10 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT the thyroid

1 The thyroid gland is a two-lobed butterfly-shaped endocrine gland located in the neck below the Adam’s apple. The thyroid makes, stores and releases thyroid hormones and is directly connected to the body’s metabolism.

2 The thyroid gland makes two thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Thyroid hormones affect metabolism, brain development, breathing, heart and nervous system functions, body temperature, muscle strength, skin dryness, menstrual cycles, weight, cholesterol levels, and emotional and cognitive functions. Thyroid hormone production is regulated by another hormone called thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which is made by the pituitary gland, located in the brain.

3 When the thyroid gland makes and releases too much thyroid hormone, this is medically known as hyperthyroidism. Having an overactive thyroid can cause unexplained weight loss, nervousness, increased perspiration, rapid heartbeat, hand tremors and difficulty sleeping.

4 Graves’ disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. In Graves’ disease, the immune system makes antibodies that attach to thyroid cells, stimulating the thyroid to make too much thyroid hormone.

5 Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone. This condition is often called underactive thyroid. Most commonly, hypothyroidism is caused by thyroiditis, which is swelling and inflammation to the thyroid gland’s cells.

6 A thyroid storm is a potentially life-threatening condition for people who have an overactive thyroid. This occurs when the thyroid gland suddenly releases a large amount of thyroid hormone in a short period of time and is most likely to occur with people who have another serious health problem, in addition to hyperthyroidism.

7 Because the thyroid is an integral part of the body’s metabolism, it can be involved in many disorders, including thyroid cancer, anxiety, depression, insomnia, tremors, hair loss, weight loss and weight gain, bowel trouble, problems with fertility, fatigue and cholesterol problems.

8 About 60,000 new cases of thyroid cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States. This cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the thyroid gland grow out of control. Sometimes the only symptom is a lump in the neck or trouble swallowing, but thyroid cancer is a treatable form of cancer that is usually treated with surgery and sometimes radioactive iodine.

9 It is possible for a person to live without a thyroid gland, but the hormone that the gland produces must be replaced with medication.

10 Although anyone can have thyroid malfunctions, females are at higher risk for thyroid problems, and these disorders commonly run in families.