What is the Thyroid?

The Thyroid Gland is part of the endocrine system which regulates the functioning of virtually all cells in your body. The thyroid gland is a small gland located at the base of the front of your neck. It produces thyroid hormones, chemicals which, once released in the bloodstream, are dispersed throughout the body to regulate metabolism. Thyroid hormones also regulate neurotransmitters in the brain implicated in mood, appetite, and emotions.

The thyroid gland produces two hormones (T4 and T3). Tri iodothyronine (or T3) is the most active form of thyroid hormone. Twenty percent of the T3 generated in our body is produced directly by the thyroid gland, and the remainder comes from the conversion of T4 to T3 in our organs.

A deficit or excess of thyroid hormones can make you experience a wide range of physical and mental effects.