Thyroxine (Tetraiodothyronine, T4) is one of the hormones produced by the follicular cells of the thyroid gland. Excess thyroxine leads to hyperthyroidism, thyroxine deficiency - to hypothyroidism. what are the causes of thyroxine secretion disorders and what tests are performed? How to balance thyroxine levels?
Thyroxin( Tetrahyodothyronine ,T4 ) is one of the hormones produced by thyroid follicular cells and has a relatively large impact on metabolic processes, the most important of which are glucose absorption or fat breakdown. In addition, this hormone is involved in the work of the mammary glands - lactation, and indirectly regulates fertility. The production of thyroxine is based on a feedback mechanism and is therefore controlled by the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland. A decrease in thyroxine concentration is a signal for the thyroid gland to increase its production.
Structure of thyroxine and its role in the human body
The substrate necessary for the production of thyroxine istyrosine . The thyroid follicular cells are responsible for the entire process, which not only store but also release thyroxine particles. It should be remembered that the thyroxine molecule in question does not really matter and is treated as a prohormone. The only important thing is the thyroxine molecule devoid of one iodine atom - triiodothyronine. The essential role of thyroxine in the body comes down to activating tissue oxidation as well as promoting the breakdown of fats. It is also responsible for the absorption of glucose from the gastrointestinal tract and its use by cells. It has an impact on the work of the sex glands, which is indirectly responsible for the reproductive process.
Thyroxine deficiency and excess
The level of thyroxine in the body is not always optimal. It happens that it is in excess or in significant deficiency. The body's metabolism is then disturbed. Deficiency leads to hypothyroidism and can cause myxedema, characterized by the thickening of the facial features. It also contributes to the reduction of psychomotor activity: depressed mood, the drive to perform daily activities, daytime sleepiness - all this may be a signal that the thyroid gland is not working properly. A person with hypothyroidism is apathetic, sleepy, has difficulty withremembering and concentrating. The skin is excessively dry and the hair becomes thinner. Other symptoms include low blood pressure, i.e. hypotension, i.e. hypotension, shallowness and decrease in respiratory rate, as well as a slight slowdown in heart rate, i.e. bradycardia.
On the other hand, excess thyroxine is also not entirely safe. It causes an overactive thyroid, which we see in Graves' disease. It is characterized by excessive excitability, nervousness, rapid heartbeat, i.e. tachycardia, excessive muscle fatigue and exophthalmos.
How to test thyroxin level and what are the indications for the test
In order to assess the level of thyroxine in the body, a blood test should be performed to assess the concentration of thyroid hormones. The indications for such a test are:
- decreased appetite
- excessive skin dryness
- sleepiness, apathy
- sudden weight loss
The examination should also include people with an overgrown thyroid gland - goiter. In addition, the assessment of thyroid hormones also serves to control the anti-thyroid treatment in the treatment of hypothyroidism. The study should also include people with fertility problems.
Causes of the thyroid malfunction
There are many causes of hypothyroidism. In many cases, the problem is related to an autoimmune disease, which is the destruction of thyroid cells by its own antibodies. Hypothyroidism may result from disturbances at the higher levels of the feedback system - hypothalamus, pituitary gland. Diet is believed to be of great importance. The one rich in iodine reduces the likelihood of disrupting the thyroid hormone balance.
Thyroxine deficiency: treatment
Thyroxine deficiency can be relatively easily eliminated by supplementing the drug called L-thyroxine (the left-handed form of the hormone). In addition to pharmacotherapy, you should permanently introduce products rich in iodine and iron into your menu. Properly selected therapy enables normal functioning.