Wednesday, April 7, 2010 as of 11:14 AM ET
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone.
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There are a number of possible thyroid diseases and disorders, including thyroiditis and thyroid cancer .
Two of the most common thyroid disorders are hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Hyperthyroidism affects approximately 1 percent of the U.S. population, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Hypothyroidism is more common and can be found in about 5 percent of Americans. While the two conditions are closely linked, they have several important differences that affect diagnosis and treatment. Here is a guide to distinguishing between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.Thyroid Basics The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in your endocrine system, which is responsible for producing and distributing the body’s hormones. Hormones regulate vital functions including body temperature, sexual function and mood. The thyroid gland makes hormones which primarily control your body’s growth and metabolism, which just means all the body processes that use energy. In short, the thy...Understanding key numbers—BMI, blood-sugar level—can lead to better health.Blood Pressure Healthy number: Less than 120/80 mmHg.Blood pressure refers to the force of...
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Approximately 1 percent of the U.S. population has hyperthyroidism, as reported by the American Thyroid Association . This condition can cause symptoms that disrupt ...
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