Thyroid Disorders

How does the thyroid gland support my health?

Your thyroid gland produces two hormones that together virtually regulate every part of your body.

These are only a few examples of the functions regulated by thyroid hormones:

• Heart rate
• Body weight
• Muscle strength
• Menstrual cycles
• Cholesterol levels
• Body temperature
• Energy and well-being

Because thyroid hormones are so powerful, your body maintains tight control over their blood levels. Health problems develop when their levels go higher or lower than normal. 

What symptoms develop due to hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)?

You have hypothyroidism when your thyroid is underactive and doesn’t produce enough hormones. Hypothyroidism is usually caused by an autoimmune disorder, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. The lack of thyroid hormones can lead  to symptoms such as:

• Dry skin
• Fatigue
• Hair loss
• Weight gain
• Hoarseness
• Sensitivity to cold
• Irregular periods/infertility
• Mood changes 

When hypothyroidism goes untreated, it can even cause high cholesterol and nerve damage.

What symptoms develop due to hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism, an overactive thyroid gland, has many causes, but the most common is an autoimmune condition, Graves’ disease. When your thyroid hormone levels get too high, you can experience:

• Weight loss
• Rapid heartbeat
• Hand tremors
• Insomnia
• Thinning skin
• Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)

Hyperthyroidism can also be due to thyroid nodules and may lead to osteoporosis and a higher risk of fractures.

How are thyroid disorders treated?

Dr. Syed takes a whole-person approach when treating thyroid disorders. While she tests your hormone levels, she doesn’t just go by the numbers to make treatment decisions. She also listens to you, getting feedback on how you feel so that she can get a complete understanding of your overall health.

Hypothyroidism often requires hormone replacement therapy to restore normal levels of thyroid hormone.

Thyroid nodules and goiters may not need treatment if they’re small and don’t overproduce hormones. Dr. Syed will recommend appropriate advanced testing that may include ultrasounds and scans. When treatment is necessary for hyperthyroidism, nodules, or goiters, Dr. Syed will review your treatment options to control hormone levels and reduce thyroid size. If needed, Dr. Syed can also recommend a biopsy.

What are thyroid nodules?

Thyroid nodules are very common and can occur in up to 67% of the population. They are more common in women, people with iodine deficiency, and as we age. Dr. Syed has extensive training with AACE’s Endocrine Certification in Neck Ultrasound to be able to review your thyroid ultrasound findings and help you determine what treatment would be needed. She will sit down with you to review your results to give you an understanding of your findings. If needed, she will send you for additional testing and/or a biopsy.  The average population has a 5% risk of a nodule being cancerous.

What thyroid disorders are treated?

At Northside Primary Care, Inc, Dr. Syed treats various thyroid disorders, including:

• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
• Grave’s disease (including Graves’ eye disease)
• Goiter (large thyroids)
• Thyroid nodules
• Under or overactive thyroid 
• Post-partum thyroid disorders

If you suffer from a thyroid condition, Dr. Syed offers the help you need through telehealth services, and direct texting options are available. You can easily schedule an appointment at your convenience using the online booking feature.