What is the main role of the hormones released by the thyroid gland of the endocrine system and when does the thyroid release these hormones?

The endocrine system uses hormones to control and coordinate your body's internal metabolism (or homeostasis) energy level, reproduction, growth and development, and response to injury, stress, and environmental factors. Consider the following hormones and their role in the workings of the endocrine system:

 

Where the hormone is produced

Hormone(s) secreted

Hormone function

Adrenal glands

Aldosterone

Regulates salt, water balance, and blood pressure

Adrenal glands

Corticosteroid

Controls key functions in the body; acts as an anti-inflammatory; maintains blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and muscle strength; regulates salt and water balance

Pituitary gland

Antidiuretic hormone (vasopressin)

Affects water retention in kidneys; controls blood pressure

Pituitary gland

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

Controls production of sex hormones (estrogen in women and testosterone in men) and the production of eggs in women and sperm in men.

Pituitary gland

Growth hormone (GH)

Affects growth and development; stimulates protein production; affects fat distribution

Pituitary gland

Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

Controls production of sex hormones (estrogen in women and testosterone in men) and the production of eggs in women and sperm in men

Pituitary gland

Oxytocin

Stimulates contraction of uterus and milk ducts in the breast

Pituitary gland

Prolactin

Initiates and maintains milk production in breasts; impacts sex hormone levels

Pituitary gland

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

Stimulates the production and secretion of thyroid hormones

Kidneys

Renin and angiotensin

Controls blood pressure, both directly and also by regulating aldosterone production from the adrenal glands

Kidneys

Erythropoietin

Affects red blood cell (RBC) production

Pancreas

Glucagon

Raises blood sugar levels

Pancreas

Insulin

Lowers blood sugar levels; stimulates metabolism of glucose, protein, and fat

Ovaries

Estrogen

Affects development of female sexual characteristics and reproductive development, important for functioning of uterus and breasts; also protects bone health

Ovaries

Progesterone

Stimulates the lining of the uterus for fertilization; prepares the breasts for milk production

Parathyroid glands

Parathyroid hormone (PTH)

Most important regulator of blood calcium levels

Thyroid gland

Thyroid hormone

Controls metabolism; also affects growth, maturation, nervous system activity, and metabolism

Adrenal glands

Epinephrine

Increases heart rate, oxygen intake, and blood flow

Adrenal glands

Norepinephrine

Maintains blood pressure

Testes (testicles)

Testosterone

Develop and maintain male sexual characteristics and maturation

Pineal gland

Melatonin

Releases melatonin during night hours to help with sleep

Hypothalamus

Growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH)

Regulates growth hormone release in the pituitary gland

Hypothalamus

Thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH)

Regulates thyroid stimulating hormone release in the pituitary gland

Hypothalamus

Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH)

Regulates LH/FSH production in the pituitary gland

Hypothalamus

Corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH)

Regulates adrenocorticotropin release in the pituitary gland

Thymus

Humoral factors

Helps develop the lymphoid system

beginning of content

The thyroid is a small bow-shaped gland that sits in the front of the neck, just below the Adam’s apple. It produces the hormones:

  • triiodothyronine (T3), a hormone that controls energy levels, temperature, metabolism, heart rate, blood pressure and development of a fetus
  • thyroxine (T4), a hormone that controls how the heart works, metabolism, health of the muscles and bones and brain development. Some thyroxine is changed into triiodothyronine
  • calcitonin, which controls the amount of calcium and phosphate in the blood

What is the main role of the hormones released by the thyroid gland of the endocrine system and when does the thyroid release these hormones?
The endocrine system.

Almost 1 in 6 Australians has a thyroid problem. The chance of having trouble with your thyroid becomes greater as you get older.

Sometimes people have problems with their thyroid being overactive and producing too much thyroxine (hyperthyroidism). It can be caused by an autoimmune disorder causing inflammation of the thyroid gland, Grave’s disease, or nodules on the thyroid. Hyperthyroidism makes the body use energy too quickly. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:

  • weight loss
  • fatigue
  • nervousness or feeling anxious
  • racing heart and palpitations
  • increased appetite
  • losing weight
  • shaking
  • difficulty sleeping
  • irregular periods
  • infertility
  • hair loss
  • sensitivity to heat

In contrast, if the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones (hypothyroidism), the metabolism will reduce. This is the most common thyroid condition in Australia and is more common in men. It is often caused by the autoimmune disorder Hashimoto’s disease, but it can also be caused when the thyroid is damaged during surgery or cancer treatments.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:

  • being more sensitive to the cold
  • fatigue
  • dry skin
  • brittle hair
  • constipation
  • weight gain
  • depression
  • aches and pains
  • heavy or irregular periods
  • looking pale
  • swollen face, hands, ankles or feet
  • sleep problems
  • breathlessness
  • difficulty getting pregnant
  • an enlarged thyroid gland (goitre)

Hypothyroidism is usually permanent and is treated by replacing thyroxine.

Your doctor will be able to diagnose these problems by performing a blood test to check for the levels of thyroxine and other related hormones in your body.

If you have a problem with your thyroid, many different treatments are available. They might involve medication and, in some cases, your doctor may recommend surgery.

More information

Learn more about the endocrine system and the different hormones released by the endocrine glands.

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: November 2020

What is the main role of the hormones released by the thyroid gland of the endocrine system?

The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate the body's metabolic rate controlling heart, muscle and digestive function, brain development and bone maintenance. Its correct functioning depends on a good supply of iodine from the diet.

What is the main role of thyroid hormones?

The thyroid gland releases triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). These hormones play an important role in regulation of your weight, energy levels, internal temperature, skin, hair, nail growth, metabolism and is an important part of the endocrine system.

What three hormones does the thyroid gland secrete and what is their purpose?

The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland in your neck. It makes two hormones that are secreted into the blood: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones are necessary for all the cells in your body to work normally.

What is the primary function of the thyroid hormones quizlet?

What are the roles of thyroid hormones? They help maintain normal blood pressure, heart rate, and muscle tone; and regulate digestive and reproductive functions.