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 gland is attached to the windpipe just above the Adam's apple. When functioning normally it releases hormones that regulate heartbeat and metabolism in addition to proper development. In individuals with hyperthyroidism, it releases an excessive amount of hormones into the bloodstream.
Many individuals with this condition experience extreme fatigue because they have difficulty sleeping. The high levels of hormones increase heartbeat, increase blood pressure, and cause diarrhea and tremors. All of this stresses the system and can cause an individual to feel exhausted.
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 gland is attached to the windpipe just above the Adam's apple. When functioning normally it releases hormones that regulate heartbeat and metabolism in addition to proper development. In individuals with hyperthyroidism, it releases an excessive amount of hormones into the bloodstream.
Many individuals with this condition experience extreme fatigue because they have difficulty sleeping. The high levels of hormones increase heartbeat, increase blood pressure, and cause diarrhea and tremors. All of this stresses the system and can cause an individual to feel exhausted.
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.
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