Plus, when to see a doctor.

Thyroid disorders affect approximately 12% of people worldwide, but women experience these conditions at rates up to eight times higher than men. This stark gender disparity stems from complex ...

Your thyroid is the butterfly-shaped gland at the bottom of your neck. It is just above your collarbone. Your thyroid controls things like how fast your heart beats; and how quickly you burn calories.

Thyroid diseases affect up to 10% of women, but most respond well to treatment. During pregnancy, however, normal metabolic changes may obscure pathology, and improper management may harm the fetus.