The thyroid gland produces three hormones: thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), and calcitonin.

Thyroid hormones increase the rate of metabolism in cells, so cells absorb more carbohydrates, use more energy, and produce more heat.

The thyroid gland uses iodine to produce hormones that help regulate the body’s metabolism including growth and other functions of the body.

Calcitonin is an important hormone secreted in response to high plasma levels of calcium, and in turn will reduce the plasma level of calcium by increasing its deposition in bone.

Measurement of the serum TSH concentration is the primary screening test of thyroid function.

The most common cause of hypothyroidism in adults is autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto disease), in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland.

Hypothyroidism also commonly occurs in patients with previous hyperthyroidism that has been treated with surgical procedure such as thyroidectomy.

The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Grave’s disease.

Patients with hyperthyroidism presenting symptom is often nervousness.

If you have a thyroid problem, you will know something is wrong because you will have obvious symptoms.

As soon as the patient start taking thyroid medication, the symptoms will resolve.

Daily dose of synthetic hormone for the treatment of hypothyroidism are often taken for life.

If thyroid symptoms are mild, the patient does not need to take medication.