Skip to main content

Thyroid Dysfunction

Meaning

A state of imbalance where the thyroid gland produces either insufficient (hypothyroidism) or excessive (hyperthyroidism) amounts of its critical hormones, T3 and T4, leading to systemic metabolic disruption. Because thyroid hormones regulate the basal metabolic rate of nearly every cell in the body, dysfunction profoundly affects energy levels, body temperature, weight, and mood. Clinical diagnosis relies on measuring serum levels of Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) and free thyroid hormones.