It is difficult to imagine something so small being so powerful or important. However, this is exactly the case when it comes to the thyroid gland. Your thyroid is just about 2 inches wide and tips the scales at about 20-60 grams. For perspective, a tennis ball weighs around 56 to 60 grams. Yet, despite its diminutive size, it touches every cell and organ in your body. But how?
In this blog, the leading laparoscopic surgeon for thyroid in Delhi, Dr Amita Jain discusses the role of the thyroid in your body. If you think you, need thyroid surgery, here is what you need to know about this tiny gland and its role in your body.
It all comes down to hormones
Dr Jain says, your thyroid gland uses iodine to make and release two certain hormones into your bloodstream: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones reach each cell and organ in your body, supporting to regulate numerous physiological functions, like:
- Breathing
- Body temperature
- Heart rate
- Muscle control and strength
- Central nervous system
- Digestion
- Energy expenditure and body weight
- Bone loss
- Menstrual cycles
Thyroid cells are the sole ones in your complete body that can absorb iodine and make these important hormones needed for growth, development, and metabolism. And it all begins deep inside your brain.
How your thyroid make hormones?
Your thyroid is only one part of a larger network in your body known as the endocrine system. This complex messaging system has multiple glands all over your body that work together, making and secreting hormones so your body knows exactly, what to do and when. And the pituitary gland runs the complete show.
The thyroid might be small, but your pituitary gland is just the size of a pea. It sits within its own small chamber — the sella turcica — at the base of your brain. It has the vital role of monitoring all of the hormones in your body and telling them when the other glands in your endocrine system must release more to keep everything functioning properly.
When your pituitary gland wants your thyroid to get to act, it releases thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). In response, your thyroid gland begins making and releasing more T3 and T4, and they enter cells in your body whenever needed. But it does not stop there.
As thyroid hormones enter your bloodstream, the T3 slows TSH production within the pituitary gland. This important step creates an efficient feedback loop that keeps thyroid formation in an optimal range. However, things can still go awry.
When do thyroid problems arise?
The very complexity of the thyroid and endocrine system creates plenty of opportunities for things to go wrong. And, because of the essence of thyroid hormones, disorders could cause uncomfortable and potentially serious issues.
Common forms of thyroid disorders include:
- Under or overactive thyroid
- Enlarged thyroid, or goiter
- Growths or nodules
- Cancer
However, several treatments are available to address thyroid disorders, ranging from medication to surgery. If you require part or all of your thyroid removed, Dr Jain uses minimally invasive, techniques whenever possible. You can generally, go home post your surgery and return to normal activity within about 10 days.
Due to the important role thyroid hormones have in your body, you usually, need to take hormone-replacement medications indefinitely post having surgery to maintain healthy thyroid hormone levels. Do you need thyroid surgery? Dr Jain, can give you a thorough evaluation and discuss your next steps.
Dr Amita Jain is a surgeon with highest degree of professional competence, precision and surgical craftsmanship. Performed all complicated general surgery procedures with in depth knowledge of invasive and few minimal invasive and onco surgical techniques. Underwent special training in trauma, executed various trauma-related complex life-saving neurosurgical procedures, reconstructed injured mangled limbs and performed vascular and reconstructive procedures with critical care.
Dr Amita Jain holds 28 plus years of rich experience in Trauma and General Laparoscopic Surgeries (including Gallbladder stone removal, appendix removal, hernia repair surgery, piles and fissure surgeries). She was the Professor Surgery of at the Army College of Medical Sciences and Base Hospital Delhi Cantt. In 1994 she was commissioned as Surgeon under the United Nations Mission in Congo. From 2020 to 2022, she worked with Bansals Hospital. Currently, Dr Amita Jain is the Senior Consultant, (Speciality: General and Laparoscopic Surgeon) at Artemis Lite Hospital, New Delhi