Thyroid gland

The thyroid is an endocrine gland in the neck. It secretes thyroid hormones, which regulate the body's rate of metabolism, and calcitonin, a protein that assists in calcium balance. The production of thyroid hormones is stimulated by thyrotropin or Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), which is produced by the pituitary.

Types of thyroid hormones

Main article: Thyroid hormones

Triiodothyronine and thyroxine are the two main forms of thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones are partially comprised of iodine and a deficiency of iodine in the diet can lead to decreased production of these hormones. If left uncorrected the thyroid tissue can enlarge, resulting in a pronounced swelling in the neck, called a 'simple goitre.'

Notable studies

• 2007, Thyroid malignancy association with cortical & subcortical brain SPECT changes in patients presenting with a myalgic encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome(Abstract)
• 2018, Higher Prevalence of “Low T3 Syndrome” in Patients With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Case–Control Study(Full Text)

Learn more

• American Thyroid Association webpage

See also

• Thyroid disease
• Thyroid hormones
• Hormones
• List of hormones
• Triiodothyronine
• Thyroxine
• Thyroid-stimulating hormone

myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) - A disease often marked by neurological symptoms, but fatigue is sometimes a symptom as well. Some diagnostic criteria distinguish it from chronic fatigue syndrome, while other diagnostic criteria consider it to be a synonym for chronic fatigue syndrome. A defining characteristic of ME is post-exertional malaise (PEM), or post-exertional neuroimmune exhaustion (PENE), which is a notable exacerbation of symptoms brought on by small exertions. PEM can last for days or weeks. Symptoms can include cognitive impairments, muscle pain (myalgia), trouble remaining upright (orthostatic intolerance), sleep abnormalities, and gastro-intestinal impairments, among others. An estimated 25% of those suffering from ME are housebound or bedbound. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies ME as a neurological disease.

chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) - A fatigue-based illness. The term CFS was invented invented by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control as an replacement for myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). Some view CFS as a neurological disease, others use the term for any unexplained long-term fatigue. Sometimes used as a the term as a synonym of myalgic encephalomyelitis, despite the different diagnostic criteria.