The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that sits in the front of the neck. It produces hormones that are essential for heart rate, digestion, mood, and other functions crucial to human health.

Conditions that affect the thyroid can cause symptoms similar to endometriosis. Part of the endocrine system, the thyroid gland produces hormones that impact every other function in the body.

The thyroid cartilage surrounds the thyroid gland in the middle of the throat. Its primary function is to protect and support the vocal cords. It is one of the laryngeal cartilages, which make up the ...