The thyroid gland is a small gland, normally weighing less than one ounce, located in the front of the neck.
It is made up of two lobes that lie along the windpipe (trachea) and are joined together by a narrow band of thyroid tissue, known as the isthmus.
The thyroid releases thyroid hormones which regulate the metabolism, growth, development and body temperature.
The two best-known thyroid conditions are Hypothyroidism (under-active thyroid) and Hyperthyroidism (an over-active thyroid).
Hyperthyroidism is a term which denotes that the thyroid is producing an excess of T3 and T4 which speeds up the body’s metabolism.
Hyperthyroidism symptoms may not become obvious for a while and can be sometimes be mistaken for other conditions if hyperthyroidism is not correctly diagnosed.
A properly functioning thyroid gland takes in iodine from foods or supplements and converts it into thyroid hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
Thyroid cells are the only cells in the body which can absorb iodine.
These cells combine iodine and the amino acid tyrosine to make T3 and T4 which are then released into the bloodstream to make the body’s energy.