Dr. Shelby Holt of UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas treats many disorders of the parathyroid and thyroid glands, two organs vital to normal body function. During surgery on patient Rhela Ball, the surgical team was able to immediately test blood hormone levels for immediate feedback on the successful operation.

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The Thyroid Gland The thyroid gland, situated at the front of the neck and overlying the trachea, consists of two lateral lobes and a connecting isthmus. Thyroid tissues trap iodine circulating in the blood and use it to produce the hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine. When secreted into the bloodstream, these hormones increase the metabolic rate of all body tissues. The thyroid gland also produces the hormone calcitonin, which helps regulate the calcium content of bones.

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Physical symptoms that arise due to hypothyroidism usually include weight gain, dry hair, constipation, overwhelming fatigue and dry skin. Learn about hypothyroidism as a result of a thyroid that has stopped functioning with help from a physician in this free video on hypothyroidism. Expert: David Cathcart Bio: Dr. David Cathcart has been a physician at Heartland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph, Mo. for over 20 years. He operates the occupational medicine clinic. Filmmaker: Johnny Cathcart

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