Thyroid Stimulating Hormone
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone
The pituitary gland in the brain controls
the thyroid output. The thyroid is a
gland in the base of our necks. It
secrets hormones responsible for a wide range of bodily activities from hair
growth to temperature control. By
measuring the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) put out by the pituitary, we
can gage the thyroid’s secretion. In
other words, the pituitary is the gas pedal.
If the pedal is floored, we know the thyroid (engine) is lagging behind.
I take Synthroid. It is a synthetic hormone used to supplement my
underactive thyroid. Due to past
medicine use, I have hypothyroidism.
Hence, my engine is sluggish and needs a little “umph.” We measure TSH levels every six months to
verify the pituitary to thyroid thing is working.
What is the metaphor? How can I link this to some Christian understanding?
1Corithians 6:19” What? know
ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye
have of God, and ye are not your own?20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore
glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.”
God has put in us a will to live. He has also given us a desire to flee
pain. When coupled together, we find
ourselves wanting to exist pain free.
Typically, we will by nature do whatever it takes to pursue this. Hence, big medical companies capitalize –
literally – on our quest. We will chemically
tweak our bodies to the desired outcome.
Then we run into a greater cause. We are not our own. As stewards of our own bodies, we are
responsible for the upkeep and maintenance. A horrendous amount of time and effort goes
into keeping these machines running.
Eating, sleeping, bathing, etc.
And we do so to forgo immediate and long term consequences. Like changing the oil to preserve the life of
the engine.
So I faithfully take the medicine. To optimize my output in efficiency, I want
my engine to respond as I take the curves of life. Trials may come to challenge my vehicles’
ability to climb the grade. Satan may be
on the other side to tempt me to speed.
Under doctor’s care, we find a comfortable pace.
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