Many people complain about feeling exhausted during the day. For most, it is simply a matter of trying to do too much and failing to get enough sleep. In some cases, the feeling of extreme fatigue may be a sign of a condition called hyperthyroidism. For individuals with this condition, a San Jose thyroid doctor can offer effective ways to treat symptoms.
The thyroid is a small gland that wraps around the windpipe. It is responsible for secreting a variety of hormones that affect development, metabolism, and body temperature. Hyperthyroidism is a condition that occurs when the gland is overactive and floods the system with hormones.
Patients with hyperthyroidism often suffer with insomnia, which leads to extreme exhaustion. The overdose of hormones can also cause tremors, diarrhea, high blood pressure and an elevated heart rate. This puts stress on the system and can cause individuals to feel fatigued even if they believe they are getting enough sleep.
A physician can analyze blood to determine if a patient has hyperthyroidism. TSH, which is secreted by the pituitary gland, stimulates the release of thyroid hormones, so an elevated level of TSH is something the doctor will look for in the blood test. An autoimmune condition known as Graves' disease is hereditary and can cause elevated hormone levels. Nodules growing on the gland or inflammation may also interfere with proper function.
The physician may prescribe methimazole or propylthiouracil to patients with hyperthyroidism. Both of these drugs can prevent hormone production but they can also have serious side effects in some individuals. Surgery to remove a portion or the entire gland and the ingestion of radioactive iodine, are additional ways to treat this disease. Beta-blockers can be effective for controlling problems associated with increased heart rate but have no effect on the hormone levels.
Individuals who cannot seem to get enough sleep to overcome exhaustion may be suffering from more than just sleep deprivation. Only a licensed physician can determine if severe fatigue is caused by an overactive thyroid gland. The physician will confirm the diagnosis and select the best method to treat the condition depending on the patient's age, health, and the cause of the hyperactivity.
The thyroid is a small gland that wraps around the windpipe. It is responsible for secreting a variety of hormones that affect development, metabolism, and body temperature. Hyperthyroidism is a condition that occurs when the gland is overactive and floods the system with hormones.
Patients with hyperthyroidism often suffer with insomnia, which leads to extreme exhaustion. The overdose of hormones can also cause tremors, diarrhea, high blood pressure and an elevated heart rate. This puts stress on the system and can cause individuals to feel fatigued even if they believe they are getting enough sleep.
A physician can analyze blood to determine if a patient has hyperthyroidism. TSH, which is secreted by the pituitary gland, stimulates the release of thyroid hormones, so an elevated level of TSH is something the doctor will look for in the blood test. An autoimmune condition known as Graves' disease is hereditary and can cause elevated hormone levels. Nodules growing on the gland or inflammation may also interfere with proper function.
The physician may prescribe methimazole or propylthiouracil to patients with hyperthyroidism. Both of these drugs can prevent hormone production but they can also have serious side effects in some individuals. Surgery to remove a portion or the entire gland and the ingestion of radioactive iodine, are additional ways to treat this disease. Beta-blockers can be effective for controlling problems associated with increased heart rate but have no effect on the hormone levels.
Individuals who cannot seem to get enough sleep to overcome exhaustion may be suffering from more than just sleep deprivation. Only a licensed physician can determine if severe fatigue is caused by an overactive thyroid gland. The physician will confirm the diagnosis and select the best method to treat the condition depending on the patient's age, health, and the cause of the hyperactivity.
About the Author:
Find a review of the reasons why you should visit a functional medicine center and more information about an experienced San Jose thyroid doctor at http://www.ihsfunctionalmedicine.com now.
No comments:
Post a Comment