The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland measuring about 2 inches across at the base of the neck. Its sides, or lobes, lie on either side of the windpipe and are connected by a strip of tissue called an isthmus. The thyroid manufactures hormones that control metabolism, the process by which the body changes food and drink into energy. The two main hormones produced by the thyroid are triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). These tell cells how much energy to…

Happy New Year! I hope your holidays were joyful – and safe. January is generally the time when we set our priorities for the year. Many of us make resolutions to improve our bodies on the outside, such as losing weight. But here, we’re going to take a closer look at our bodies on the inside. Today, we’re going to think about our thyroids. The thyroid is a gland that’s part of the body’s endocrine system. It’s responsible for making…

Hypothyroidism is a big word for underactive thyroid. “Hypo” means “beneath” or “below.” “Thyroidism” refers to the function of the thyroid. Hypothyroidism, then, means “beneath function” of the thyroid. Hypothyroidism is a common condition. Estimates vary because millions of people have the disorder and don’t know it, but approximately 10 million Americans have the condition. Look at it another way. About 4.6 percent of the population of the US ages 12 and older has hypothyroidism. Fortunately, most of those cases…