Thyroid disorders affect millions of people around the world. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), thyroid problems affects as many as 27 million Americans.

The thyroid gland is a two-inch-long, butterfly-shaped organ located in front of the neck. It produces two hormones, which affect critical body functions, including:

 metabolism

 brain development

 breathing

 heart and nervous system functions

 body temperature

 muscle strength

 skin dryness

 menstrual cycles

 weight

 cholesterol levels

When the thyroid gland makes more thyroid hormone than the body needs, a condition known as hyperthyroidism develops. Conversely, hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces less amounts of hormone.

 Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism. These two fact sheets explain the causes, symptoms and risk factors for these common thyroid problems, as well as diagnosis and treatment. The fact sheets are available online at endocrinehealth.blogspot.com/2008/10/hyperthyroidism.html and endocrinehealth.blogspot.com/2008/10/hypothyroidism.html.

 Graves’ Disease. A related fact sheet entitled Graves' Disease provides information about this autoimmune disorder, which is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism in the United States. People with other autoimmune diseases — such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and vitiligo, a disorder in which some parts of the skin are not pigmented — have an increased chance of developing Graves’ disease. The fact sheet is available at endocrinehealth.blogspot.com/2008/11/graves-disease.html.

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This Page Last Revised: January 18, 2011