The thyroid gland produces thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) hormones that play a critical role in regulating carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism and body temperature.
Functions of Thyroid Hormones
They increase the basal metabolic rate, support growth and development, regulate heart rate, contribute to the maturation of the nervous system, and maintain body temperature.
Hypothyroidism: Symptoms and Treatment
Symptoms: fatigue, weight gain, feeling cold, constipation, dry skin, facial puffiness, bradycardia and depression.
Diagnosis: elevated TSH, low free T4.
Treatment: Daily oral levothyroxine is used to bring TSH to the normal range.
Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms and Treatment
Symptoms: palpitations, excessive sweating, weight loss, irritability, tremor, diarrhoea and eye problems (in Graves' disease).
Diagnosis: suppressed TSH, elevated free T3/T4.
Treatment: Methimazole or propylthiouracil, beta-blockers, radioactive iodine therapy or surgical thyroidectomy.