The Thyroid Gland and Thyroid Hormones

The thyroid gland is a butterfly shaped gland that is located over the trachea (wind pipe) just below the larynx (voice box). The thyroid gland plays a very important role in most all the metabolic processes of the body. The thyroid gland with its thyroid hormone is responsible for regulating metabolism.

How Thyroid Hormone is Made

The hypothalamus, often referred to as the body's "thermostat" is responsible for making sure thyroid blood levels are normal. When the hypothalamus notices the thyroid blood levels decreasing it releases TRH (thyroid releasing hormone). The TRH then signals the pituitary gland to release TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone). TSH then stimulates the thyroid gland to begin producing thyroid hormone.

When the body's levels of thyroid hormone become normal and the body is functioning normally the pituitary gland will cease its release of TSH and the process stops until the hypothalamus notices the thyroid hormone levels decreasing again.

For information about hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and how human growth hormone (HGH) may affect thyroid function please begin at my article at the link below.

Human Growth Hormone and the Thyroid Gland

Lisa Wells, RN