The thyroid gland is a butterfly shaped endocrine gland that’s located in the front part of the neck just below the Adam’s apple. The thyroid gland plays a vital role in the metabolism, development, and regulation of the human body. It uses iodine from the food we eat (an element that the body can’t make on its own) to produce the key thyroid hormones, tri-iodothyronine (also known as T3) and tetra-iodothyronine (also called thyroxine or T4). The thyroid gland also makes the peptide hormone calcitonin. The former two are what are referred to as “thyroid hormones” made by this gland and they play a crucial role influencing aspects such as the body’s weight, internal temperature, energy levels, skin, hair and nail growth among others.
Depending on the state in which the body is in, the requirement for more or less of the thyroid hormones is finely balanced. To ensure the right amount of hormonal balance, the thyroid gland relies on the pituitary gland to signal via a hormone called Thyroid stimulating Hormone (TSH) whether to release more or fewer hormones into the bloodstream. For instance, increased production of T3 and T4 may be needed to boost the body’s metabolic rate if it slows.