<unk>  is a medical condition that affects the function of the<unk>  gland. The<unk>  gland is located at the front of the neck and produces<unk>  hormones that travel through the blood to help regulate many other organs, meaning that it is an endocrine organ. These hormones normally act in the body to regulate energy use, infant development, and childhood development. There are five general types of<unk> , each with their own symptoms. A person may have one or several different types at the same time. The five groups are: #Hypothyroidism (low function) caused by not having enough free<unk>  hormones #Hyperthyroidism (high function) caused by having too many free<unk>  hormones #Structural abnormalities, most commonly a goiter (enlargement of the<unk>  gland) #Tumors which can be benign (not cancerous) or cancerous #Abnormal<unk>  function tests without any clinical symptoms (subclinical hypothyroidism or subclinical hyperthyroidism). In some types, such as subacute<unk> itis or postpartum<unk> itis, symptoms may go away after a few months and laboratory tests may return to normal. However most types of<unk>  do not resolve on their own. Common hypothyroid symptoms include fatigue, low energy, weight gain, inability to tolerate the cold, slow heart rate, dry skin and constipation. Common hyperthyroid symptoms include irritability, anxiety, weight loss, fast heartbeat, inability to tolerate the heat, diarrhea, and enlargement of the<unk> . Structural abnormalities may not produce symptoms, however some people may have hyperthyroid or hypothyroid symptoms related to the structural abnormality or notice swelling of the neck. Rarely goiters can cause compression of the airway, compression of the vessels in the neck, or difficulty swallowing. Tumors, often called<unk>  nodules, can also have many different symptoms ranging from hyperthyroidism to hypothyroidism to swelling in the neck and compression of the structures in the neck. Diagnosis starts with a history and physical examination. Screening for<unk>  in patients without symptoms is a debated topic although commonly practiced in the United States. If dysfunction of the<unk>  is suspected, laboratory tests can help support or rule out<unk> . Initial blood tests often include<unk> -stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (T4). Total and free triiodothyronine (T3) levels are less commonly used. If autoimmune disease of the<unk>  is suspected, blood tests looking for Anti-thyroid autoantibodies can also be obtained. Procedures such as ultrasound, biopsy and a radioiodine scanning and uptake study may also be used to help with the diagnosis, particularly if a nodule is suspected.<unk> s are highly prevalent worldwide, and treatment varies based on the disorder. Levothyroxine is the mainstay of treatment for people with hypothyroidism, while people with hyperthyroidism caused by Graves' disease can be managed with iodine therapy, antithyroid medication, or surgical removal of the<unk>  gland.<unk>  surgery may also be performed to remove a<unk>  nodule or to reduce the size of a goiter if it obstructs nearby structures or for cosmetic reasons.
Thyroid disease
Fibromyalgia
Pituitary disease
Heart failure
Endocrine disease
Thyroid neoplasm
Hematologic disease
Central nervous system tumor