Thyroid Disease

A medical condition involving impaired thyroid function. This is an endocrine gland, often butterfly-shaped, that is located below the cricoid cartilage (Adam's Apple) and above the manubrium of the sternum (mid-line of the chest). It requires iodine to make its hormones, and it works with the brain to maintain and regulate metabolism.

Thyroid function testing can help your doctor determine if dysfunction is occurring along the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis.