What is Thyroid?

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland just below the Adam's apple (the slight projection at the front of the throat). This gland plays a very important role in controlling the body's metabolism, that is, how the body functions. It does this by producing thyroid hormones (T4 and T3), chemicals that travel through the blood to every part of the body. Thyroid hormones tell the body how fast to work and use energy.

What is Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the body lacks sufficient thyroid hormone. Since the main purpose of thyroid hormone is to "run the body's metabolism", it is understandable that people with this condition will have symptoms associated with a slow metabolism. Women, especially those older than 50, are more likely to have hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism upsets the normal balance of chemical reactions in your body. It seldom causes symptoms in the early stages, but over time, untreated hypothyroidism can cause a number of health problems, such as obesity, joint pain, infertility and heart disease.

What causes Hypothyroidism?

The most common cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disease called Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Normally, antibodies produced by the immune system help protect the body against viruses, bacteria and other foreign substances. With Hashimoto's thyroiditis, antibodies attack the thyroid and keep it from producing enough hormones.

Add This Entry To Your CureZone Favorites!