FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY OF THE THYROID GLAND IN STRESS CONDITIONS

An analytical review was conducted of studies investigating the effects of acute and chronic stress on thyroid gland metabolism. Particular attention is given to the influence of stress and, specifically, glucocorticoids on thyroid status. The discussion encompasses stress-related alterations in iodine uptake, oxidation, and organification within thyrocytes, as well as changes in the peripheral metabolism of thyroid hormones, including their storage, transport, and tissue-specific deiodinase activity.The role of stress in the development of thyroid disorders is also examined, with emphasis on functional alterations of the thyroid gland associated with dysregulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. Emerging evidence suggests consistent patterns of thyroid dysfunction in conditions involving impaired pituitary–adrenal system activity.