There have been studies to indicate that around 42 million people in India suffer from thyroid disorders, making it one of the most common endocrine diseases in the country, with "hypothyroidism" being the most prevalent form, affecting roughly one in ten adults in India.
This butterfly-shaped gland in the neck produces hormones that are responsible for metabolic functions in the body. The thyroid gland is a part of the endocrine system, which releases hormones into our bloodstream.
The thyroid gland regulates metabolism, which is how our body converts food into energy. It regulates heart rate, body temperature and blood pressure. It helps regulate the body’s reaction to other hormones. It assists bone cells in processing calcium and helps with our growth and development.
There are two main issues with the thyroid gland. One is hypothyroidism, which happens when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones, which can cause a slowdown in bodily functions.
The second is hyperthyroidism, which happens when the thyroid gland produces too many hormones.
The thyroid gland is subject to a fair share of speculation. Here are some common myths about the thyroid gland.