Thyroid Awareness Month
Chapa-De Health Care Auburn Grass Valley
January is Thyroid Awareness Month and Chapa-De wants to remind our patients of the importance of thyroid health. Nearly 27 million adults in the United States are suffering from a thyroid-related condition they are unaware of.
Thyroid health is important since this small gland located in your throat, `is responsible for many of the body’s most important functions, such as regulating body temperature, cognitive function, digestion and much more.
There are many different conditions that can affect the basic function of the thyroid. Two of the most common conditions are called Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism. Both of these conditions often go misdiagnosed or undiagnosed altogether, which is why it is important to be educated on the symptoms of each condition.
Hypothyroidism
This condition is caused by an underactive thyroid, or reduced levels of thyroid hormones. Individuals who are suffering from this condition will have symptoms such as:
- Weight gain
- Muscle and joint pain
- Depression
- Poor sleep
- Constipation
- PMS
- Chronic yeast infections
- Brittleness in hair and nails
- Reduced libido
Hyperthyroidism
This condition is the opposite of hypothyroid and is caused by elevated thyroid hormone levels which causes the body to enter a rushed or overworked state. Although this condition is less common than Hypothyroidism, it still affects 1% of the U.S. population each year. Individuals who are suffering from this condition will have symptoms such as:
- Heart palpitations
- Excessive sweating
- Sensitivity to Heat
- Insomnia
- Weight loss
- Panic attacks & anxiety
- Increased appetite
- Irregular, or loss of menstrual period
- Muscle fatigue and weakness
Ensuring the hormone levels in your thyroid are at the proper levels is critical when thinking about your thyroid health. If you believe you may be experiencing some of these symptoms associated with either Hypothyroidism or Hyperthyroidism, contact your Chapa-De Health Center to schedule an appointment with your primary care provider. Call (530) 887-2800 for Auburn or (530) 477-8545 for Grass Valley.
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Chapa-De provides medical care, dental care, optometry, behavioral health, pharmacy services and much more.
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Chapa-De Indian Healthcare Auburn Grass Valley