Hypothyroidism - Introduction

Introduction

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck that produces hormones, notably thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which stimulate vital processes in every part of the body. These thyroid hormones have a major impact on the following functions:

• Growth
• Use of energy and oxygen
• Heat production
• Fertility
• The use of vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates, fats, electrolytes, and water
• Immune regulation in the intestine

These hormones can also alter the actions of other hormones and drugs.

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Iodine and Thyroid Hormone Production

Regulating thyroid function is a complex and important process that involves several factors, including iodine and four thyroid hormones. Any abnormality in this intricate system of hormone synthesis and production can have far-reaching consequences on health.

Iodine. An understanding of the multi-step thyroid hormone process begins with iodine. Eighty percent of the body's iodine supply is stored in the thyroid. Iodine is the material used to make the hormone thyroxine (T4).

Thyroid Hormones. Four hormones are critical in the regulation of thyroid function:

• Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), the first critical thyroid hormone, is produced in a region in the brain called the hypothalamus, which monitors and regulates thyrotropin levels.
• Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), also called thyrotropin, is another very important hormone in the process. Secreted by the pituitary gland, this hormone directly influences the process of iodine trapping and thyroid hormone production. When thyroxine levels drop even slightly, the pituitary gland goes into action to pump up secretion of thyrotropin so that it can stimulate thyroxine production. So, when T4 levels fall, TSH levels increase.
• Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3). Thyroxine (T4) is the key hormone produced in the thyroid gland. Low levels of T4 produce hypothyroidism, and high levels produce hyperthyroidism. Thyroxine converts to triiodothyronine (T3), which is a more biologically active hormone. Only about 20% of triiodothyronine is actually formed in the thyroid gland. The rest is manufactured from circulating thyroxine in tissues outside the thyroid, such as those in the liver and kidney. Once T4 and T3 are in circulation, they typically bind to substances called thyroid hormone transport proteins, after which they become inactive.