The Thyroid gland, located near the base of the throat, controls the rate at which all bodily cells function by the secreting the Thyroid Hormone. Thyroid disorders occur when the thyroid produces either insufficient or excessive amounts of hormone .

Too little thyroid hormone causes hypothyroidism, which slows the body’s metabolic rate and organ function. This is the most common form of thyroid disease and effects one in ten women. It can cause the sufferer to feel tired or cold and can also cause hair loss, weight gain, extremely dry skin, coarse or brittle hair and fingernails, forgetfulness, mood swings, depression or muscular pain. Hypothyroidism can stem from Hashimoto’s Disease, in which the immune system attacks the thyroid.

Conversely, hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid is overactive and produces too much hormone, causing the body to function at an abnormally rapid pace. Hyperthyroidism may produce anxiety, increased appetite, sweating, shaking, irritability, or insomnia. Hyperthyroidism can often arise with Graves’ disease, which causes the autoimmune system to accelerate hormone production. One of the most frequent visible symptoms of Graves’ disease is a reddening of the skin and/or bulging eyes.

Stanley, Fiona, Blair, Eve, Alberman, Eva. (2000) Cerebral Palsies: Epidemiology & Causal Pathways. Mac Keith Press