The thyroid, located at the base of the neck, is a small endocrine gland that regulates specific types of hormones.
When the thyroid is its normal size, you can’t feel it.
When your thyroid produces too many or too few hormones, it can cause imbalances that are associated with a host of symptoms.
Hypothyroidism is the term for an underactive thyroid, one that produces too few hormones, and hyperthyroidism describes an overactive thyroid, one that produces too many hormones.
Hypothyroidism slows body functions down and hyperthyroidism speeds them up, but the symptoms can vary.
Fortunately, there are tests that can help determine if your symptoms are being caused by a thyroid issue. A thyroid disease is often a life-long medical condition that you will need to manage constantly. Your wellness provider will monitor your treatments and make adjustments over time. However, you can generally live a normal life with a thyroid disease.