Lack of sleep is a problem that many people experience due to hectic work schedules and family obligations but it can also be a symptom of something more serious. In some cases, it can be a sign of hyperthyroidism. A visit to a San Jose thyroid doctor can provide solutions for individuals with this condition.
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 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.
Propylthiouracil and methimazole are two drugs that can control hormone production but some individuals suffer serious side effects when taking them. Radioactive iodine taken orally and surgery are two additional options the doctor will consider. Beta-blockers can control a rapid heartbeat but will not affect hormone levels directly.
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 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.
Propylthiouracil and methimazole are two drugs that can control hormone production but some individuals suffer serious side effects when taking them. Radioactive iodine taken orally and surgery are two additional options the doctor will consider. Beta-blockers can control a rapid heartbeat but will not affect hormone levels directly.
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.ihschiropractic.com now.
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