The thyroid is proof that size doesn't matter! This small gland plays an essential role in our body and its disruption is not without consequences. Let's take a look at the thyroid and how it works.
The thyroid, what is it exactly?
Located at the base of our neck, the thyroid is a so-called endocrine gland, that is to say, specialized in the production of hormones. It measures on average 3 to 6 centimeters and weighs between 10 and 30 grams, depending on the age, sex and morphology of the person.
How does it work?
The thyroid will produce two hormones, essential to the regulation of the functions of our body. First of all triiodothyronine, also called T3, but also thyroxine, T4. They act long before we are born, because they participate in the cerebral development of the fetus.
To be secreted, these thyroid hormones need the pituitary gland, attached to the base of the brain, to produce a hormone that regulates the functioning of the thyroid:thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). It will stimulate the thyroid when it must produce hormones. To make these, the thyroid will need iodine, which it will get from the diet.
His role
The thyroid affects many organs throughout the body. Her:
A gland that can go wrong
Over the course of a lifetime, the thyroid can go wrong for many reasons:
A disorder in the functioning of the thyroid will lead to an underproduction or an overproduction of the hormones T3 and T4 and lead to two pathologies:
Hypothyroidism
In this case, the body will not produce enough hormones. It may be a congenital condition that affects 1 in 3,000 children in developed countries. You should also know that women after 50 have a higher risk of developing hypothyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism
Here, it is the opposite, the thyroid works at full speed and produces too many hormones. The most common cause of hyperthyroidism, in 75% to 80% of cases, is Graves' disease. It is an autoimmune disease that also mainly affects women.
Women more affected than men
On average, after the age of 60, there are thyroid-related problems in one in ten women, compared to only 4% of men.
Signs that should alert you
Whether you are affected by hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, there will be various effects on the body that are quite easily observable and that can put you on the alert. Here they are so you can spot a potential thyroid disorder:
In case of hypothyroidism
In case of hyperthyroidism
What to do if you have spotted these symptoms?
Do you have several of these symptoms? Contact your general practitioner, he can refer you to a specialist in the field, an endocrinologist, who will answer you. If you have the slightest doubt or for any question, you can also contact the teleconsultation service which may be offered by your mutual insurance company.
An essential gland for the body, the thyroid can act up. Too much or not enough hormones, it is important to monitor it well. Pay attention to the various symptoms to consult as soon as possible if you suspect a thyroid disorder.
Source:
https://sante.journaldesfemmes.fr/fiches- anatomy-and-exams/2538816-glande-thyroide-role- anatomy-localisation-probleme/
https://www.santemagazine.fr/sante/ Maladies/opathies-endocriniennes-et-metaboliques/thyroide/a-quoi-sert-la-thyroide-174282
https://fr.medipedia.be/hyperthyroidism/understanding/what-is-the-role-of-the-thyroide
https://www.thierrysouccar.com/sante/info/comment-fonctionne-la-thyroide-2870
https://fluoptics.com/comment-detecter-deregulation-thyroide/
