The Mighty Thyroid
The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the base of the neck just below the Adam's apple and above the collarbone. Your thyroid gland makes hormones that help control the function of many of your body’s organs, including your heart, brain, liver, kidneys, and skin. Making sure that your thyroid gland is healthy is important to your body’s overall well-being. Most people are unaware of this organ’s vital functions until there is a problem, and only then do they truly become aware of its value. It is estimated that over 30 million Americans have a thyroid condition, including many who may not know they have a thyroid problem or who have been misdiagnosed. The most common thyroid conditions include: · Hyperthyroidism – This develops when the body is exposed to excessive amounts of thyroid hormone. This disorder occurs in almost one percent of all Americans and affects women five to 10 times more often than men. In its mildest form, hype