Thyroid

From masses to nodules to hormone disorders, thyroid problems can cause wide-ranging and frustrating health issues. At Endocrine and Psychiatry Center in Houston and Katy, Texas, the team of endocrinology specialists led by Rakesh Patel, DO, offers all-encompassing thyroid care. From blood and imaging tests to on-site biopsies, the team can promptly diagnose your issue and start treatment to help you feel better. Book your appointment online or call the office nearest you today.

What are the symptoms of thyroid problems?

The thyroid gland produces hormones that control metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, digestion, cellular turnover, and other critical functions within your body. When a problem occurs within the thyroid gland, you can experience imbalance that causes symptoms including:

• Chronic fatigue 
• Anxiety and feeling jittery
• Forgetfulness
• Insomnia
• Weight loss or gain
• Muscle weakness
• Heat or cold sensitivity
• Vision issues
• Hair loss
• Menstrual irregularities (unusually heavy, frequent, sporadic, or absent periods)

Thyroid symptoms can be different for every person, but most people experience at least a few of these issues simultaneously.

What causes thyroid hormone imbalance?

Thyroid hormone imbalance can occur for many reasons, including:

• Underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism)
• Overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism)
• Thyroid inflammation (thyroiditis)
• Autoimmune diseases (Hashimoto’s and Graves’ diseases)
• Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)
• Fluid-filled cysts
• Solid nodules

When it comes to thyroid problems, one issue often leads to another. For example, Hashimoto’s disease isn’t a thyroid disease itself but it causes the immune system to destroy the thyroid cells that produce hormones. This, in turn, leads to hypothyroidism or, rarely, hyperthyroidism. 

How are thyroid problems diagnosed?

At Endocrine and Psychiatry Center, the team of thyroid experts can perform a spectrum of tests to determine the exact reason you’re having thyroid problems. They do everything on site, from blood tests to ultrasound imaging and surgical biopsies of cysts and nodules, so there’s no need to visit the radiology department in the hospital to get a diagnosis.

How are thyroid problems treated?

Thyroid disease treatment varies with the specific problem. For hypothyroidism, the Endocrine and Psychiatry Center specialists usually prescribe hormone replacement therapy. For hyperthyroidism, options range from medication to radioactive iodine to thyroid removal.  

Alongside your medical treatments, the team may recommend lifestyle changes, weight loss (if overweight), and improving your nutrition. Making the effort to improve your whole-body health can help you feel better and reduce your risk for long-term health problems. 

No matter what caused your thyroid problems, the reason that you’re feeling bad is generally thyroid hormone imbalance. The premier team of endocrinology specialists at Endocrine and Psychiatry Center has extensive experience with hormone problems and they can find a treatment that works. Book your consultation online or call the office for help today.