The thyroid.
About The Thyroid
The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located at the base of the neck, in front of the windpipe. It is the “master controller” of metabolism, and plays a key role in our health and wellbeing.¹˒² It makes, stores and releases thyroid hormones into the blood, thus regulating metabolism.² These hormones are essential for the proper functioning of all bodily tissues and organs.³ They enable our body to use its stores of energy efficiently, thereby controlling temperature and allowing our muscles to work properly.³
WHO IS AT RISK?
Thyroid dysfunction is very common throughout the world, especially in women.⁴˒⁵
Certain times in a woman’s life make her more vulnerable to thyroid problems. These include:⁴
- Recent pregnancy (hyperthyroidism)
- Experiencing hormonal changes due to pregnancy, childbirth or during the menopause (hypothyroidism)
Regardless of your sex, you are at risk of thyroid dysfunctions if you:⁴
- Have a family history of thyroid problems (hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism)
- Have an autoimmune disease such as type 1 diabetes (hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism)
- Are over the age of 60 years (hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism)
- Have a personal history of thyroid disorders or have had thyroid surgery (hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism)
- Have Down’s or Turner’s syndrome (hypothyroidism)
- Have a personal history of lithium use (hypothyroidism)
- Have consumed significant amounts of iodine via food or medication (hyperthyroidism)
People whose necks have been exposed to radiation are also more likely to suffer from thyroid problems.⁴
- American Thyroid Association. Thyroid blood tests and general well-being, mood and brain function. Available at: articulo. Last accessed February 2025
- Europan Thyroid Association. Thyroid blood tests and general well-being, mood and brain function. Available at: http://www.thyroid.org/patient-thyroid-information/ct-for-patients/august-2016/vol-9-issue-8-p-8-9/. . Last accessed February 2025.
- Chicago Thyroid Association. Thyroid blood tests and general well-being, mood and brain function. Available at: http://www.thyroid.org/patient-thyroid-information/ct-for-patients/august-2016/vol-9-issue-8-p-8-9/. . Last accessed February 2025.
- Everyday Health. Are you at risk for thyroid disease? Available at: http://www.everydayhealth.com/thyroid-conditions/evaluating-your-thyroid-disease-risk.aspx. . Last accessed February 2025.
- Taylor PN, Albrecht D, Scholz A, et al. Global epidemiology of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Nat Rev Endocrinol. 2018 May;14(5):301-316. doi: 10.1038/nrendo.2018.18. Epub 2018 Mar 23. PMID: 29569622.