What Does the Thyroid Do?
9. Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which thyroid gland activity slows down significantly. This leads to low levels of thyroid hormones. Hypothyroidism is usually an autoimmune condition, whereby the body’s immune system attacks own organs or tissues.
Other causes of hypothyroidism include decreased intake of iodine and the use of certain thyroid-inhibiting drugs. If a woman has hypothyroidism during pregnancy, there is a high risk of giving birth to a baby with developmental problems such as learning difficulties, physical growth problems, and delayed brain maturation. Hypothyroidism during adulthood can cause metabolic disorders due to a slowing down of the basal metabolic rate. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, cold intolerance, slow heartbeat, suppressed appetite, poor memory, mental illnesses such as depression, muscle problems, and infertility.
Advertisement
