The autoimmune condition called Graves' disease has been in the news a lot lately, as TV host Wendy Williams announced her diagnosis in February. Dr. Patricia Ostrander, an  expert endocrinologist with Mercy Medical Group, says that the disease is actually relatively common in her practice. To help shed some light on the condition, Dr. Ostrander has answered the following questions about Graves' disease. 

The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck that helps regulate your body’s systems, including your metabolism.

Clinically, thyroid problems typically fall into two categories: hormonal (hyperthyroidism or an overproduction of the hormone and hypothyroidism or an underproduction of the hormone) and structural (thyroid nodules and cancer). The good news is most issues can be managed once they are diagnosed and a treatment plan is put into place.