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Why Thyroid Function Matters



WHY should you care about your thyroid?


To put it simply, your thyroid is a small gland that sits at the base of your neck and is responsible for the production and release of key hormones that play a significant role in almost every cell function in the body. The thyroid helps to regulate many body functions by constantly releasing a steady amount of thyroid hormone into the bloodstream.


Hormones are chemicals that assist different functions in the body by carrying messages through your blood to your organs, skin, muscles and various other tissues. These signals tell your body what to do and when to do it. When your thyroid isn’t working properly, it can impact your entire body and affect how you feel on a day-to-day basis.




Your thyroid produces and releases the following hormones:

  • Thyroxine (T4): This is the main hormone your thyroid makes and releases. Although your thyroid makes the most of this hormone, it doesn’t have much of an effect on your metabolism. Once your thyroid releases T4 into your bloodstream, it can convert to T3 through a process called deiodination.

  • Triiodothyronine (T3): Your thyroid produces less amounts of T3 than T4, but it has a much greater effect on your metabolism than T4.

  • Reverse triiodothyronine (RT3): Your thyroid makes very small amounts of RT3, which reverses the effects of T3.

  • Calcitonin: This hormone helps regulate the amount of calcium in your blood.

In order to make thyroid hormones, your thyroid gland needs iodine, an element found in food and water. Your thyroid gland traps iodine and transforms it into thyroid hormones.


Your thyroid hormones affect the following bodily functions:

  • How your body uses energy (metabolism).

  • Heart rate.

  • Breathing.

  • Digestion.

  • Body temperature.

  • Brain development.

  • Mental activity.

  • Skin and bone maintenance.

  • Fertility.



If the thyroid produces too high a volume of thyroid hormones, you are said to have an overactive thyroid.


This condition is known as hyperthyroidism.


If you have Hyperthyroidism you may experience:

  • Unexplained weight loss

  • Feeling tired all of the time

  • Poor tolerance to the heat and/or sweating

  • Rapid heart rate

  • Tremors (usually in the hands)

  • Difficulty sleeping

  • Excessive sweating or fever

  • Diarrhea

  • Mood changes, such as anxiety

  • Irregular period

  • Low sex drive

  • Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)

  • Eye condition related to hyperthyroidism



If the thyroid produces too low a volume of thyroid hormones, you are said to have an underactive thyroid.


This is known as hypothyroidism.


If you have Hypothyroidism you may experience:

  • Unexplained weight gain

  • Feeling tired all of the time

  • Hair loss or thinning

  • Poor tolerance of the cold

  • Mood changes, such as depression

  • A slower pulse or heart rate

  • Dry skin

  • Constipation

  • Brain fog and/or impaired memory

  • Hand tingling or pain (carpal tunnel syndrome)

  • Irregular period or low sex drive

  • Muscle cramps


Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder that can cause hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid.


Hashimoto thyroiditis affects an estimated 1 to 2 % of people in the United States. It is said to occur more often in women than in men, which may be related to hormonal factors.


Hashimoto's thyroiditis can cause your thyroid to not make enough thyroid hormone. It occurs when your body makes antibodies that attack the cells in your thyroid. Symptoms may include an enlarged thyroid gland (goiter), tiredness, weight gain, and muscle weakness. Treatment is available for Hashimoto's disease through a medical provider.


Your thyroid is tied into the endocrine system, which is a network of several glands that create and secrete hormones. Endocrine glands release hormones directly into the bloodstream.


These glands make up the endocrine system:

The 3 vital functions of your endocrine system are: 1)make Hormones for Mood, Development, and Growth 2) Send Hormones into Your Bloodstream 3) Regulate the Release of Hormones.



Get your Thyroid Healthy & Happy


Addressing issues with your thyroid may be one of the most important things that you learn about your body. It’s important to see a professional if you feel you are experiencing any symptoms of thyroid disorders. A simple blood test will determine the levels in your body, and a treatment plan can be devised and executed.


The first step is to get the conversation started. The experts at ageRejuvenation clinics in Florida can assist you on your thyroid & hormonal wellness path - simply call 813.303.0737 for more information.


Visit Our Featured Partners at AgeRejuvenation





Florida Locations

125 North Orlando Ave. Suite 115 Winter Park, FL 32789

1155 Nikki View Dr. Brandon, FL 33511


10116 Montague St, Suite 8 Westchase, FL 33626


220 North Howard Ave Tampa, FL 33606


1821 Bruce B Downs Blvd Suite 114 Wesley Chapel, FL 33544


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