The Thyroid

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your neck. It makes hormones that control your metabolism, which is how fast your body turns food into energy. The thyroid affects almost every part of your body.

What the Thyroid Does

The thyroid makes hormones that tell your body how fast to work. These hormones affect your heart rate, body temperature, and how quickly you burn calories from food.

The thyroid also helps your brain develop and your bones grow. It is a small gland with a very big job.

Thyroid Problems

If the thyroid makes too much hormone, everything in your body speeds up. This is called hyperthyroidism. If it makes too little, things slow down. This is called hypothyroidism.

Doctors can check the thyroid with a simple blood test. If there is a problem, medicine can help the thyroid work normally again.

Fun Facts

• The thyroid gland weighs less than one ounce.
• Iodine, which is found in salt and seafood, helps the thyroid make its hormones.
• The thyroid got its name from the Greek word for shield because of its shape.

Did You Know?

Your thyroid gland starts working before you are even born, helping you grow while you are still inside your mother!