The Thyroid Gland
The Thyroid Gland

The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck.1

Normally, a small organ called the pituitary gland works with your thyroid gland by sending signals back and forth in order to keep your hormone levels in balance.2

Hormonal Level

Hormonal Level

Hormone levels are important since they regulate the way organs and cells in your body function.3 When the hormones produced by your thyroid gland become low, your pituitary gland responds by releasing a greater amount of another hormone called TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone).4

Thyroid Disease

Thyroid Disease

In Thyroid disease, the thyroid gland can become larger or may develop nodules (lumps).5

It’s fairly simple to check if your thyroid is larger; all you need is a glass of water and a mirror

  • Focus on the area of your neck below the Adam’s apple and above the collarbone while looking in the mirror
  • Tilt your head back, take a sip of water and swallow
  • As you swallow, look for any enlargement or bumps in this area of the neck6

You may want to repeat this process several times.

If you do notice any enlargement or bumps, you should see your physician to have your thyroid examined to rule out any possibility of thyroid disease.

BE CAREFUL: Do not confuse the Adam’s apple with the thyroid gland.

References:

1. Thyroid cancer. Mayo Clinic. Accessed May 17, 2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thyroid-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20354161 2. Goiter. Mayo Clinic. Accessed May 17, 2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/goiter/symptoms-causes/syc-20351829 3. Thyroid tests. MedlinePlus. Accessed May 17, 2023. https://medlineplus.gov/thyroidtests.html 4. TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) test. MedlinePlus. Accessed May 17, 2023. https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/tsh-thyroid-stimulating- hormone-test/ 5. Thyroid disease. MedlinePlus. Accessed May 17, 2023. https://medlineplus.gov/thyroiddiseases.html 6. Smith TJ. Neck and thyroid examination. In: Walker HK, Hall WD, Hurst JW, eds. Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd ed. National Library of Medicine; 1990:chap 138.