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An Overview On Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is the exact opposite of hyperthyroidism. Learn more about this disease including the roles played by other glands in the occurrence and combat of this thyroid disorder.

If there is a thyroid disorder brought about by the overproduction of thyroid hormones, there is also a problem brought about by the underproduction of such hormones. This is what we call hypothyroidism. What is this disorder all about? Browse along and find the answer to this question.

As we all know, a good functioning thyroid is synonymous to a healthy body. Once the thyroid gland is able to serve its purpose for the body’s metabolism, there will be no problems encountered by our whole system along the way. However, just like other organs which are not properly taken care of, the thyroid may reach its low point thus the occurrence of a variety of diseases concentrated on the area. One of the most common examples is known as hypothyroidism.

What is hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is composed of the terms hypo and thyroid. Hypo is synonymous to low while thyroid is of course the gland which is responsible for the body’s metabolism. When put together, hypothyroidism means a thyroid disorder characterized by the malfunctioning of the thyroid gland due to a low production of thyroid hormones.

One of the most disturbing results of hypothyroidism is the fact that it could lead to other disorders. The said problems may or may not be connected to the thyroid gland. Since a healthy functioning thyroid is tantamount to having a healthy and properly nourished body, there is a great tendency that the lack of hormones produced in the thyroid gland could contribute to a lot of aggravating consequences to the entire system.

Hypothyroidism and thyroid hormone regulation

The functioning of the thyroid gland is brought about by other glands in the body. It starts from the hypothalamus which releases a hormone known as the TRH or thyrotropin releasing hormone. With such an occurrence in the area, the second gland – the pituitary gland – is signaled to produce its own set of hormones known as the TSH or thyroid stimulating hormone.

The TSH will then do its work by signaling the thyroid glands to begin with its own vital functions. In like manner, the thyroid produces its own thyroid hormones. If at any extent there are some disruptions along the transmission lines of these three glands, there is a great tendency that a defect occurs. If a deficiency in thyroid hormones is prevalent, hypothyroidism will be the result.

The pituitary gland actually gains control over the production of thyroid hormones in the thyroid gland. In instances where there is not enough hormones produced by the thyroid, the pituitary makes an effort to increase its own TSH just so to comply with the body’s requirements. This is the reason why the pituitary has a big role to play in the body’s capabilities to combat hypothyroidism.

The overview of hypothyroidism as a thyroid disorder is essential for you to understand how the disease appears in the thyroid gland. As you learn the analogy of the glands that overrule the functioning of the thyroid, you get to appreciate the facts behind this disease. Feel free to learn more about this thyroid problem as you read other pertinent topics.

Tags: hyperthyroidism, hypothalamus, hypothyroidism, pituitary gland, thyroid disorder, thyroid gland, TRH, TSH

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