Thyroid disease

the thyroid gland (the endocrine organ found at the front of the neck that produces thyroid hormones).

for dementia in seniors - constipation - depression - dry, scaly skin - fatigue or a feeling of sluggishness - hair loss -increased menstrual flow (women) - intolerance to cold temperatures - irritability - muscle cramps - slower heart rate - weakness - weight gain

caused by problems in the thyroid gland itself. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition where the body makes antibodies that destroy parts of the thyroid gland. Surgical removal and certain medications (e.g., amiodarone, lithium) can also cause hypothyroidism. Other causes of hypothyroidism include pituitary problems, hypothalamus problems, and iodine deficiency (rare in North America, but affects nearly 2 billion people worldwide). Some babies are born with hypothyroidism - this is called congenital hypothyroidism.