About Hypothyroidism
One Hormone That Helps Keep Your Body in Balance
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not make enough of the thyroid hormone called thyroxine. And when your body does not have enough thyroxine, it slows down.
Having the right amount of thyroxine helps to keep your body in balance. This can help to improve your hypothyroid symptoms.
In this section, you can learn some facts about hypothyroidism that may surprise you. You can also learn about:
- The symptoms that may be signs of hypothyroidism
- What causes hypothyroidism and who is most likely to get it
- How to know when it is time to see a doctor
The thyroid gland: Where is it in the body?
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland. It lies across the base of your neck, in front of your windpipe.
One of the thyroid hormones made by the thyroid gland is called thyroxine. Thyroxine is carried by your bloodstream to all parts of your body. Thyroxine helps control how your body uses energy. It helps control how well the cells, tissues, and organs in the human body work.
If your thyroid makes too much thyroxine, the body's systems speed up. This is called hyperthyroidism. If your thyroid does not make enough thyroxine, your body's systems slow down. This is called hypothyroidism. A good way to remember the difference is that hypo rhymes with low.
Next >> Symptoms of Hypothyroidism