Monday, February 4, 2013

Get Your Thyroid Checked Now!!!

The thyroid is a small gland located below the skin and muscles at the front of the neck, just at the spot where a bow tie would rest. It's brownish red, with left and right halves (called lobes) that look like a butterfly's wings. Its light like a butterfly, too, and usually weighs less than a bit.

Most people do not realize that the thyroid gland affects them in many ways. Generally, people only take notice of a problem with the thyroid gland after they start experiencing symptoms. If you are having trouble keeping your energy level up, you should have your thyroid checked at the facilities like AOK Emergency Room.


Causes of Thyroid
           
            •    Too little production of thyroid hormones
            •    Too much thyroid hormone is produced.
            •    Extra flesh collects around the thyroid gland forming a nodule.

Located at the front of your neck near your voice box, the thyroid gland is an organ shaped like a butterfly that plays a vital role in your endocrine system. It may be the cause of changes in your mood and your energy level. It is one of the many glands in your body producing hormones that regulate body functions. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is a hormone that regulates the thyroid itself. TSH is released by the pituitary gland located in the brain. Once it becomes stimulated by TSH, the thyroid will then produce hormones which regulate metabolism. Hormones produced by the thyroid affect just about every organ in your body including your brain, your heart, and your digestive system.

           A condition that may affect the health of your thyroid gland includes:
           1. Diseases
           2. Goiter
           3. Cancer

The most common condition seen by the board certified physicians at AOK Emergency Room that affects the health of the thyroid gland, however, is hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is also known as overactive thyroid and causes the thyroid to produce excessive amounts of thyroid hormone. Too much thyroid hormone causes your metabolism to speed up and may lead to following symptoms:

           1.    Nervousness
           2.    Rapid heartbeat
           3.    Weight loss
           4.    High blood pressure
           5.    Infertility


Other symptoms include lack of energy, fatigue, depression, constipation, weight gain, memory problems, intolerance to cold temperatures, irregular periods, and dry, brittle nails, skin, and hair. This condition may also leads to an increased risk of heart attack because it can cause cholesterol and plaque to build up in your arteries.

What are the Treatments for Thyroid Problems?

For thyroid disorders stemming from the over or underproduction of thyroid hormones, both conventional and alternative treatments offer varied methods to restore hormone levels to their proper balance. Conventional treatments rely mainly on drugs and surgery. Alternative treatments attempt to relieve some of the discomfort associated with thyroid problems. To improve the function of the thyroid gland through a variety of approaches ranging from diet supplements and herbal remedies to lifestyle changes and special exercises.

If you suspect you are experiencing problems with your thyroid, you may benefit from being evaluated by the doctors at AOK Emergency Room [(281) 542-3998] for proper diagnosis and treatment.





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