Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a thyroid disorder in which not enough hormone is produced by the thyroid gland. The condition can cause different body functions to slow down.Illustration of the thyroid and parathyroid glands.

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck just below the adam’s apple. It produces the thyroid hormone, which regulates metabolism—the way the body uses energy. Thyroid hormone also affects brain development, heart and nervous system functions, and body temperature. Calcitonin is the other hormone produced by the thyroid, which affects blood calcium levels.

A variety of conditions can cause hypothyroidism including:
 Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune disorder that usually affects women.

 thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid)

 surgical removal of the thyroid

 treatments for hyperthyroidism—too much thyroid hormone—or other thyroid problems

 certain medications
Hypothyroidism has many symptoms including fatigue, weight gain, and intolerance to cold temperatures.

Most cases of hypothyroidism can be easily treated with synthetic thyroid hormone.

Related Topics
Hyperthyroidism
Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid Diseases

Related Sites
American Thyroid Association
Endocrine Health
The Endocrine Society
The Hormone Foundation

Reference:
National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Services (May 2008). Hypothyroidism (NIH Publication No. 08–6180). National Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD. Web URL: http://www.endocrine.niddk.nih.gov/pubs/Hypothyroidism/
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