That small, butterfly-shaped gland in your neck called the thyroid is more important than many people realize.
Think of it as the master conductor of the body’s orchestra, quietly guiding and coordinating the performance of nearly every organ and system. Just as a conductor ensures each section of the orchestra plays in harmony, the thyroid helps regulate essential functions through the hormones it produces. But if the conductor falters, even slightly, the entire symphony can fall apart.
The same is true for the body when the thyroid isn’t functioning properly.
More than 20 million people in the United States are living with thyroid issues, and an estimated 12% of Americans will develop a thyroid condition in their lifetime. Up to 60% of those affected, however, may not even realize they have a thyroid disorder, according to the American Thyroid Foundation.
Laura Kelley, media relations professional in the CU Anschutz Office of Communications, speaks with Bryan Haugen, MD, professor of medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and a leading expert in thyroid research. The two discuss the role of the thyroid, why it matters and how to recognize when something might be off.