How Does Hypothyroidism Affect Health?
What the Thyroid Does The thyroid lies just below the Adam's apple in the neck. It is a butterfly-shaped gland that wraps around the windpipe. The primary function of the thyroid is to produce hormones that control metabolism. Since metabolism controls how we expend calories and energy, how well the thyroid functions directly affects a person's weight and ability to absorb food nutrients. Hypothyroidism When the thyroid produces the necessary amount of hormones all of these body processes function normally. When too little of the hormone necessary to support bodily functions is produced, the result is hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism can be the result of many factors, from radiation to surgical removal of the thyroid to a disorder called Hashimoto's disease. Whatever the cause, the affects of hypothyroidism are the same. When too little thyroid hormone is produced there are many health issues that follow. One develops a sensitivity to cold temperatures, as the body&#