What is the Thyroid Gland?

Dr. Sonal Chuadhry, an adult endocrinologist, explains what the thyroid gland is what you need to know about thyroid health. 

Where is your thyroid? The thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the base of your neck. It uses iodine to produce thyroid hormone, which effects nearly all cells, tissues, organs, and metabolic processes in the body. The thyroid gland is under the control of the pituitary gland, a small gland at the base of the brain. When the level of thyroid hormone drops too low, the pituitary gland produces Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), which stimulates the thyroid gland to produce more thyroid hormone. 

When the thyroid is not functioning properly it may produce too much thyroid hormone and this is called Hyperthyroidism. Sometimes if the thyroid is not making enough thyroid hormone, this is referred to as Hypothyroidism, which causes the body system to slow down.