The purpose of the thyroid gland is to make, store, and release thyroid hormones, which help control many of the body's functions. Thyroid hormones regulate the body's metabolism and organ function, affecting heart rate, cholesterol level, body weight, energy level, muscle strength, skin condition, menstrual regularity, memory, and many other conditions. When the thyroid is not working properly, it can lead to a variety of long-term complications. Thyroid disorders can affect a patient's cardiovascular system, reproductive system, and other major organs. Most often, a thyroid malfunction is the result of hypothyroidism.
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland fails to produce enough thyroid hormones.
Less frequently, an overactive thyroid condition, or hyperthyroidism, occurs when the thyroid produces more thyroid hormone than is needed. The most common cause of hypothyroidism in this country is Hashimoto's disease. Named after the Japanese doctor who first described it, Hashimoto's disease is an autoimmune condition in which the body's immune system attacks and destroys the thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism occurs five times more often in women than in men, and with greater frequency in older individuals. In fact, the American Thyroid Association recently recommended that adults ages 35 and older be screened for thyroid disorders every five years.