What is the thyroid gland and how does it influence metabolism?

What is the thyroid gland?

The thyroid gland, called thyreoidea in Latin, is a butterfly-shaped gland consisting of two lobes. It is located in the front and bottom of the throat, just above the breastbone and on either side of the windpipe. The lobes are connected to each other by a thin bridge of what is called thyroid tissue, so that it resembles an H. The size of the gland varies from person to person, but weighs between 20-30 grams.

What is the function of the thyroid gland?

The thyroid gland produces two hormones called thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), collectively known as thyroid hormones. They stimulate metabolism, the body’s burning of energy, and the growth of hair, bones, body weight and much more, and enhance the effects of the sympathetic nervous system.

The hormones work in such a way that the more they are secreted, the faster the metabolism.

The gland is controlled by the pituitary gland, which receives signals from both the brain and hormone concentrations in the blood. It thereby controls the formation of T4 and T3 by secreting an appropriate amount of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which controls the two hormones.

Thyroid disease

There are different types of diseases that can occur in the thyroid gland, but generally speaking, disease in this organ affects hormone balance and is therefore called a hormonal disorder. You can experience this hormonal disorder to varying degrees and for different reasons. They are expressed by either having too low a metabolism or too high a metabolism.

It is becoming more common to experience and it occurs more often among women.

Hypothyroidism, also known as myxedema, is a condition in which too little of the T3 and T4 hormones is produced compared to the body’s needs. The causes can be after surgery, radioactive iodine or inflammation of the thyroid gland. Symptoms can include feeling cold, fatigue, brittle nails and hair, dry skin, weight gain, menstrual imbalance, constipation and a slower heart rate.

Hyperthyroidism, also called thyrotoxicosis, occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone compared to the body’s needs. Causes can include an autoimmune disease called Graves’ disease, an enlarged thyroid gland called a goiter, a nodule in the thyroid gland, inflammation, or cancer. Symptoms can include sweating, weight loss, nervousness, tremors, diarrhea, swelling in the legs, menstrual irregularities, and a faster heart rate.

Iodine intake is important for thyroid disease, as both thyroid hormones contain iodine. Iodine deficiency can lead to goiter and hypometabolism, and intake of radioactive iodine can lead to hypermetabolism.

Inflammation of the thyroid gland

Inflammation of the thyroid gland is called thyroiditis. The causes of the inflammation can be many, including an autoimmune reaction developed over time also called Hashimoto’s disease, after childbirth, infections, medications, radiation therapy or physical injury.

What symptoms occur with inflammation of the thyroid gland?

The symptoms vary depending on the cause of the inflammation. Some may experience swelling and soreness in the throat, a flu-like condition, but most have few symptoms. Often the metabolism is affected, but there is not necessarily a clear pattern in the impact. However, it is typically seen that one experiences increased metabolism earlier in the course and later experiences low metabolism.

What can be done about thyroid disease and hormonal disorders that affect metabolism?

Thyroid disease is primarily treated with medication, so it is important to start by seeing a doctor if you experience any of the above symptoms. However, it is recommended to maintain good health by being physically active regularly with appropriate breaks and recovery and eating a varied diet that contains carbohydrates, protein and fat.

Osteopathy and the thyroid gland

Osteopathy cannot cure endocrine problems with the thyroid gland. We experience that osteopathic treatment of patients with thyroid problems can affect patients’ symptoms that may stem from problems with the thyroid gland.