Hypothyroidism, also called an underactive thyroid, is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too little amounts of thyroid hormone causing the body to function at a lower rate and upset the normal balance of chemical reactions in the body. Untreated hypothyroidism can cause health problems such as:obesity, joint pain, infertility and heart diseases such as a heart attack or stroke. Women aged over 60 and those where it runs in the family are at high risk of hypothyroidism.
Attribution: Straight Talk Foundation