Thyroid and Hypothyroidism

What is Thyroid?

http://previews.123rf.com/images/logos2012/logos20121405/logos2012140500036/28500777-Structural-chemical-formulas-of-thyroid-hormones--Stock-Vector.jpg

Thyroid is a hormone secreted by thyroid glands. The thyroid gland is the largest gland in the body located at the front of the neck. This gland ressembles a butterfly and wraps around the trachea. The thyroid hormone is important as it affects almost the entire body's tissues as it controls cellular activity. The thyroid hormone helps regulate metabolism.

http://cf.ydcdn.net/1.0.1.42/images/main/thyroid%20gland.jpg

The thyroid gland can lead to many common health issues. These health issues are categorized under 4 groups, which are level of hormone production, the growth of the gland, formation of nodules in the gland, and cancer. Examples of these health issues include goiters, thyroid cancer, solitary thyroid nodules, thyroiditis, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a disease caused by low activity of the thyroid gland.There is not enough thyroid hormone present in the bloodstream. This can affect the person's heart, brain muscles and skin. Since thyroid controls the metabolism, hypothyroidism affects body temperature, heartbeat and burning of calories.With low production of thyroid, metabolism is slowed down, which means  energy supply is cut down and metabolism is slowed down. 

Links used:

http://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/thyroid/your-thyroid-gland

http://www.webmd.com/women/hypothyroidism-underactive-thyroid-symptoms-causes-treatments