The thyroid gland is inside your neck, located just in front of your trachea (breathing tube). The thyroid produces two hormones, one called T3 (tri-iodothyronine) and another called T4 (thyroxine). These hormones control your metabolism, which is breaking down of food into energy and waste products. As with other organs or glands, too much or too little of these hormones can affect the way your body operates. In the case of thyroid hormones, too little of them (hypothyroidism) will cause decreased energy, a slow heart rate, constipation, and slowed growth in children. Too much hormone (hyperthyroidism) may cause a disease called goiter, with symptoms including anxiety, a fast heart rate, diarrhea, and weight loss. |
