What does the thyroid hormone do in the body?
The thyroid hormone is necessary for almost all of the body's chemical processes to proceed the way they are supposed to. The body needs it to allow cells to consume oxygen and generate energy within the cells. The cells are continually regenerating, making new proteins, storing glucose, making new enzymes and synthesizing DNA. When there is too little or much thyroid hormone, these processes don't proceed properly. Almost any tissue in the body is affected by the thyroid gland and by thyroid hormone.
Tissues that tend to use more oxygen tend to be affected more, so the central nervous system, the heart, the bones, the skin and the muscles are all very significantly affected by either too much or too little thyroid hormone. When thyroid hormone is not present, the skin, for example, is not able to replace itself, and it becomes thin. With too much thyroid hormone, you might break down proteins too quickly,causing muscle weakness.
What is hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism means there is not enough thyroid hormone in one's system. Hyperthyroidism is just the opposite; it means that there is too much. Hashimoto's disease may cause the thyroid gland to become underactive or enlarged over time. Treatments for hyperthyroidism with radioactive iodine, radiation therapy for head and neck cancers, and thyroid surgery, as well as certain medications can also cause hypothyroidism. Grave's disease is the common cause of hyperthyroidism, though it may also be caused by thyroid nodules and thyroid inflammation.
