The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck. It produces hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, and development. Thyroid problems can occur when the thyroid gland produces too much or too little of these hormones.
There are many different ways to check for thyroid problems. Some of the most common methods include blood tests, physical exams, and imaging tests. Blood tests can measure the levels of thyroid hormones in the blood. Physical exams can check for signs of thyroid problems, such as swelling in the neck or changes in heart rate. Imaging tests, such as ultrasounds and thyroid scans, can create pictures of the thyroid gland to look for abnormalities.