T3 and T4

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.

Thyroid Nodules

Last updated: January 10, 2024

The term thyroid nodules refers to an abnormal growth of thyroid cells that forms a lump within the thyroid gland. It can be solid or filled with fluid. You can have a single nodule or a cluster of nodules in thyroid gland. Most thyroid nodules aren’t serious and don’t cause symptoms. Only a small percentage of thyroid nodules are cancerous.

A thyroid nodule can occur in any part of the gland. Some nodules can be felt quite easily. Others can be hidden deep in the thyroid tissue or located very low in the gland, where they are difficult to feel. You often won’t know you have a thyroid nodule until your doctor discovers it during a routine medical exam.

What is T3 and T4

Last updated: January 10, 2024

The thyroid gland produce two major hormones called Triiodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxine (T4). The thyroid gland takes iodine, found in our diet, combines it with an amino acid (Tyrosine) and converts it into T3 and T4.

T3 – Triiodothyronine: Containing three iodine atoms.
T4 – Thyroxine: Containing four iodine atoms