Posts Tagged ‘Thyroid’
Hypothyroidism
Wednesday, July 29th, 2009
DESCRIPTION
Hypothyroidism refers to low function of the thyroid, an endocrine gland located in the front of the neck, just below the larynx (voice box). Through its production of thyroid hormones (T4 and T3), the thyroid gland activates over 100 cellular enzymes responsible for a multitude of functions in every cell of the body. Excessive secretion of thyroid hormones can increase metabolic rate up to 100% above normal, while if no thyroid hormone is produced, a 40% drop in metabolic activity can quickly occur. In most cases of hypothyroidism, thyroid function is simply less than optimal, but this results in a slowing down of cellular functions and a buildup of metabolic wastes in all body systems. (more…)