Along with the pituitary, pineal and adrenal glands, the thyroid gland refers to glands of internal secretion. All of these glands secrete into the blood of biologically active substances that regulate the bodies hormones.

What influence thyroid hormones



Thyroid hormones affect the cell mitochondria, by controlling the processes of oxidation and metabolism, so that body affects the growth and development of man. From the thyroid gland is also dependent on puberty and the normal functioning of the reproductive system.
For the production of thyroid hormones need iodine. With the lack of this element of the cancer tissue grows, but the secretion of hormones from this is not increased.


What happens when over-production of thyroid hormones



When excessive production of thyroid hormones in the adult human develops graves ' disease. Oxidation processes in these patients occurs too rapidly, so the disease is manifested enhanced functioning of the heart, increased body temperature. External signs of graves ' disease – emaciation, bulging eyes. Mental capacity is not affected, but patients can distinguish anxiety.

Treatment of graves ' disease



Treatment of graves ' disease aims to reduce activity of the thyroid gland. Of drugs used radioactive iodine, incapacitating some of the cells of the thyroid gland, or resort to surgical removal of part of the endocrine organ. After that hormone production decreases and symptoms of the disease recede.

Lack of thyroid hormone – myxedema



Insufficient functioning of thyroid gland leads to myxedema – a mucous edema. Oxidation processes proceed slowly, the heart is weak, which often causes swelling of the feet. Subjectively, the patient with myxedema feels lethargy, weakness and drowsiness.
In myxedema the processes of inhibition in the nervous system predominate over the processes of excitation.


What is dangerous is the lack of endocrine hormones in children



Especially serious consequences from a lack of thyroid hormones can occur in children. They have disrupted the growth in length and in width they grow normally, which leads to a distortion of the body proportions. This endocrine disease which is called "cretinism", accompanied by a sharp lag of child in physical and mental development.