Reclaiming Your Energy: Understanding The Thyroid And Your Health
What The Thyroid Does: The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of the neck. It is part of the endocrine system, which controls hormones in the body. The thyroid makes two main hormones called thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones help control metabolism, which is how your body turns food into energy. The thyroid works closely with the pituitary gland in the brain. The pituitary releases thyroid-stimulating hormone, or TSH, which tells the thyroid how much hormone to produce. When this system works well, energy levels, body temperature, heart rate, and weight stay balanced.