Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH)

TRH is a tripeptide (GluHisPro).

When it reaches the anterior lobe of the pituitary it stimulates the release there of

 thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

What is the function of the thyroid

gland?
The thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system of the body. Organs of the endocrine system
secrete hormones. The primary function of your thyroid gland is to secrete thyroid hormones. The
thyroid hormones are involved in regulating many of your bodily functions, such as your breathing,
heart rate, temperature, how quickly you burn calories, and digestion, among other functions. Babies
and children need adequate amounts of thyroid hormones for brain development and growth.
Your thyroid needs iodine (a chemical element that’s an essential part of our diet) in order to
manufacture these thyroid hormones. Foods that are naturally rich in iodine include seafood and
plants grown in iodine-rich soil. Iodised salt is another good source of dietary iodine.

What hormones does the thyroid gland

secrete?
The 2 main thyroid hormones are T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). T3 and T4 regulate your
body's temperature, metabolism and heart rate.
The amount of thyroid hormones secreted is controlled by another hormone, called thyroid
stimulating hormone (TSH), which is released from the pituitary gland in your brain. TSH stimulates
the thyroid to make T3 and T4. Blood tests are done for TSH levels when doctors investigate for
thyroid disease. T3 and T4 may also be tested for.
Note that different laboratories may have different reference ranges for normal, so always follow the
advice of your doctor.

T3 or triiodothyronine
T3 tests can help diagnose an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). The usual accepted normal
range for free T3 (which measures T3 in the bloodstream, but not T3 bound to protein in your body)
is between 3.1 pmol/L and 6.8 pmol/L.
T4 (thyroxine)
The normal range usually quoted for free thyroxine (T4) is 12-22 pmol/L. In people with
hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), free T4 is usually above 22 pmol/L. And for those with
hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), free T4 is usuallly below 12 pmol/L.

Symptoms of an overactive thyroid

Hyperthyroidism, where the thyroid is overactive, can result in symptoms such as weight loss, rapid
heart rate, being too hot, feeling nervous or edgy, and irregular periods.

Calcitonin
Another hormone that’s produced in your thyroid gland is called calcitonin. This hormone, secreted
by a small population of cells known as C cells, is involved in regulating the level of calcium and
phosphate in your blood.
The levels of calcitonin are driven by the amount of calcium in your blood. When your blood calcium
levels decrease, less calcitonin is secreted and vice versa - when your blood calcium levels
increase, levels of calcitonin increase. Calcium and phosphate are both involved in the formation of
bones.
Last Reviewed: 18 February 2016

The thyroid is a gland located in your neck, just beneath the Adam's apple. It releases
hormones - thyroxine (T4) andtriiodothyronine (T3) - that increase the body's metabolic rate.

A metabolic rate is the rate of chemical processes occurring within the body that are necessary to
maintain life. In metabolism, some substances are broken down to provide energy for vital
processes while other substances are made.

The thyroid gland is self-regulated by thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), made by the pituitary
gland (sometimes called the master gland) in the brain. TSH stimulates the thyroid gland to
produce thyroid hormones (T4 and T3). When thyroid hormone levels in the body are high, TSH
production will "switch off," stopping the thyroid from making more T4 and T3.

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland becomes overactive, making an excessive
amount of thyroid hormones. It is much less common than hypothyroidism(underactive thyroid
gland) and has a variety of causes.

Hyperthyroidism is 5 to 10 times more likely to occur in women than men. Risk factors for
developing hyperthyroidism include having another autoimmune disease (e.g., type 1 diabetes,
pernicious anemia), a family history, eating large amounts of iodine, being a woman, and
previous goiter.
Causes
Thyroid overactivity sometimes results from inappropriately elevated TSH levels, or may
be due to problems in the thyroid gland itself.

Graves' disease occurs when the immune system produces an abnormal antibody that acts like
TSH to stimulate the entire thyroid gland. This leads to an overactive thyroid and higher levels of
thyroid hormones. Graves' disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism, accounting for
up to 80% of all hyperthyroid cases. The abnormal antibody may also stimulate inflammation in
the eyes, and less commonly the skin.

Another form of hyperthyroidism is called toxic nodular goiter. Abnormal tissue or "nodules" in
the thyroid (called adenomas) become autonomous; that is, they stop working under the control
of TSH and are constantly "on" in terms of producing thyroid hormones.

When the thyroid gland becomes inflamed, you can develop a condition
called thyroiditis. Inflammation causes the thyroid to release stored thyroid hormone for a brief
period (usually no more than a few weeks). Long-term damage from inflammation will usually
lead to hypothyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism can also be caused by taking too much thyroid hormone, or by medications
such as amiodarone* that contain high amounts of iodine.

In rare cases, secondary hyperthyroidism is caused by a tumour of the pituitary gland making too
much TSH, leading to constant stimulation of the thyroid gland. More rarely, the pituitary gland
becomes insensitive to thyroid hormones, no longer knowing when levels are high and that it
should "switch off" the production of TSH.

Symptoms and Complications

Hyperthyroidism results in high levels of T4 and T3 circulating in the blood. These
hormones will speed up metabolism. When this happens, the following symptoms may occur:

 increased heart rate

 abnormal heartbeat rhythm (palpitations or "pounding")

 increased body heat, causing one to feel warm even in a cool room

 moist skin because of perspiration

 increased activity of nerves, leading to nervousness or slight trembling of hands

 increased activity level despite feeling tired and weak

  increased appetite (but usually accompanied by weight loss)

 interrupted sleep

 frequent bowel movements, sometimes with diarrhea

 development of puffiness around eyes, increased tears, an intense stare, or a sensitivity to

light

 increased risk of bone loss (osteoporosis)

 development of a bulge in the neck (goiter) because of the enlargement of the thyroid
gland

 cessation of menstrual periods (women)

It is important to note that these symptoms tend to be more subtle in seniors. Seniors may
experience symptoms of depression or dementia, heart rhythm irregularities, fainting, weakness,
or heart failure.

Graves' disease, in addition to the common symptoms of hyperthyroidism, causes the eyes to
become inflamed and to bulge out. In severe cases you can develop double vision and have
significant damage to the eyes. Sometimes, the skin over the shins becomes thicker.

If hyperthyroidism isn't adequately treated, a life-threatening complication called thyroid

storm may occur.Thyroid storm is a medical emergency caused by extreme thyroid overactivity.
Symptoms include rapid heartbeat, shaking, sweating, fever, restlessness, diarrhea, confusion,
and loss of consciousness. It can be triggered by trauma, infection, surgery, uncontrolled
diabetes, pregnancy, labour, or failing to take thyroid medication.