What does the thyroid gland do anyway?

This is a loaded question. It would be better to ask, "What doesn't the thyroid gland do?"

The thyroid gland is that butterfly shaped organ that sits at the base of your neck just above the collarbone. It receives signals from the brain and from there dictates all that goes on with every cell in the body. I did say EVERY cell. Thyroid hormones are released from this gland and directs the metabolic activity of all the other cells. Most notably, thyroid hormones are critical to the digestive breakdown and absorption of all amino acids - the building blocks of proteins. These building blocks are what are used to make the brain chemicals which make us feel alert, regulate mood, hunger and satiety, and help to manage our weight, among other things.

Moreover, the role of the thyroid gland is synthesis, storage, and secretion of thyroid hormones. It also is in charge of metabolizing iodine of which 75% of total body iodine is store in the thyroid. With optimum thyroid function we have optimum metabolism. This stimulates rapid sugar (glucose) uptake, increases the rate of carbohydrate absorption from GI tract, helps move fats from tissue, and decreases stored body fat.

In addition, proper levels of thyroid hormones decrease levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, thereby promoting cardiovascular health, balance the central nervous system, and allow for healthy reproductive health. The other areas the thyroid gland influences the function of the liver, adrenal glands, blood sugar, bones and mineralization, parathyroid glands (calcium regulators), iron stores, skin health, digestion, sex hormones, pituitary gland, and mental health.

So, you see, the thyroid gland has the potential to greatly impact every cell and system of the body.