As a Board Certified Endocrinologists, our team has particular expertise in the treatment of thyroid disease. Individuals may present different symptoms, including thyroid nodules and/or signs of underactive or overactive function. It is our job to do the investigative work necessary to understand each person’s thyroid function.
What Is Thyroid Disease?
Thyroid disease is a category of conditions that occur due to abnormal function of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland sits just below the Adam’s apple on the neck. It is small but integral to several physiological processes, including metabolism and heartbeat. People diagnosed with some form of thyroid disease either make too much or too little thyroid hormone. As a result, they may experience symptoms such as poor heat regulation in the body, weight gain or difficulty gaining weight, and irregular heartbeat.
Nodules may also develop on or around the thyroid gland. In many cases, the presence of nodules does not indicate thyroid cancer. However, it is necessary to consult with an experienced endocrinologist to have nodules evaluated to rule this out.
How Often Should You Check Thyroid Levels?
Several years ago, the American College of Physicians recommended that all women over the age of 50 get thyroid testing once or more every 5 years. However, because thyroid disease can affect people of all ages, testing may take place far sooner than that.
What Thyroid Disease Tests Are Available?
After a comprehensive history and physical exam, our physicians set up an appropriate testing schedule depending on the type of thyroid disease suspected.
This will include lab tests and thyroid function tests, not only including the Ultrasensitive TSH but also T3 and T4 testing. In addition, autoimmune testing to detect thyroid antibodies (Hashimoto’s or Graves’ disease), which may have initiated the disease in the first place.
We offer a full range of diagnostic testing at our office including:
Does An Enlarged Thyroid Hurt?
Additionally, the thyroid gland may become enlarged for a number of reasons. We often refer to this condition as a goiter. The presence of swelling does not necessarily indicate thyroid cancer, nor does it mean you have either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Either of those abnormalities may coincide with enlargement of the thyroid gland.
Generally, we do not associate enlargement with pain. However, the development of thyroiditis, or inflammation of the thyroid gland, would be an exception. Swelling of the thyroid should be assessed by your endocrinologist.
What Is The Treatment For Hyperthyroidism?
Thyroid treatment depends on the cause of overactivity. Grave’s Disease is an autoimmune disease and can be treated with medication, radioactive Iodine, or surgery. Toxic nodules which can also cause hyperthyroidism are usually treated with radioactive Iodine.
The most important thing is to have a diagnosis based on blood tests, physical exam, and ultrasound of the thyroid; all of which we provide in our office.
How Can Thyroid Disease Be Prevented?
Patients should avoid certain foods that can inhibit the adequate release of thyroid hormones. Individuals with Hashimoto’s disease should not eat gluten, and anyone who wants a better-performing thyroid will want to significantly limit their consumption of products with soy protein isolate. This includes protein shakes and soy “meats” and “cheese.”
What Is Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is one of the leading concerns related to the thyroid gland. This condition is characterized by too little thyroid hormone and symptoms such as lack of energy and weight gain. People with a low-functioning thyroid may have problems with depression, as well.
Hyperthyroidism, on the other hand, is the condition in which too much hormone is sent into the body, revving it up to a point where the heart races and the hands tremble. A hard-working thyroid may make it difficult for a person to fall asleep and may instigate a problem with anxiety.
Anytime symptoms of a thyroid problem exist, there is a good reason for testing.
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What Causes Hypothyroidism?
Thyroid disease is sometimes related to an underlying autoimmune condition. Data suggest that individuals who have either thyroid disease or any autoimmune condition in their family history are at risk for thyroid disease themselves.
What Are The Symptoms Of Hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism causes a wide range of symptoms that may be different for each patient. Many symptoms of hyperthyroidism are similar to those of other diseases. Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism may include:
- Weight loss
- Rapid and irregular heartbeat
- Nervousness or irritability
- Increased appetite
- Trembling hands and fingers
- Sweating
- Frequent bowel movements
- Swollen thyroid gland or goiter
- Fatigue
- Mood swings
What Problems Does Hypothyroidism Cause?
Hypothyroidism has been associated with a number of complications. These include:
- Mild forms of depression.
- Cold sensitivity.
- Elevated levels of bad cholesterol (LDL).
- Extremely low thyroid levels have been linked to infertility.
- Enlargement of the thyroid gland, or goiter.
Hyperthyroidism causes the body to be in overdrive more often than not. As a result, it may cause complications such as:
- Heart Arrhythmia.
- Hypertension.
- Enlargement of the heart cavities called cardiac dilation.
How Is Thyroid Disease Treated?
Our treatment of thyroid disease is individualized. Some patients with fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, or other signs may still have normal thyroid function testing but already test positive for Hashimoto’s antibodies.
We use specific diet and nutritional recommendations and thyroid medications in our treatments, depending on the clinical situation.
As thyroid disease is often nuanced, we take the time and care to listen closely to the concerns of our patients to find an underlying reason and treatment of the condition.
Contact Us Today!
If you have any questions or comments, or if you want to learn more about the services we provide, please call us at 212-772-7628 . Click here for a consultation or to set up an appointment.
