Understanding The Thyroid
Answers to common questions about understanding the thyroid.
Questions on this page
What is the thyroid gland?
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your neck.
It produces thyroid hormones that help control your body's energy use, heart rate, temperature and many other functions.
What are thyroid hormones?
The main thyroid hormones are T4 and T3.
Their production is controlled mainly by TSH, a hormone produced by the pituitary gland.
What is TSH?
TSH stands for thyroid-stimulating hormone.
It tells the thyroid gland how much thyroid hormone to produce.
Is thyroid disease common?
Yes. Thyroid disorders are very common and can occur at any age.
Can thyroid problems run in families?
Yes.
A family history of thyroid disease, particularly autoimmune thyroid disease, can increase your risk.