by Jane Allyson

Created on: July 25, 2008

Our thyroid gland is one of the most important glands of the body. Situated below the Adams Apple it is shaped like a butterfly and is wrapped around the front part of the windpipe.

Producing two types of hormones called thyroxine (T4) and tri-iodothyronine (T3), the thyroid gland sends these hormones racing through the bloodstream to other tissues and organs to help control our metabolism.

It works in harmony with the pituitary gland, which controls the amount of thyroid hormone in the blood stream, it releases less TSH to signal the thyroid to produce less thyroid hormone. Too little thyroid hormone in the bloodstream, then the pituitary gland will release more TSH to signal the thyroid to increase thyroid hormone production. Through this simple but effective system our metabolic rate is kept an even keel.

But what happens when something occurs to disrupt this system? How do we know that our thyroid isn't functioning properly?

Problems with the thyroid gland may not always become immediately apparent because the symptoms can also be attributed to other medical disorders. To make a proper diagnosis your doctor will take a blood test to measure the TSH levels in the blood stream.

Hypothyroidism: Underactive.

Problems with the thyroid can strike at any age and if you are worried that your baby has frequent Constipation and is not feeding very well, then you may wish to consult your doctor for advice. Other symptoms that are more apparent will be signs of Jaundice (yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes and excessive tiredness. Older children will exhibit similar symptoms to that of an adult, but you may realize that something may be wrong if they suddenly start doing badly at school for example.

The early onset of hypothyroidism may exhibit symptoms such as becoming easily tired, or exhausted, feel the cold more than usual, constipation or a pain at the wrists and a feeling of numbness in the hands.

If allowed to continue undiagnosed the symptoms may become apparent when the patient starts to put on weight yet have a poor appetite. They may suffer from dry skin and suffer an unusual loss of hair. The patient may find it difficult to concentrate or think in a clear manner. The voice can become deeper and there is a marked puffiness around the eyes. This may be accompanied by irrational feelings of depression and a general "lowness".

Hyperthyroidism: Overactive.

Children will suffer from similar symptoms to adult thyroid problems which can be highlighted by poor school

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