Thyroid Problems Specialist

What is the thyroid, and how is it affected by thyroid problems?

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in your neck that’s responsible for making and secreting the hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine. These hormones control how your body uses energy or the number of calories you burn and affect every organ in your body. 

Thyroid problems affect the production of these hormones, which often leads to a cascade of symptoms. You can experience thyroid problems when your thyroid produces too few or too many of these hormones.

What is hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is when your body isn’t producing enough thyroid hormones to support normal body function. Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

• Weight gain
• Fatigue
• Puffy face
• Dry skin or thinning hair
• Depression
• Difficulty remembering things

Anyone can develop hypothyroidism, but it most often occurs in women, especially those over age 60. Maniya Health is a full-service primary care practice and their team can diagnose hypothyroidism with a blood test conducted at the office.

How are thyroid problems like hypothyroidism treated?

The team at Maniya Health treats hypothyroidism with a synthetic thyroid hormone called levothyroxine. Once initiated, you’ll begin to notice an improvement in your symptoms within two weeks.

Hypothyroidism is a chronic condition, so you’ll need to take the medication for the rest of your life. Your provider closely monitors your thyroid levels and adjusts your medication as needed.

What is hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism, also referred to as overactive thyroid, occurs when your thyroid gland produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormones. Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Increased appetite
• Feelings of nervousness or anxiety
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Sweating
• Changes in bowel habits
• Difficulty sleeping
• Thinning hair or brittle skin

Several conditions can increase the production of thyroid hormones, including Graves’ disease, thyroiditis, and Plummer’s disease.

Your Maniya Health provider can determine if your symptoms are related to hyperthyroidism after a thorough examination and blood test. If your blood test indicates elevated hormone levels, your primary care specialist will recommend additional testing, which can include a thyroid ultrasound or scan or a radioiodine uptake test, to determine the cause.

How are thyroid problems like hyperthyroidism treated?

The team at Maniya Health creates individualized treatment plans to help manage hyperthyroidism based on your age, health, and severity of your condition. Treatment can include:

• Radioactive iodine to shrink your thyroid gland
• Anti-thyroid medication
• Beta-blockers

If the medication fails to improve your hormone levels, a thyroidectomy – surgical removal of your thyroid – might be considered, although this is rarely recommended.

To manage your thyroid problems, call Maniya Health, or schedule an appointment using the online booking tool today.