Thyroid Care Q&A

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How do you treat hypothyroidism?

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Hypothyroidism occurs when an underactive thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones, a problem that’s most often caused by an autoimmune disorder. If you have hypothyroidism, you develop symptoms such as:

• Fatigue

• Weight gain

• Hoarseness

• Dry skin

• Puffy face

• Hair loss

• Sensitivity to cold

The team at AM Diabetes & Endocrinology Center does a physical exam, performs a diagnostic ultrasound if needed, and conducts lab tests at your first visit. You’re treated with hormone replacement therapy and closely monitored until lab tests show your thyroid hormone levels are normal and stable. Then you schedule follow-up visits once or twice a year.

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How do you treat hyperthyroidism?

 

Hyperthyroidism develops when your thyroid gland is overactive. This condition may develop due to an autoimmune condition, but it’s also caused by active thyroid nodules that produce thyroid hormones.

If you have high levels of thyroid hormones, you may experience:

• Weight loss

• Rapid or irregular heartbeat

• Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)

• Tremor in your hands

• Insomnia

• Thinning skin

An evaluation for hyperthyroidism is the same as that for hypothyroidism: You have an exam, ultrasound, and lab studies done in the clinic. For your treatment, the team at AM Diabetes & Endocrinology Center may recommend anti-thyroid medication, treatment with radioactive iodine therapy, or possibly surgery to remove nodules or part of the thyroid gland.

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What should I know about thyroid nodules?

 

Thyroid nodules are small lumps that may contain fluid or thyroid tissue. They typically don’t cause symptoms unless they get too large. Most nodules aren’t cancerous, but a large nodule can cause hyperthyroidism or make it hard to swallow.

The team at AM Diabetes & Endocrinology Center evaluates your thyroid gland, and if indicated, they perform a biopsy in the clinic during your first visit. They use a local anesthetic and a small gauge needle to withdraw cells from the nodule.

You receive your biopsy results as soon as they’re available. Your doctor can also process specimens for general testing if a more in-depth assessment is required or if you request the procedure.

The doctors at AM Diabetes & Endocrinology Center have an impressive record in that 90% of their biopsies produce viable nodule cells. However, the needle is so narrow that biopsies sometimes don’t contain an adequate specimen. In that case, the procedure is repeated.

After your treatment begins, they follow an efficient protocol of annually assessing and monitoring thyroid nodules or goiter. They check to see if it has changed in size and to determine if you need different treatment.

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What if I have thyroid cancer?

 

If your biopsy indicates cancer, your doctor refers you for surgery. After surgery, the team at AM Diabetes & Endocrinology continues to monitor your progress and performs annual thyroid cancer evaluations.

If you have symptoms of a thyroid problem, call AM Diabetes & Endocrinology Center or schedule an appointment online.