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Lakewood, NJ ----- If you’re like
many people, the cold, often dreary winter months can sometimes
leave you feeling a bit more tired and lethargic than usual. Frigid
winter temperatures coupled with shorter days can inhibit your
desire to exercise, add unwanted pounds and zap your overall level
of energy. So when should your lack of ‘vim and vigor’ be
a cause for concern?
According to Shahida Abbas, MD, a physician on staff at Kimball
Medical Center in Lakewood, any significant change in your energy
level that lasts long enough to impact your quality of life should
be evaluated by your doctor.
“Your energy level and metabolism are regulated by your
thyroid gland,” explains Dr. Abbas. “If you experience
a dramatic change in your energy level, especially if it’s
accompanied by a rapid change in weight, cold or heat intolerance,
or changes in your hair, skin or nails, it’s important to
see your doctor.”
The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland located just below
the Adam’s apple that produces the hormone, thyroxine. This
hormone regulates every aspect of our metabolism – from our
heart rate to how quickly we burn calories.
An estimated 27 million Americans are affected by thyroid disease,
more than the number of Americans diagnosed with diabetes and cancer
combined. And while thyroid problems are relatively common, they
often go undetected or misdiagnosed, because the symptoms are vague
and often appear on a very gradual basis.
“As long as your thyroid releases the proper amount of hormones,
your metabolism functions normally,” says Dr. Abbas. “But
when your thyroid doesn't produce enough thyroxine, or produces
too much, it upsets the balance of the other hormones in your body
and impacts your metabolism and overall energy level.”
Thyroid problems generally fall into three categories – an
underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
and thyroid nodules. The most common of the three is hypothyroidism – the
underactive thyroid – which, according to the American Thyroid
Association, affects predominantly women, especially those over
the age of 40, and as many as one in 10 over the age of 65.
Hypothyroidism causes the body’s processes to slow down.
As the body slows, according to the American Thyroid Association,
people may notice that they feel colder, they tire more easily,
their skin may feel drier and they may feel depressed. People suffering
from hypothyroidism may also experience weight gain, course hair,
brittle nails, and constipation.
Whether your recent loss of energy is merely a case of the winter
doldrums or a more serious thyroid condition, it’s important
to see your doctor to be sure. Dr. Abbas points out that a simple
blood test – a thyroid stimulating hormone screening – can
reveal abnormalities in your thyroid hormone levels that would
indicate hypothyroidism and the need for treatment. “Hypothyroidism
can be controlled quite effectively with medication,” she
explains, “a synthetic form of thyroxine taken daily in a
pill form.”
In addition to diagnosing the underactive thyroid, the thyroid
function screening can reveal an overactive thyroid as well. “If
your thyroid produces too much thyroxine,” says Dr. Abbas, “the
result is hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid. The additional
hormone production,” she adds, “accelerates the body’s
metabolism causing rapid weight loss, heart palpitations, sweating,
diarrhea, irritability and nervousness.” Some patients with
hyperthyroidism can also experience bulging, protruding eyes.
Hyperthyroidism can be treated with medications, according to
Dr. Abbas, that control the heart rate and production of thyroid
hormones. “A more aggressive treatment,” she explains, “uses
radioactive iodine which burns the thyroid gland, slowing or diminishing
the production of thyroid hormones.”
Other common thyroid disorders include thyroid nodules. “Thyroid
nodules are lumps that develop within the thyroid,” explains
Dr. Abbas. Also known as goiters, she points out that thyroid nodules
are fairly common, rarely cause symptoms and are most often discovered
during a routine physical or examination of the neck.
In fact, less than ten percent of thyroid nodules are malignant,
according to the American Thyroid Association. Unfortunately, no
simple blood test can reveal a thyroid nodule, or whether it’s
benign. Your doctor will order specialized tests that may include
a thyroid scan, ultrasound and a biopsy. If a thyroid nodule is
malignant, or grows large enough to interfere with swallowing or
breathing, they are surgically removed.
Thyroid disorders, if left untreated, can have serious long-term
health implications, so it is important to see your doctor or an
endocrinologist, a doctor who specializes in treating thyroid and
other hormonal disorders, to receive an accurate diagnosis.
“It’s always important to get regular medical check
ups,” says Dr. Abbas, “and to schedule a visit with
your doctor if you experience any significant change in your overall
sense of good health and well-being.”
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Abbas or another physician
on staff at Kimball Medical Center who specializes in the treatment
of thyroid disorders, call the Saint Barnabas Health Care Link
at 1-888-SBHS-123 (888-724-7123).
Date: January 23, 2009
CONTACT: Carrie Cristello
Director, Public Relations
732-923-6552
ccristello@sbhcs.com
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