What is Hypothyroidism?
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Did you know that about five percent of the U.S. population has hypothyroidism and that women are much more likely to develop this disorder?
Hi, I’m Dr. Griffin Rodgers, bringing you Healthy Moments from the NIH. I’m the Director of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
Thyroid hormone regulates metabolism, which is the way your body uses energy, and it affects nearly every organ in your body. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormone to meet your body’s needs.
Common symptoms include:
- fatigue
- weight gain
- dry, thinning hair
- heavy or irregular menstrual periods
- and depression
The good news is that hypothyroidism, once diagnosed, is easily treated with synthetic hormone.
And for more information on thyroid conditions, visit our website at NIDDK or MyMajicDC.com. This is Dr. Griffin Rodgers. Join me next week for more “Healthy Moments.”
Page last updated: August 11, 2009
