The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck by the Adam's apple. It is a small organ—about the size of a domino—that weighs approximately an ounce. It releases hormones into the bloodstream that help the brain regulate other organs and bodily functions.

The hormones produced by the thyroid gland affect the following:

• Metabolism—including weight loss/gain
• Brain development
• Growth
• Heart function
• Breathing
• Heat production
• Nervous system function

By producing too many or too few of its hormones, the thyroid can alter how fast or slow the body uses energy.

Hyperthyroidism is a condition that occurs when the thyroid produces too much T3 and T4 hormones. The most common form of hyperthyroidism, Graves' disease, is an autoimmune disease. In this disease, antibodies produced by the body in response to a problem with the immune system cause the body to attack its own tissue. The destruction of these tissues may then cause the thyroid to enlarge and make too much hormone.

When the thyroid does not produce enough hormones, people have a condition called hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is most commonly caused by another autoimmune disease, known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis (or chronic thyroiditis). In these cases, the antibodies produced damage the thyroid gland so that it cannot produce enough hormones.

There are several Standard Process® supplements available to support the thyroid.