Many people have trouble getting enough sleep because they are trying to keep up with a busy work schedule and home life. For some individuals, extreme fatigue may be a symptom of a more serious condition such as hyperthyroidism. A San Jose thyroid doctor has effective ways to treat this problem
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.
Certain medications, including propylthiouracil and methimazole can inhibit the production of hormones but cause serious side effects in some patients. Other options include taking radioactive iodine orally and surgery to remove all or part of the gland. Some physicians prescribe beta-blockers, which have no effect on hormone levels but can offer relief for symptoms related to elevated heart rate.
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.
Certain medications, including propylthiouracil and methimazole can inhibit the production of hormones but cause serious side effects in some patients. Other options include taking radioactive iodine orally and surgery to remove all or part of the gland. Some physicians prescribe beta-blockers, which have no effect on hormone levels but can offer relief for symptoms related to elevated heart rate.
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.
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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.
