Thyroid
Thyroid disorders are common, affecting more than 12% of people in the United States during their lifetime. If weight gain, fatigue, or other symptoms of thyroid problems negatively affect you, help is within reach at Otolaryngology Associates. We treat thyroid conditions at seven clinics located across central Indiana in Indianapolis, Greencastle, Greenfield, Kokomo, Noblesville, Carmel, Fishers, Avon, Greenwood, Mooresville, and Shelbyville. Schedule an appointment by calling one of our offices today.
What is the thyroid?
The thyroid is a gland in your neck that produces thyroid hormones. These hormones influence every metabolic process in the body, controlling how fast and how effective your body burns calories. If your thyroid gland stops performing correctly, it can severely affect your health.
How are thyroid problems diagnosed?
What are thyroid disorders?
Nearly 20 million people have a thyroid disorder. This figure may be conservative per the American Thyroid Association (ATA) as they estimate that up to 60% of people with a thyroid condition are unaware that they have it. A thyroid disorder occurs when there is an imbalance in hormone production or when something happens to the gland itself. It can alter your metabolism and lead to unpleasant side effects. Thyroid disorders include the following:
Hypothyroidism
Too little thyroid hormone production
Hyperthyroidism
Too much thyroid hormone production
Goiter
Enlarged thyroid gland
Thyroid Cancer
Cancer within your thyroid gland
Thyroiditis
Swelling of your thyroid gland
Thyroid Nodules
Lumps on your thyroid gland
Thyroid disorders can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. Fortunately, effective treatments are available from the team at Otolaryngology Associates.
What are the symptoms of thyroid disorders?
The following symptoms may indicate you have a thyroid disorder:
Hypothyroidism
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Frequent, heavy menstrual periods
- Dry, coarse hair
- Dry skin
- Cold intolerance
- Forgetfulness
- A hoarse voice
Hyperthyroidism
- Weight loss
- Muscle weakness or tremors
- Irritability/nervousness
- Infrequent or scant menstrual periods
- Sleep disturbance
- Heat sensitivity
- Vision problems
- Eye irritation
If you suspect a thyroid disorder based on your symptoms, check in with your otolaryngologist so you can be thoroughly assessed.
What causes thyroid problems?
Genetics plays a role in your thyroid function. Any family history of thyroid conditions can genetically predispose you to experience similar issues. In addition, women are five to eight times more likely to develop thyroid problems than men. In fact, it is estimated that 1 in 8 women will develop a thyroid disorder in their lifetime. Additional causes include: inflammation of your thyroid gland, thyroid nodules, iodine deficiency, iodine-containing medications may also result in thyroid problems, as well as autoimmune disorders.
Request an ApppointmentHow are thyroid problems diagnosed?
There are a few diagnostic tests that can identify thyroid conditions. Your doctor at Otolaryngology Associates starts by reviewing your medical history as well as discussing the symptoms you are experiencing. You can then expect the following:
Physical Exam
This is an initial way to conduct a quick test. It involves your doctor feeling your neck to check for any abnormalities with the thyroid. If your thyroid gland is larger than normal or if your doctor detects nodules or lumps on it, they might recommend a biopsy, imaging tests or blood work.
Blood Tests
This involves taking a blood sample which allows medical professionals to assess the number of thyroid hormones in your blood. Blood tests can effectively and readily identify hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
Imaging Tests
This can include taking a thyroid scan or conducting ultrasound imaging. These tests provide images of your thyroid gland, allowing your doctor to analyze the size, shape, growths, etc. that are creating your symptoms.
These tests are straightforward ways to identify and diagnose thyroid disorders.
Request an ApppointmentWhat is the treatment for thyroid disorders?
Treatment for thyroid disorders depends on which specific condition you have.
- Medications: the type of medication depends on if the thyroid is over or under-producing hormones. For hyperthyroidism, medication could include anti-thyroid drugs which stop the thyroid gland from making hormones. For hypothyroidism, medication could include thyroid replacement medications which are synthetic drugs that produce thyroid hormones.
- Injections
- Radioiodine therapy to shrink the thyroid gland
- Thyroid surgery
- Radiation or chemotherapy for thyroid cancer
- Targeted drug therapy
Don’t let symptoms of a thyroid problem lead to serious complications when simple treatments are available. Schedule an appointment with the team at Otolaryngology Associates over the phone or online today.
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Otolaryngology Associates provides top-quality Ear, Nose and Throat care from 13 full-service medical offices throughout central Indiana.
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