Thyroid Disorders

Thyroid disorders are diseases that affect the thyroid gland, a gland shaped like a butterfly in the front of the neck. Thyroid has important roles for controlling various processes of metabolism in the body. Different forms of thyroid disorders either affect the structure or function thereof. The thyroid gland is wrapped around the trachea ( windpipe) under the Adam's apple. The two thyroid lobes on either side are connected by a thin region of tissue in the middle of the gland, known as the isthmus. The thyroid makes use of iodine to produce essential hormones. Thyroid gland function is regulated by a feedback mechanism that involves the brain. When thyroid hormone levels are small, the hypothalamus in the brain releases a hormone known as the hormone releasing thyrotropin (TRH), which causes the pituitary gland (located at the base of the brain) to release thyroid stimulating hormone ( TSH). TSH induces further T4 release into the thyroid gland. Because pituitary gland and hypothalamus control the thyroid gland, disorders of these tissues can also affect thyroid function and cause thyroid problems.