The Pituitary Gland

Thyroid Gland

Last updated: January 10, 2024

Thyroid is a small gland (about 2 inches long) which has the shape like a butterfly that lies in the front of your neck. It has two sides called lobes, located either side of your windpipe. Further, these two lobes of the gland are connected by a small tissue called the isthmus.

Thyroid is a vital hormone gland which plays a major role in metabolism, growth, development, temperature, weight and heart rate of the human body by constantly releasing a steady amount of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) into the bloodstream. Also, during infancy and childhood, adequate thyroid hormone is crucial for brain development.

Hypothyroidism

Last updated: January 10, 2024

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which your thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. It refers to a state in which your thyroid hormones production is bellow normal. It is also called under active thyroid or low thyroid, which can slow down many of your body’s functions such as your metabolism and can decrease the cardiac activity. Hypothyroidism affects women more frequently than men.

Furthermore, blood tests are the only way to reliably confirm a diagnosis of hypothyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism

Last updated: January 10, 2024

Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which your thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormones. It refers to a state in which your thyroid hormones production is above normal level. It is also called overactive thyroid. Hyperthyroidism can accelerate the metabolism rate of your body. As a result, it can cause weight loss and irregular heart activity. It is more common in women than men. Blood tests are the only way to reliably confirm a diagnosis.

Furthermore, having too much of thyroid hormones can cause unpleasant and potentially serious problems that may need treatment.

Goiter

Last updated: January 10, 2024

A Goiter is an abnormal enlargement of thyroid gland which is a butterfly-shaped organ located at the base of your neck. It indicates a condition, in which, thyroid grows abnormally. Goiter commonly develops as a result of iodine deficiency or due to thyroid problem.

In other words, if your thyroid gland is producing too much hormones ie. (hyperthyroidism) or too little (hypothyroidism), you can develop a goiter. Women are more likely to develop a goiter than men.

Hashimoto’s Disease

Last updated: January 10, 2024

Hashimoto’s Disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. This can lead to hypothyroidism, a condition in which thyroid does not make enough hormones for body’s need. Hashimoto is the most common cause of hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid).

Generally immune system protects body against bacteria and viruses. But in Hashimoto’s Disease, immune system make antibodies, which attacks the cells of thyroid gland. Doctors do not know why this happens, but some scientists believe genetic factors may be involved. The disease affects more women than men.