Thyroid hormones facts for kids
Thyroid hormones are special chemicals made by your body. They come from a small gland in your neck called the thyroid gland. Think of them as tiny messengers that help control many important jobs inside you!
The two main thyroid hormones are called T3 and T4. Your body uses two key ingredients to make them: iodine (which you get from some foods) and tyrosine (a building block for proteins).
If your body doesn't get enough iodine, it can't make enough T3 and T4. This can lead to a condition called hypothyroidism, where your body's processes slow down. On the other hand, if your thyroid gland makes too much of these hormones, it's called hyperthyroidism, and your body's processes speed up.
What do thyroid hormones do?
Thyroid hormones are super important because they control your body's metabolism. Metabolism is like the engine of your body; it's all the chemical reactions that keep you alive and working.
These hormones help your body in several ways:
- They help your body make proteins, which are essential for building and repairing tissues.
- They control your basal metabolic rate. This is how fast your body uses energy when you're resting. Thyroid hormones make sure you have enough energy for everything you do, even sleeping!
- They help with growth hormone production, which is really important for growing taller and stronger, especially when you're a kid or teenager.
In short, thyroid hormones make sure your body grows properly, has enough energy, and works smoothly every day.
