It is a ductless gland that secretes a hormone called thyroxin . Thyroxin is an important hormone that performs myriad functions that include maintaining the body's metabolism and heat regulation. It is also important for the growth of the body and the brain, normal menstrual function in women and overall well being of the body and the mind. Disturbances in thyroid function are very common in India particularly in women. Decreased functioning of the thyroid called hypothyroidism is the most common condition and will be the focus of this article.
Hypothyroidism can occur due to many causes.
In newborns and in children it may be because of the absence or wrong location of the thyroid gland, or due to faulty hormone production. Hypothyroidism can also occur if a person has the thyroid removed due to surgery. Normally, our body has a defense system made up of cells that destroy foreign invading organisms like bacteria. In some persons, these defence cells by mistake recognize the body's own cells as foreign and destroy it - this process is called autoimmunity. Some examples of autoimmune disease are rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and of course hypothyroidism.