The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped organ located in front of the trachea, and it is the main regulator of the body’s metabolism! 1. What is abnormal thyroid function? If the thyroid gland is low, it produces too little thyroid hormone, resulting in “hypothyroidism”. People with hypothyroidism consume energy slowly and have a slower metabolism. On the contrary, if the thyroid gland is active, it will release too much thyroid hormone into the blood, causing “hyperthyroidism” and accelerating the body’s metabolic process. 2. What are the causes of hypothyroidism? There are many causes of hypothyroidism, one of the common ones is iodine deficiency. The thyroid gland needs iodine to make thyroid hormones, and too little iodine in the diet can cause the thyroid gland to not work properly. Foods that contain high levels of iodine include salmon, sea fish, lamb, tuna and eggs! One of the most common causes of acquired hypothyroidism is a condition called “Hashimoto’s thyroiditis”. In this case, the patient’s own defense system attacks the thyroid gland, causing a painless inflammatory response that can destroy the thyroid gland and weaken its ability to work. Other causes of low thyroid hormone levels in the blood include: surgical removal of the thyroid gland; after radioactive iodine treatment of the thyroid gland; after radiation treatment of the head and neck; congenital defects of the thyroid gland; diseases of the pituitary gland and hypothalamus – two organs that ensure the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. 3. Causes of hyperthyroidism? There are many causes of hyperthyroidism, the most common being (70%) an autoimmune disease called “Graves’ disease”. It has a tendency to run in families and is more common in young women. Another cause is “thyroid nodules,” which are very common and 5% of them are malignant, so doctors usually evaluate them further. The growth of a thyroid nodule may interfere with the normal function of the thyroid gland, and if the nodule produces too much hormone, the patient may have symptoms of hyperthyroidism. And iodine deficiency in food may be a factor in the growth of nodules. Other causes of hyperthyroidism: Thyroiditis. Taking too much thyroid hormone. For abnormal thyroid function, please do not ignore the patient!