Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism’s deficiency of thyroid hormones can disrupt heart rate, body temperature, and all aspects of metabolism. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland at the front of the neck, and thyroid disorders affect this gland. Your thyroid is essential for regulating many metabolic processes, and thyroid disorders can affect its function or structure. Your thyroid produces vital hormones, and a feedback mechanism regulates its function. You should evaluate your physical symptoms at NYC internal medicine for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan to be formed.
If you have low thyroid hormone levels, the hypothalamus produces a hormone called thyrotropin, and this causes the pituitary gland to release a hormone called thyroid-stimulating hormone or TSH. Problems with the hypothalamus and pituitary gland can also affect the function of your thyroid. Our internists NYC physicians are able to help diagnose and treat these issues.
Specific types of thyroid disorders include:
- Hypothyroidism
- Hyperthyroidism
- Thyroid nodules
- Goiter
What Is Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is a condition caused when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone.
Hypothyroidism can cause symptoms that include:
- Fatigue
- Feeling cold
- Fluid retention
- Poor concentration
- Dry skin
- Muscle and joint aches
- Constipation
Hypothyroidism may result from Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, which is an autoimmune condition or thyroid hormone resistance.
What is Hyperthyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is where the thyroid produces an excess of hormones and is rarer than hypothyroidism. In mild cases, there may be very few symptoms, and most are related to increased metabolism.
Hyperthyroidism symptoms can include:
- Unintentional weight loss
- A faster heartbeat
- Feeling fatigued
- Concentration problems
- Increased bowel movements
- Nervousness
- Increased sweating.
What Are Thyroid Nodules
Thyroid nodules are masses or lumps in the thyroid. They are usually cysts or benign tumors and are rarely cancerous, but they can be. If the nodules are large, they can compress nearby structures.
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Goiter
A goiter is simply an enlargement of the thyroid gland and may be associated with hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, or the thyroid could have normal function.
Diagnosing Thyroid Disorders
Initially, we will need to review your medical history and conduct a physical exam, but specialized tests are required to diagnose thyroid disorders. Blood tests can measure levels of thyroid hormones, and there are specific tests that can identify antibodies against thyroid tissue.
If you have a thyroid enlargement or thyroid nodules, ultrasound can often reveal calcifications or cysts and allows us to visualize the tissue in the gland.
A thyroid scan using radioactive iodine can evaluate its function because the thyroid is the only part of the body that takes up iodine. The test uses radioactively labeled iodine, and any nodules or areas producing excess hormone are sometimes called hot nodules and will show increased uptake of iodine. Cold nodules show a decreased iodine uptake and don’t produce excess hormone.
Sometimes it may be necessary to take a sample of cells or tissue from the thyroid gland for examination by a pathologist.
Fine-needle aspiration uses a very thin needle to collect a sample of cells from the thyroid. A biopsy is required to collect a tissue sample. Once we have the results of your diagnostic tests, we can determine the best thyroid treatment.
Hypothyroidism Treatment in NYC
When deciding how to treat hypothyroidism, your local physicians or our best internal medicine doctors in New York will typically use medications that synthetically replace the missing thyroid hormone in hypothyroidism. The synthetic hormone, called levothyroxine, is given in pill form. The pill restores hormone levels to normal, reversing the symptoms and signs of hypothyroidism.
Most people begin to feel better soon after starting treatment. The medication can possibly reverse weight gain and may lower cholesterol levels that the disease may have elevated.
You will most likely need to take levothyroxine for life, but we will monitor you closely because the dosage may change. Initially, when you begin treatment, we may check TSH after 6 to 8 weeks. After this period, we generally check blood levels six months later. Once we have the correct dosage, we will most likely check your TSH level each year or more frequently if needed. You need to make all treatment decisions and follow-up under the guidance of your physician.
Thyroid Nodules Treatments
Biopsy or fine-needle aspiration will allow us to make a definitive diagnosis. Depending on the diagnosis made, your physician will help develop the treatment plan.
Thyroid Disorders Treatment Plan for Patients in NYC
Based on your medical history, physical exam, and multiple tests (including specialized tests), our doctors can identify antibodies against thyroid tissue to diagnose thyroid disorders. In addition, blood tests can measure levels of thyroid hormone production. Once we have the results of your diagnostic tests, we can determine the best thyroid treatment.
Please make an appointment with one of our thyroid specialists in Midtown Manhattan or Upper East Side. Your physician should evaluate your symptoms and signs for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan to be formed. Our primary care doctors, internal medicine, and hypothyroidism treatment specialists look forward to meeting you!
Manhattan Primary Care Locations: Manhattan Primary Care (Upper East Side) 983 Park Ave, Ste 1D22, New York 10028
(212) 389-9929 Manhattan Primary Care (Midtown) 56 W 45th St, Ste 808, New York, NY 10036
(212) 389-1887 Manhattan Primary Care (Union Square) 55 W 17th St, Ste 105, New York 10011
(212) 378-9987
