WHAT IS A THYROID ANYWAY??

The thyroid was named in the 1600’s, and is Greek for “shield” because of its butterfly shape. Your thyroid gland is located in the lower part of your neck, in front of your windpipe (see figure below), and it produces two thyroid hormones - thyroxine, known as T4 (four iodine atoms), and triiodothyronine, known as T3 (three iodine atoms). Although there are two hormones, thyroid hormone is referred to in the singular (the word hormone is Greek for “Stimulator”). Thyroid hormone is secreted into the circulation and becomes widely distributed throughout the body. It is one of the basic regulators of the functions of every cell and every tissue within the body, and a steady supply is crucial for good health. In essence, your thyroid affects you from head to toe - including your skin and hair.

If you were to break down exactly how much T4 and T3 is secreted by your thyroid, you’d find that 90 percent of the thyroid output is T4, and only 10 percent is T3. Although these hormones have the same effect on your body, T3 is four times as powerful as T4 and works eight times as fast. It’s akin to juice in a bottle and frozen concentrate. T4 can also “turn into” T3 by shedding an iodine atom if your body quickly requires some thyroid hormone. 

Hypothyroidism is one of the most common forms of thyroid disease. Myriad symptoms are attributed to this disease, including extreme fatigue, depression, headaches, chest pain, constipation, muscle spasms, weight gain, and more.

Fortunately, testing for thyroid issues are as simple as a blood test ordered by your family physician. So if you suspect you may be experiencing any of the above-noted symptoms, you may want to have your thyroid hormone levels checked out.

 For further information on this or if you have any questions, please contact me at Tammy@myinnerself.ca, 1+416.428.4661 or visit me at www.myinnerself.ca.

~ Tammy