Thyroid Gland Diseases

I. INTRODUCTION.
The thyroid is a small gland in the neck that takes up iodine from the body to produce hormones that help control the body's metabolism, and regulate how quickly the body should work and use energy. "About 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease, including many who may not be aware of their condition" (NWHIC, 1998). Thyroid hormone is essential for maintaining normal function of almost all organs in our body. It is very important for regulating growth and metabolism.
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