Tuesday, February 10, 2015

How A San Jose Thyroid Doctor Treats Sleepiness For Locals

By Cody Gardella


Many people have trouble getting enough sleep because they are trying to keep up with a busy work schedule and home life. For some individuals, extreme fatigue may be a symptom of a more serious condition such as hyperthyroidism. A San Jose thyroid doctor has effective ways to treat this problem

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 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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