Chalking up weight gain, low energy and fatigue as normal signs of weathering the holiday season may be a mistake.
Making the holidays a magical time of year is a big responsibility. Baking cookies, buying presents and non-stop holiday cheer can be exhausting for anyone. But the holidays might not be to blame for excessive exhaustion and weight gain. A lack of enthusiasm for the season could all be attributed to a problem with a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck.
The thyroid gland communicates with the pituitary gland in the brain to release hormones that affect metabolism, growth and even body temperature, according to WebMD. The main hormone produced by the thyroid is thyroxine, or ts4. Thyroid level imbalance in your body may make you more susceptible to everything from osteoporosis and heart disease to infertility and fatigue. Thyroid disease typically develops slowly, making it difficult to diagnose.
Getting Thyroid Tested at ALTN
Get your energy back and truly enjoy the spirit of the holiday season by making your health a priority. A visit to your nearest Any Lab Test Now location can get to the bottom of your fatigue and weight fluctuations. Any Lab Test Now provides walk-in medical testing without a trip to the doctor’s office. With more than 170 locations nationwide, determining if your thyroid is producing the correct amount of hormones is as simple as getting a quick test. A certified medical assistant can administer the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) test, which checks your body’s production of TSH and helps screen for thyroid disease, hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
Signs of Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, occurs when the thyroid does not produce enough ts4 hormone. Many of the symptoms of hypothyroidism are often shrugged off as signs of aging or stress. Approximately 4.6 percent of the U.S. population suffers from hypothyroidism, according to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Thyroid imbalances are more common in women and often occur after pregnancy or middle age. Women are five to eight times more likely to suffer from thyroid imbalances.
The most common signs of hypothyroidism are:
- Feeling Tired
- Weight Gain
- Depression
- Feeling Cold
- Joint Pain
- Hair Loss
- Dry Skin
Other symptoms include memory loss, constipation and carpal tunnel syndrome, according to WebMD.
There are a number of causes of hypothyroidism, including an inflamed thyroid, autoimmune disease and iodine deficiency. Approximately 5 percent to 9 percent of women suffer from postpartum thyroiditis after giving birth, but the condition is temporary, according to Cleveland Clinic.
Signs of Overactive Thyroid Production
Hyperthyroidism, which is less common, occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. Graves’ Disease, an autoimmune disease, is the main culprit for hyperthyroidism, the American Thyroid Association reports. Some of the symptoms of an overactive thyroid are weight loss, nervousness, irritability, persistent vomiting, fast heart rate and frequent bowel movements. Treatment for hyperthyroidism varies, but can include antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine, beta-blockers or even surgery.
Are you tired of being tired? Visit your local Any Lab Test Now to get your diagnosis, revive your energy and get control of your weight before the rush of the holiday season.
