The production and release of thyroid hormones, thyroxine and triiodothyronine, is controlled by a feedback loop involving the hypothalamus, pituitary gland and thyroid gland. Activation of thyroid hormones is then controlled in body tissues such as the liver, brain and kidneys by enzymes called deiodinases which convert thyroxine into the active form triiodothyronine. Most of the body's circulating triiodothyronine (about 80%) is produced in this way.
The thyroid hormone production system is regulated by a feedback loop so that when the levels of the thyroid hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine increase, they prevent the release of both thyrotropin-releasing hormone from the hypothalamus and thyroid stimulating hormone from the pituitary gland. This system allows the body to maintain a constant level of thyroid hormones in the body.
