What is the Thyroid Gland?
Broadcast Dates: Monday, September 17 - Sunday, September 23
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It’s two inches long, it’s shaped like a butterfly, it weighs less than an ounce, and it’s in your neck. Do you know what it is?
Hi, I’m Dr. Griffin Rodgers with the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases at NIH.
I’m talking about your thyroid, a gland that produces hormones. The thyroid is small but powerful. It affects your weight and nearly every organ in your body: your brain, your heart, lungs, and even your skin.
When your thyroid produces too much or too little hormone, it can cause big health problems. Thyroid problems affect mostly women. Your doctor can use simple tests to diagnose these disorders.
In the coming weeks, I’ll discuss two common types of thyroid disorders, other risk factors, and treatment options.
Follow us on Twitter @healthymoments, and find links to thyroid disorders. This is Dr. Griffin Rodgers with the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
Page last updated: September 13, 2012
