Thyroid is a small gland located at the front part of a person's neck. It is of vital importance as it produces hormones that regulate body metabolism.

Hypothyroidism is a condition that is caused due to the reduction in the amount of hormones produced by the thyroid gland. This may be due to damage to the thyroid tissue. Sometimes, certain medicines can cause hypothyroidism.

Initial symptoms of this condition are fatigue and lower tolerance to drop in temperature. Severer problems that may occur later on are weight gain, loss of appetite, dryness of skin, severe loss of hair, decline in intellectual capacity, mental depression and irregular or lack of menstrual periods in women. Hypothyroidism may also cause formation of tumor in the pituitary gland located in the brain

Thyroid problems may be present from birth and even newborns could be affected with this problem. The symptoms to look out for are severe constipation, jaundice, reduced feeding, lessened growth, and extreme fatigue. These symptoms could be dangerous and the child should be treated as soon as possible.

Another problem seen is increase in the level of the hormone which results in hyperthyroidism. This may cause 'Grave's disease', easily detectable, as the primary indicator is the patient's bulged eyes. Hyperthyroidism may be due to untreated goiter, which causes the thyroid gland to swell.

Hyperthyroidism if untreated for a long time can cause lack of sleep, excessive sweating, nervousness, tremors of hand, frequent bowel movements, pains in the joints and lessening or lack of menstrual periods in women.