Thyroid disease affects millions of Americans, especially women—yet it’s often misunderstood and overlooked. To clear up the confusion, and underscore the importance of this small but powerful gland, Dr. Peter Hoekman, an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist, offers answers to some common questions:
What is the thyroid gland
A butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of your neck, the thyroid makes hormones that regulate critical functions, such as metabolism, heart rate and body temperature.