The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped small gland in the front of the neck, just below the Adam’s apple and is less than 20 grams in weight. It is a very important organ that produces hormones that regulates many of the body’s functions: These include regulation of the body’s metabolic rate, which controls how the body uses energy and affects weight and digestion.

It also regulates the body temperature, heart rate and blood pressure. Besides this it is responsible for bone health by producing calcitonin, a regulator of calcium metabolism. In addition, it also has important role in regulating the menstrual cycle and regulation of other hormones of the body.

The thyroid gland produces two main hormones: triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). The pituitary gland, located at the bottom of the brain, produces thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which tells the thyroid how much hormone to produce. Iodine is an important component of T3 and T4. As the thyroid gland is a very thin and soft organ, it is usually not noticeable. However, even the slightest swelling in the thyroid gland becomes palpable.

A larger amount of swelling becomes visible to the naked eye. Many people, therefore, suspect a thyroid disorder because of “swelling in the neck.” This is also called a “goitre”. Thyroid hormones play an important role in the development of foetuses and also induce growth in children. Thyroid deficient children have peculiar physical characteristics are sluggish sleepy with very slow growth and are often mentally deficient. They are also called “Cretins”.

Thyroid Disorders and its Effects on Heart and blood circulation:

The Derangements of thyroid function can be either reduced or hypo functioning or Increased activity or hyper functioning. The Disorders are therefore designated as: Hypothyroidism (Reduced functioning) and Hyperthyroidism (Increased functioning)

Hypothyroidism:

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