Thyroid Hormones and Functions

Thyroid Hormones

What are Thyroid Hormones?

• Thyroid hormones are produced by the thyroid gland, a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck
• They play a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, including growth, development, and metabolism

Types of Thyroid Hormones

• Triiodothyronine (T3): the most active form of thyroid hormone, responsible for regulating metabolism and energy production
• Thyroxine (T4): the less active form of thyroid hormone, which is converted to T3 in the liver and other tissues
• Reverse T3 (rT3): an inactive form of thyroid hormone, produced when T4 is converted to rT3 instead of T3

Functions of Thyroid Hormones

• Regulate metabolism: Thyroid hormones increase the breakdown of nutrients to produce energy
• Influence growth and development: Thyroid hormones are essential for the growth and development of children and adolescents
• Regulate body temperature: Thyroid hormones help maintain body temperature
• Affect heart rate: Thyroid hormones influence heart rate and cardiac output

Thyroid Hormone Regulation

• Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): produced by the pituitary gland, stimulates the thyroid gland to produce T3 and T4
• Negative feedback loop: high levels of T3 and T4 inhibit the production of TSH, regulating thyroid hormone production

Abnormal Thyroid Hormone Levels

• Hypothyroidism: low levels of thyroid hormones, characterized by fatigue, weight gain, and dry skin
• Hyperthyroidism: high levels of thyroid hormones, characterized by weight loss, anxiety, and rapid heartbeat

Thyroid Hormones

• Produced by the thyroid gland, a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck
• Play a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, including growth, development, and metabolism

Types of Thyroid Hormones

• Triiodothyronine (T3): the most active form of thyroid hormone, responsible for regulating metabolism and energy production
• Thyroxine (T4): the less active form of thyroid hormone, which is converted to T3 in the liver and other tissues
• Reverse T3 (rT3): an inactive form of thyroid hormone, produced when T4 is converted to rT3 instead of T3

Functions of Thyroid Hormones

• Regulate metabolism: increase the breakdown of nutrients to produce energy
• Influence growth and development: essential for the growth and development of children and adolescents
• Regulate body temperature: help maintain body temperature
• Affect heart rate: influence heart rate and cardiac output

Thyroid Hormone Regulation

• Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): produced by the pituitary gland, stimulates the thyroid gland to produce T3 and T4
• Negative feedback loop: high levels of T3 and T4 inhibit the production of TSH, regulating thyroid hormone production

Abnormal Thyroid Hormone Levels

• Hypothyroidism: characterized by fatigue, weight gain, and dry skin due to low levels of thyroid hormones
• Hyperthyroidism: characterized by weight loss, anxiety, and rapid heartbeat due to high levels of thyroid hormones

Learn about thyroid hormones, their role in regulating bodily functions, and the different types of thyroid hormones, including T3 and T4.