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Sunday, February 8, 2015

A San Jose Thyroid Doctor Can Treat Locals For Sleepiness

By Cody Gardella


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 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 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 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 feels overly fatigued despite getting eight hours of sleep a night may be suffering with hyperthyroidism. A licensed doctor can offer solutions for people with overactive thyroid glands. The health care provider can determine the cause and treat the patient based on those findings in addition to the individual's overall health and age.




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