every organ system including the brain, heart, intestines, and skin. The thyroid hormone, which is made by the thyroid gland, acts as a source of energy for the human body. Without the thyroid hormone in the body, the body’s metabolism slows down and the body feels tired. The body can begin to gain weight, have cold and dry skin, and even have a hard time concentrating. There are two types of thyroid conditions; hypothyroidism, and hyperthyroidism.

Hypothyroidism affects the human body if the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone for the body to function correctly. It is easily treatable, and most people can lead normal lives with treatment for the disease. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is a family history of it. Another risk factor is a problem with the production of the thyroid hormone, which can include a problem with the hormone being made, being released into the bloodstream, or being converted to a different form within the body. There is also a cause of hypothyroidism where an autoimmune inflammation of the thyroid slowly causes damage to the gland.

The most common inflammation to the thyroid gland is Hashimoto’s syndrome. The thyroid usually enlarges in size in patients with this syndrome, which is caused by cells becoming inflamed and thus destroying thyroid cells in the process. The results can leave long-term scarring on the thyroid. Tissue damage is ongoing with Hashimoto’s, which puts it into the chronic ailment category. Hashimoto’s syndrome is easy to diagnose with two blood tests that test for under active thyroid, and the specific cause of that under active thyroid.

Hyperthyroidism is easy to keep under control. It is most often treated with a drug called levothyroxine, according to Ditkoff and Gerfo (2000). The drug is inexpensive, safe, and effective. Most patients will need to take the drug for the rest of their lives in order to keep their body functioning properly. “As more of the gland comes under attack, there is less tissue left to supply the hormone. You have to increase dosage,” Dr. Paul Donahue (1986) explains in his column for the Chicago Sun Times. “Eventually, you will be able to settle on a dosage to achieve full correction of the thyroid problem." Dr. Paul Donahue also explains that neither diet, nor exercise, alters the course of Hashimoto's.

Hyperthyroidism is where the thyroid gland is overactive