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

References

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.

About the thyroid

Who is at risk?

NG-NONT-00014

Date of Prep: May 2026