Thyroid
Be sure to visit our
Thyroid Discussion
Forum
Thyroid Basics
The thyroid is an important endocrine gland found in the
throat region at approximately the top of the shoulders. It has
several lobes in a butterfly shape that look somewhat like a
shield. In fact, the word "thyroid" derives from the Greek word
for shield.
The thyroid is one of the largest endocrine glands in the
body. It controls or affects multiple functions, including
- how quickly the body burns energy,
- the body's sensitivity to other hormones,
- regulating metabolism and metabolic processes, and
- making proteins.
The thyroid also affects the growth and rate of function of
many other systems.
Learn to Eat Right.
Lose Weight. Get Healthier
Click
on Defeating Bad
Eating
Thyroid Problems and Disorders
The most common problems that affect the thyroid are
- Hyperthyroidism or overactive thyroid
- Hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid
Other thyroid problems include goiter and thyroid
cancer.
Thyroid problems can be unpleasant or uncomfortable, but
most can be managed adequately when properly diagnosed and
treated.
For more information, see
Thyroid problems and
diseases
Overactive thyroid, or
hyperthyroidism
Underactive thyroid, or
hypothyroidism
Thyroid
cancer
Need more information
about the thyroid? Use the convenient box below to
search for related websites
Visit Our Online
Bookstore
where you'll find a special series of
electronic books written especially for this
website
  
To see dozens of additional medical products and books
related to health, click on
|