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 located at the base of the throat. This small gland secretes numerous hormones the body needs for proper development as well as regulating body temperature and metabolism. When this gland becomes overactive, it produces more hormones than the body needs for normal function.
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 qualified physician can usually confirm a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism by checking the patient's blood for high levels of TSH, which stimulates this gland to produce more hormones. Hyperthyroidism can be hereditary, as is the case with individuals suffering with Graves' disease, an autoimmune condition that causes hyperactivity. Other causes may be inflammation or nodules growing on the gland.
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.
Anyone who suspects they may have hyperthyroidism should seek medical intervention. Physicians have multiple ways to control this condition. They will select the best method for treating the individual based on cause of the hyperactivity, health and age.
The thyroid is located at the base of the throat. This small gland secretes numerous hormones the body needs for proper development as well as regulating body temperature and metabolism. When this gland becomes overactive, it produces more hormones than the body needs for normal function.
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 qualified physician can usually confirm a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism by checking the patient's blood for high levels of TSH, which stimulates this gland to produce more hormones. Hyperthyroidism can be hereditary, as is the case with individuals suffering with Graves' disease, an autoimmune condition that causes hyperactivity. Other causes may be inflammation or nodules growing on the gland.
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.
Anyone who suspects they may have hyperthyroidism should seek medical intervention. Physicians have multiple ways to control this condition. They will select the best method for treating the individual based on cause of the hyperactivity, health and age.
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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.
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