The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of the neck, in front of the larynx, against the trachea. It consists of two lobes, made up of follicles (vesicles). The thyroid gland is supplied with blood by four arteries, making it one of the best vascularized organs in the body.

The thyroid gland has several (important functions):

• Regulation of metabolism (metabolism);
• Cell metabolism;
• Food processing (digestion);
• Heart rate & oxygen circulation;
• Physical growth & development;
• Maintenance & expansion of nervous system;
• Temperature (indirect thermostat function);
• Fat Burning;
• Muscle tension & joint function;
• Moisture balance;
• Psyche & brain activity.

Thyroid function

The thyroid gland produces thyroid hormone regulated by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland.
The pituitary gland is a small hormonal gland in the brain, behind the eyes.

The hypothalamus and the pituitary gland are connected by the pituitary stalk. Does the body need more or less of a certain hormone? The hypothalamus then sends a signal to the pituitary gland with the help of hormones.

The pituitary gland secretes TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone).
Under the influence of TSH, the thyroid gland produces the hormone T4 (thyroxine).
If you have too little thyroid hormone in your body, the pituitary gland produces more TSH so that the thyroid gland works harder and produces more thyroid hormone. If you have too much thyroid hormone in your body, the pituitary gland produces less TSH so that the thyroid gland slows down and produces less thyroid hormone.

Thyroid disorders

In 95% of cases, the thyroid gland itself is affected.
In the majority of cases there is an autoimmune disease

An underactive thyroid gland Hypothyroidism named:
the thyroid gland produces too little thyroid hormone.
Often many non-specific complaints: fatigue, coldness, weight gain, sluggishness, constipation, menstrual disorders

An overactive thyroid gland Hyperthyroidism named:
the thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone.
Complaints: weight loss, diarrhea, nervousness, palpitations and ophthalmopathy (Graves' eye disease).

In the Netherlands there are approximately 403,200 people with hypothyroidism (24 per 1000 patients).
The number of people with Hyperthyroidism: 134,400 (8 in 1000 patients)

The disorders occur more often in women than in men and thyroid function disorders become more common with increasing age

Thyroid disorders are - just like vitiligo - autoimmune diseases. Vitiligo patients have an increased risk of developing another autoimmune disease, with thyroid disease being the most common.

Vitiligo in combination with thyroid disorders
Thyroid disorders are - just like vitiligo - autoimmune diseases. Vitiligo patients have an increased risk of developing another autoimmune disease, with thyroid disease being the most common.

Dutch guideline for doctors
Laboratory research into met vitiligo associated conditions (particularly thyroid diseases) is only useful if the anamnesis (history and relevant circumstances of the disease) and physical examination provide indications for this.
The advice is to consider screening for people at greatest risk (women, > 35 years of age with family members with thyroid diseases and for pregnant women or women who would like to become pregnant).

Patient information
More patient information about the thyroid gland

Thyroid Organization Netherlands