Union County General Hospital in Clayton, NM - Get directions, phone number, research physicians, and compare hospital ratings for Union County General Hospital on Healthgrades. HG Logo and Link to Home
The thyroid gland controls how quickly the body uses energy, makes proteins, and controls the body's sensitivity to other hormones. It participates in these processes by producing thyroid hormones, the principal ones being thyroxine (T 4) and triiodothyronine (T 3), which is more active.These hormones regulate the growth and rate of function of many other systems in the body. T 3 and T 4 are synthesized from iodine and tyrosine.yperthyroidism occurs when the gland produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormones, the most common cause being Graves' disease âan autoimmune disorder. In contrast, hypothyroidism is a state of insufficient thyroid hormone production. Worldwide, the most common cause is iodine deficiency.
The function of the thyroid gland is to take iodine, found in many foods, and convert it into thyroid hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Thyroid cells are the only cells in the body which can absorb iodine. These cells combine iodine and the amino acid tyrosine to make T3 and T4. T3 and T4 are then released into the blood stream and are transported throughout the body where they control metabolism (conversion of oxygen and calories to energy).