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.
Many people with hyperthyroidism are severely fatigued because the rush of hormones can cause insomnia. The hormones also cause tremors and diarrhea in addition to acting on the circulatory system to elevate heart rate and raise blood pressure. The additional stress on the system can make patients with this condition feel exhausted even though they are sleeping through the night.
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.
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.
Many people with hyperthyroidism are severely fatigued because the rush of hormones can cause insomnia. The hormones also cause tremors and diarrhea in addition to acting on the circulatory system to elevate heart rate and raise blood pressure. The additional stress on the system can make patients with this condition feel exhausted even though they are sleeping through the night.
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.
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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