CHRISTUS Southeast Texas - LiveWell

The thyroid gland helps control your metabolism, heart rate, weight, digestion, skin health, energy levels, mood, organ function and even your body temperature. "Few parts of the body are not aected by the thyroid," says Zachary Cerini, M.D., a family medicine physician with CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Preventive Medicine and Promptu Immediate Care. "The more you know about the gland, the easier it is to identify thyroid-related problems. The sooner these problems are spotted and treated, the better." TEMPERATURE RISING „ HYPERTHYROIDISM When the thyroid gland is overactive and creates too much thyroid hormone, it causes hyperthyroidism. Since this hormone controls metabolism, having too much of it causes your body's processes to speed up. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include: + anxiety + eye discomfort + increased heart rate + irregular or lighter menstruation + sweating + tremors + trouble sleeping + weight loss + swelling in the neck Doctors use blood tests and patient histories to diagnose hyperthyroidism. Uncorrected, it can lead to serious health concerns including heart trouble and osteoporosis. There are several dierent treatment options for hyperthyroidism, including medications and surgery. If you have hyperthyroidism, your doctor will help guide you to the best option. THE BIG CHILL „ HYPOTHYROIDISM An underactive thyroid causes a condition called hypothyroidism. Without enough thyroid hormone, the body's processes slow down. The most common cause of this is an autoimmune condition called Hashimoto's disease. When someone has this disease, the immune system attacks and damages the thyroid, making it harder for the gland to produce enough hormones for the body to function properly. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include: + constipation + depression + exhaustion + feeling cold + weight gain + heavy menstrual cycles + muscle pain + slow heart rate + weakness Hypothyroidism is treated with medication that replaces the missing thyroid hormones so the body can function properly. In some cases, medication must be taken for the rest of the patient's life to treat this condition. With the proper treatment, both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can be well-managed. To find a primary care physician and make an appointment, call (866) 683-3627. Buttery Zachary Cerini, M.D. Thyroid Disease: A Women's Health Concern According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, thyroid disease a‹ects one in eight women. Trouble with the thyroid can a‹ect menstruation and fertility and cause health issues during and after pregnancy. In fact, there's even a thyroid disease called postpartum thyroiditis that can a‹ect women after they give birth. If you have trouble becoming pregnant or have symptoms of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, talk to your doctor. Treatment to improve these conditions may help boost your chances of getting pregnant. EFFECT Nestled in the lower part of the neck, the butterfly-shaped thyroid gland plays an important part in helping you feel your best. Yet, thyroid problems sometimes go undiagnosed. THE Buttery Fall 2016 | christusset x.org HEALTH AWARE 3

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