It is a serious condition caused by an under-active thyroid gland. The under-active thyroid produces insufficient amounts of thyroid hormone. The thyroid gland, working with the pituitary gland, regulates “basal metabolism” in the body. Metabolism is the breakdown of calories into heat energy. If the thyroid gland is not functioning properly, the entire body suffers.

The symptoms of hypothyroidism are varied and many. They develop gradually, and at first, are hardly noticeable. When the thyroid hormone content gets out of balance, systems covering the whole body is affected, and that's why hypothyroidism can look like other diseases.

Early symptoms