Hypothyroidism is thyroid hormone deficiency. It can be due to primary disease of the thyroid gland itself or to the lack of stimulation of the thyroid gland by the pituitary gland via the hormone TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone).

Hypothyroidism overwhelmingly afflicts women, (four times more often than men), especially those women between the ages of 35 and 60.

The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck, just below the larynx (voice box). It helps to maintain a healthy metabolism...