Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the body lacks sufficient thyroid hormone called thyroxine. Since the main purpose of thyroid hormone is to maintain the body's metabolism, people with this condition will have symptoms associated with a slow metabolism.

Role of thyroid glands in the body

Thyroid hormones are produced by the thyroid gland. This gland is located in the lower part of the neck, below the Adam’s apple. The gland wraps around the windpipe (trachea) and has a shape that is similar to a butterfly formed by two wings (lobes) and attached by a middle part (isthmus). These hormones also have direct effects on most organs, including the heart. As the disease becomes more severe, there may be puffiness around the eyes, a slowing of the heart rate, a drop in body temperature, and heart failure medically known as myxoedema. In its most profound form, severe hypothyroidism may lead to a life-threatening coma (myxoedema coma).The condition is more common in women than in men, and its incidence increases with age.