Definition

A medical condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones, leading to a slower metabolism and various health issues.

Example

She was diagnosed with hypothyroidism after experiencing fatigue and weight gain.

Conversation

I heard that you’ve been feeling a bit off lately.

Yeah, the doctor mentioned it might be due to hypothyroidism.

That sounds tough; what does that even mean for you?

It means my thyroid isn’t producing enough hormones, so I feel really sluggish.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Hypothyroidism is formed from "hypo-" (meaning under or below) and "thyroid" (from Greek "thyreoeides", meaning shield-shaped, referring to the thyroid gland) and "-ism" (meaning a condition or state). The term describes a condition characterized by an underactive thyroid gland, which does not produce enough thyroid hormones.

Memory Tip

Think of 'hypo-' meaning 'under' and 'thyroid' referring to the 'shield-shaped' gland that regulates metabolism. This helps you remember that hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid is underactive.

Visually Confused Words