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 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.
The physician may prescribe methimazole or propylthiouracil to patients with hyperthyroidism. Both of these drugs can prevent hormone production but they can also have serious side effects in some individuals. Surgery to remove a portion or the entire gland and the ingestion of radioactive iodine, are additional ways to treat this disease. Beta-blockers can be effective for controlling problems associated with increased heart rate but have no effect on the hormone levels.
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.
The physician may prescribe methimazole or propylthiouracil to patients with hyperthyroidism. Both of these drugs can prevent hormone production but they can also have serious side effects in some individuals. Surgery to remove a portion or the entire gland and the ingestion of radioactive iodine, are additional ways to treat this disease. Beta-blockers can be effective for controlling problems associated with increased heart rate but have no effect on the hormone levels.
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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