Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism occurs because the thryoid gland, located in the neck, cannot make enough of the hormones it needs. The thyroid hormones, T3 and T4, control the metabolism of the body cells. Therefore, during hypothyroidism, the cells of the body work more slowly than usual. [1] The most common cause is the bodys immune system attacking it's own thyroid tissue. Symptoms include: dry skin, cold, depression, constipation and weight gain. There is no known cure for hypothyroidism, but it can be regulated using pills. These bring your levels of thyroxine and thyroid stimulating hormone back up. [2]
See also Hyperthyroidism.
References
- ↑ British Thyroid Foundation (2014)Available at:http://www.btf-thyroid.org/index.php/thyroid (Accessed: 27th November 2014)
- ↑ American Thyroid Association (2014) Available at: http://www.thyroid.org/wp-content/uploads/patients/brochures/Hypo_brochure.pdf (Accessed: 27th November 2014)