þyróíðhormónum

Thyroid hormones are a group of hormones produced by the thyroid gland, a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck. The primary thyroid hormones are thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). T4 is produced in larger quantities, but T3 is considered the more potent form. These hormones play a crucial role in regulating the body's metabolism, which is the process by which the body converts food into energy.

The production and release of thyroid hormones are controlled by the pituitary gland, located in the brain, through a feedback mechanism. The pituitary gland releases thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which signals the thyroid gland to produce and release T4 and T3. When thyroid hormone levels in the blood are high, TSH production decreases, and vice versa.

Thyroid hormones influence almost every cell in the body. They affect heart rate, body temperature, digestion, brain development, and muscle function. Proper levels of thyroid hormones are essential for normal growth and development, particularly in children. Imbalances in thyroid hormone production can lead to various health conditions, such as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). These conditions can manifest with a wide range of symptoms affecting multiple bodily systems.