What is Hypothyroidism?

The thyroid gland is located in the front of your neck, just below your Adam’s apple. It makes hormones that control metabolism, the pace of your body’s processes. Metabolism includes things like your heart rate and how quickly you burn calories.

Hypothyroidism, or low thyroid activity, means your thyroid gland is not making enough hormones.

Women, especially those over 50, are more likely to have hypothyroidism than men are. If left untreated, hypothyroidism can cause obesity, joint pain, infertility and heart disease.