Hypothyroidism
The thyroid gland is located just below the Adam's Apple in the neck. It measures about two inches across and resembles a bow tie. Normally this gland cannot be palpated but if it becomes enlarged it can easily be felt.
The function of this gland is to secrete thyroid hormones that control the body's metabolic rate. As with most of our bodies' systems, when it is functioning properly we are not even aware of it. When problems develop with the thyroid gland, it can manifest with many different signs and symptoms.
Thyroid disease can fall into several categories:
*Hypothyroidism: may take the form of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, subacute granulomatous thyroiditis, and silent lymphocytic thyroiditis.
*Hyperthyroidism: may take the form of Graves' disease, toxic nodular goiter, or secondary hyperthyroidism.
*Thyroid cancer
In this article I'll deal specifically with hypothyroidism and I'll cover hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer in later articles.
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