Thyroid Awareness Month, observed in January, is a time to increase awareness of the health and function of the thyroid gland. The thyroid is a small gland located in the base of the neck that is part of the endocrine system. The thyroid gland is responsible for various functions including, among other things, metabolism, body temperature regulation, cognitive function, and digestion.

Thyroid Awareness Month calls attention to thyroid conditions such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease, Hashimoto’s disease, goiter, thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer.