The thyroid gland is a vital hormone gland: It plays a major role in the metabolism, growth and development of the human body. It produces hormones that regulate the body's metabolic rate as well as heart and digestive function, muscle control, brain development, mood and bone maintenance.

Thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) are the two most important hormones made by the thyroid. A hormone made by the pituitary gland called thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) acts to stimulate hormone production by the thyroid gland.

The hypothalamus and pituitary glands communicate to maintain T3 and T4 so they aren't too low or too high. The pituitary gland releases Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) to maintain T3/T4 levels.  When values are too high, the pituitary releases less TSH, when values are too low, the pituitary releases more TSH.

There are a multitude of symptoms associated with thyroid dysfyunction. Some of the more common ones include hot/cold intolerances, fatigue, weight loss resistance, dry skin, hair loss, muscle and joint pain, menstrual irregularities and low mood/depression.

The thyroid is integral in hormone health. Restoration of thyroid health helps to restore other hormone imbalances.