What does the thyroid gland do?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz answered:Located at the base of the neck on both sides, the butterfly-shaped thyroid gland produces thyroid hormone after receiving chemical signals from the pituitary. The main function of the thyroid hormone is to regulate the metabolism of your cells-that is, the chemical changes in your cells that cause them to live, grow, and die.
You can think of your metabolism a little bit like your utility bill. From neighbor to neighbor, no two utility bills are alike. Some people keep their AC at 76; some keep it at 68. Some take 20-minute showers; some hop in and out in 20 seconds. We all use and consume energy a little bit differently in our homes, and we all use and consume it a little differently in our bodies. And that plays a key role in weight management; some of metabolism is genetic, in that you're pre-disposed to have a quick-working metabolism or a slow-churning one. That regulation comes in part from your thyroid hormone.
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Located at the base of the neck on both sides, the butterfly-shaped thyroid gland produces thyroid hormone after receiving chemical signals from the pituitary. The main function of the thyroid hormone is to regulate the metabolism of your... More -
The thyroid gland uses iodine from the diet to make thyroid hormone (thyroxine). Thyroid hormone is stored in the thyroid gland and released into the blood stream as needed by the body. The release of thyroid hormone is controlled by the pituitary gland which makes a hormone called thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) that stimulates the thyroid to make and release more thyroid hormone. When there is enough or too much thyroid hormone in the body, the TSH level goes down.
Helpful? 1 person found this helpfulThe thyroid gland uses iodine from the diet to make thyroid hormone (thyroxine). Thyroid hormone is stored in the thyroid gland and released into the blood stream as needed by the body. The release of thyroid hormone is controlled by the... More -
Dr. Julia Schlam Edelman answered:The thyroid is a soft, butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck, in front of the trachea (windpipe). The thyroid gland regulates metabolism, telling the body how fast to think and move and process food and waste. Thyroid function affects hair health, including breakage, texture, rate of growth, and rate of loss. It affects nail health and growth. It affects reflexes (which may become too fast or too slow) and the quality of sleep.Helpful? 1 person found this helpfulThe thyroid is a soft, butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck, in front of the trachea (windpipe). The thyroid gland regulates metabolism, telling the body how fast to think and move and process food and waste. Thyroid function affects... More -
RealAge answered:For many people, the location and purpose of the thyroid, which acts like the throttle for almost all of your body systems, is a mystery. Yet as much as 9% of the population has thyroid problems -- which can wreak havoc on most of your major internal systems, upsetting your digestive system, interfering with your cardiovascular system, and throwing off your metabolism. Thyroid hormones can affect the function of everything from your heart and lungs to your emotional well-being.
Your thyroid is an endocrine gland, and the hormones that it produces, thyroxine and triiodothyronine, often referred to collectively as thyroid hormone, help control the pace of all of your physiological body functions. When the thyroid produces too little hormone, things in your body can slow down too much. When it produces too much thyroid hormone, some of your body systems go into overdrive.For many people, the location and purpose of the thyroid, which acts like the throttle for almost all of your body systems, is a mystery. Yet as much as 9% of the population has thyroid problems -- which can wreak havoc on most of your major... More -
The role of the thyroid gland is to make, store and release thyroid hormones. These hormones have a large impact on your health as they are involved in many important cell functions. This includes everything from growth of the body and brain, to the release of other important hormones, and even how energized you feel. The thyroid is so important that it has a special communication system with the brain in order to make sure that the correct amount of hormone is being made and released.The role of the thyroid gland is to make, store and release thyroid hormones. These hormones have a large impact on your health as they are involved in many important cell functions. This includes everything from growth of the body... More
