The Power of Your Thyroid Gland
Broadcast Dates: Monday, August 3 – Sunday, August 9
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Did you know that a 2-inch-long, butterfly-shaped gland produces hormones that affect nearly every organ in your body?
Hi, I’m Dr. Griffin Rodgers, bringing you Healthy Moments from the NIH. I’m the Director of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
Your thyroid gland affects:
- brain development
- heart and nervous system functions
- menstrual cycles
- weight
- and cholesterol levels
But if your thyroid produces too much or too little hormone, it can cause either hyperthyroidism—where your body functions speed up or hypothyroidism—where your body functions slow down.
The American Thyroid Association recommends that adults, particularly women, get a blood test to detect thyroid problems every five years starting at age 35.
And for more information, visit our website at NIDDK or MyMajicDC.com. This is Dr. Griffin Rodgers. Join me next week for more “Healthy Moments.”
Page last updated: August 06, 2009
