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Understanding From Jennifer R. Scott, former About.com GuideUpdated December 08, 2008About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review BoardSee More About:obesity and healthunexplained weight gain What is the Thyroid?The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located on the front of the neck, in front of the trachea and below the larynx (voice box). If you are male, you can easily locate your thyroid gland -- it is just below your Adam's apple.What Does the Thyroid Gland Do?The thyroid gland secretes two hormones -- thyroxine and triiodothyronine. Thyroid hormones control your metabolism, which means they regulate the body's ability to break down food and to either use that energy or store it. These hormones can affect nearly every tissue and cell in the human body; they also tell your organs how quickly to work. Your thyroid must produce sufficient hormones in order for you to be in good health.
What is ? means the thyroid gland is underactive -- it does not produce sufficient thyroid hormones. As a result, many physical and mental processes are slowed down, causing sluggishness, and the body consumes less oxygen and produces less body heat.
What Causes ? is most commonly caused by a disease called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. This disease causes the body's immune system to actually attack the thyroid gland.
How Many People Are Affected by Thyroid Problems?According to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), around 27 million Americans have either overactive or underactive thyroids, but over half of them are undiagnosed.
Are Thyroid Issues More Prevalent in One Gender than the Other?Thyroid disease overall is more common in women than men -- about 80% of thyroid disease sufferers are female. In the case of , the AACE says women are five to eight times more likely have an under active thyroid than men.
What are the Risk Factors for ?Women over the age of 50 are at a higher risk for developing , particularly if they are obese. Thyroid surgery, neck X-rays, and radiation treatment can also increase the risk of developing .
Continued: Symptoms and Treatment
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