The thyroid gland is located in the front and center of the neck. Many of the body's hormones come from the thyroid. According to Porth 2011, “thyroid hormone increases metabolism and protein synthesis in nearly all tissues of the body.” (p. 784). When these hormones are not regulated, a thyroid disorder such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism develops. Hypothyroidism develops when the thyroid gland does not produce enough of certain hormones. (“Hypothyroidism,” n.d.). Hypothyroidism can be further divided. The two types of hypothyroidism are congenital hypothyroidism or acquired hypothyroidism. According to Porth 2011, “Congenital hypothyroidism develops prenatally and is present at birth. Acquired hypothyroidism develops later in life due to primary thyroid disease or secondary to disorders of hypothalamic or pituitary origin. (p. 786). Some common symptoms include increased sensitivity to cold, dry skin, fatigue, constipation, drowsiness, hypothermia, and muscle weakness (“Hypothyroidism,” n.d.). The medications used to treat hypothyroidism consist of Armour, Proloid, Synthroid, Cytomel, and Euthroid (Dellipizzi-Citardi, 2011, p.59). Armor is a thyroid tablet made from extracts of the thyroid gland. Proloid is also known as thyroglobulin and is made from purified extracts of the pig thyroid. Another name for synthroid is levothyroxine sodium. Cytomel is also referred to as liothyronine sodium. Finally, euthroid is called liotrex. (Dellipizzi-Citardi, 2011, p.59). Some side effects of these drugs are angina and arrhythmias. A nursing implication for these medications is to administer a single dose before breakfast with a full glass of water, initial doses are low and gradually increased based on a thyroid function test. (“Thyroid, Levothyroxine, and Liothyronine,” n.d.) Another nursing implication is that if a patient has difficulty swallowing the tablet, crush it and place it in five to ten milliliters of water and administer it immediately with a spoon or dropper. (“Thyroid, Levothyroxine, and Liothyronine,” n.d.) Hyperthyroidism develops when the thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine. (“Hyperthyroidism,” n.d.). The main cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves' disease. According to Porth 2011, “Graves disease is a less common state of hyperthyroidism, goiter, ophthalmopathy, or dermopathy…Graves disease is an autoimmune disease characterized by abnormal stimulation of the thyroid gland by thyroid-stimulating antibodies.” (p.789). Some other causes include multinodular goiter, thyroid adenoma, and thyroiditis. (Porth, 2011, p.788). Some common symptoms of hyperthyroidism are rapid heartbeat, sweating, increased sensitivity to heat, fatigue, muscle weakness, and enlargement of the thyroid gland.