What is the thyroid gland?

The thyroid gland is an organ that sits at the base of the neck. It is involved in an astonishing number of bodily processes. The gland makes two hormones: T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). These hormones affect every cell in the body. They regulate the chemical actions needed to live. They play a role in reproduction and proper growth and development. They maintain body temperature, and affect the activity of the heart.  They also affect brain function.

What is hypothyroidism?

Thyroid disorders range from an underactive gland that does not make enough hormone to an overactive gland that makes too much hormone.

Hypothyroidism is the condition diagnosed when the thyroid is underactive.

Hyperthyroidism is diagnosed when the thyroid is overactive.

Hypothyroidism is the most common thyroid disease. It is estimated that between 0.1 and 2% of people will receive this diagnosis. Women are 10 times more likely to develop it than men. The elderly and pregnant women also have higher rates of hypothyroidism.

What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism?

Because the thyroid gland affects so many different parts of the body, there can be many different symptoms when it is not working as it should. These symptoms are not unique to thyroid problems. The same symptoms can be due to other causes.