Dr. Avni Mahiji Provides Expert Insight into Hyperthyroidism, Hypothyroidism, and Graves Disease

Board Certified Pharmacist Speaks Out During Thyroid Awareness Month and Explains Treatment Options

New York, New York (January 5, 2015) –According to the American Thyroid Association, more than 12 percent of the U.S. population will develop a thyroid condition during their lifetime, and if left untreated it can cause conditions such depression, tremors, muscle weakness and constant fatigue.  The average American knows they have a thyroid gland, however most are unaware of its vital functions. In an effort to create mindfulness during January Thyroid Awareness Month, Board Certified Pharmacist, Dr. Avni Mahiji (http://www.dravnimahiji.com/ ) encourages the general public to perform thyroid neck self-exams and advises on ways of assessing thyroid conditions and treatments. There are currently thirty million Americans with a thyroid condition, half of whom either don’t know they have a thyroid problem or who have been misdiagnosed. Dr. Mahiji’s extensive experience working with thyroid patients on various medical issues has given her a great deal of knowledge in this area. As a result, she can provide accurate and helpful tips for those confronting such an issues.

“The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck that produces hormones, notably thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which stimulate vital processes in every part of the body” states Board Certified Pharmacist, Dr. Avni Mahiji. “These thyroid hormones have a major impact on a variety of body functions including; growth, use of energy and oxygen, heat production, fertility, and immune regulation in the intestine. These hormones are able to maintain or alter the actions of other hormones and drugs in the body.”

There are several different types of known thyroid conditions; Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, and Graves Disease are most commonly diagnosed in the US. Graves Disease, an autoimmune disease that is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. Antibodies attack the thyroid, but in this case they stimulate the thyroid to overproduce thyroid hormone. When outside influences such as disease, damage the thyroid or certain medicines break down communication, your thyroid might not produce enough hormone. This would slow down all of your body’s functions, a condition known as hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid. Your thyroid could also produce too much hormone sending your systems into overdrive, a condition known as hyperthyroidism. These two conditions are most often features of an underlying thyroid disease.

Treatments for the conditions are dependent on the cause and the severity of symptoms. Dr. Mahiji weighs in on effect treatments below:

• Treating Overt Hypothyroidism. Patients with overt hypothyroidism, indicated by clear symptoms and blood tests that show high TSH (generally 10 mU/L and above) and low thyroxine (T4) levels, must have thyroid replacement therapy.
• Treating Subclinical or Mild Hypothyroidism. Considerable debate exists about whether to treat patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (slightly higher than normal TSH levels, normal thyroxine levels, and no obvious symptoms). Some doctors opt for treatment and others opt for simply monitoring patients.
• Treating Hyperthyroidism Treatment depends on the cause and the severity of symptoms. Hyperthyroidism is usually treated with one or more of the following: Antithyroid medications or Radioactive iodine to destroy the thyroid gland and stops the excess production of hormones or Surgery to remove the thyroid
• Treating Graves Disease Treatment is aimed at controlling your overactive thyroid. Medicines called beta-blockers are often used to treat symptoms of rapid heart rate, sweating, and anxiety until the hyperthyroidism is controlled. Hyperthyroidism is treated with one or more of the following: Antithyroid medications, Radioactive iodine, and Surgery

For more information on Dr. Avni Mahiji please visit her website (http://www.dravnimahiji.com/). For press inquiries visit http://www.beautifulplanning.com, email [email protected] or call 1.877.841.7244.

About Avni Mahiji

Dr. Avni Mahiji, a Board Certified Pharmacist boasting both beauty and brains, resides in New York City. The summa cum laude graduate of Boston’s Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences has spent her entire career helping people maintain their health, and works to share her prescription and over the counter expertise worldwide. Mahiji’s daily responsibilities include counseling patients on over the counter items, assuring that patients’ medications are issued properly, checking for drug interactions, assisting patients with making cost effective decisions, and following up with patients on recovery and medication compliance. Dr. Mahiji aims to increase awareness of the connection between medications and overall wellness by educating patients about the benefits and potential risks of pharmaceuticals and homeopathic products.

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