Thyroid Disorder Specialist

What is a thyroid disorder?

A thyroid disorder is a disease that affects the thyroid gland in your neck. This gland produces hormones that regulate growth, metabolism, and other vital functions. If anything affects the production or release of thyroid hormones, it can have widespread effects on your health.

Thyroid disorders are common conditions, with hypothyroidism, in particular, affecting millions of people in the United States.

What are the types of thyroid disorders?

There are two major types of thyroid disorders:

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is where you have an underactive thyroid that isn't making enough hormones. It can cause weight gain, chronic fatigue, hair loss, dry skin, low mood, temperature sensitivity, and numerous other problems. You might also develop a goiter — an enlargement of your thyroid gland.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is the opposite of hypothyroidism, so your thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. The disorder affects the same bodily systems, so again, you might have hair loss and temperature sensitivity, but you could experience other problems like palpitations and weight loss.

Another type of thyroid disorder is thyroid cancer.

What causes thyroid disorders?

The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto's disease. Hashimoto's is an autoimmune disorder, which means your immune system targets cells in your thyroid gland. This affects the gland’s ability to create thyroid hormones.

Graves' disease, which is a common cause of hyperthyroidism, is also an autoimmune disorder. It results in an overstimulation of the thyroid gland, making it produce too much thyroid hormone. 

Graves’ disease can also lead to thyroid eye disease, a rare condition causing inflammation and tissue damage.

If you have symptoms of a thyroid disorder, the Endocrine Associates of West Village PC team can carry out blood tests to measure the levels of thyroid hormones in your body. They may also perform a diagnostic ultrasound to view your thyroid gland in detail.

How are thyroid disorders treated?

Treatment of your thyroid disorder depends on which condition you have and its severity. Endocrine Associates of West Village PC provides radiofrequency ablation treatment for thyroid nodules.

Severe hyperthyroidism might require surgery, but most patients can control their condition with radioactive iodine treatment or by taking medicines called thionamides. Radioactive iodine kills cells in your thyroid gland, reducing hormone production. Thionamides stop your thyroid from producing excessive amounts of hormones.

Hypothyroidism is treatable with synthetic thyroid hormone medication. You need to take this medication at the correct dose for the rest of your life, but it's a highly effective way of minimizing the effects of the disease.

Surgery might be necessary for cancer of the thyroid, along with radiation therapy.

If you're experiencing symptoms that could be due to a thyroid disorder, call Endocrine Associates of West Village PC today or book an appointment online.