The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck, just below the Adam’s apple. It plays a crucial role in regulating the body’s metabolism by producing hormones such as thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which control how the body uses energy. These hormones influence nearly every organ system in the body, affecting heart rate, body temperature, and weight. Thyroid function is controlled by the pituitary gland, which releases thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) to prompt the thyroid to produce the necessary hormones.

When the thyroid is not functioning properly, it can lead to conditions such as hypothyroidism, where the gland produces too little hormone, or hyperthyroidism, where it produces too much. Symptoms of thyroid disorders can range from fatigue, weight gain, and depression in hypothyroidism to weight loss, anxiety, and rapid heartbeat in hyperthyroidism. Diagnosis typically involves blood tests to measure hormone levels, and treatment may include medication, lifestyle changes, or in some cases, surgery to restore normal thyroid function.