Thyroid Medicine

A thyroid medicine specialist or

endocrinologist

deals with disorders of the thyroid. The thyroid gland sits on either side of the neck under the Adam’s apple and is part of the

endocrine system

. The thyroid utilises iodine from the diet to secrete hormones into the bloodstream that regulate the

metabolism

. Issues with the thyroid can develop slowly over time. Thyroid disorders can include an overactive gland, called

hyperthyroidism

, or an underactive gland, called

hypothyroidism

. Both can result in an enlarged thyroid gland. A

thyroid nodule

is a small swelling or lump in the thyroid gland. Sometimes surgery is required to remove the thyroid. Surgeries are performed by a head and neck surgeon or

otolaryngologist

. Sometimes the thyroid is fully or partially removed for cancer treatment or enlargement of the gland. This procedure is called a

thyroidectomy

. After removal the patient is on thyroid replacement medication for life.