What Are the Disorders of Your Thyroid Gland?
Thyroid disorders are types of endocrine disorders. Endocrine disorders are conditions that involve your hormones, which control many body processes such as growth and development, metabolism, and sexual function.
There are several types of thyroid disease:
- Hyperthyroidism, an overactive thyroid
- Hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid
- Thyroid nodules, growths that may be noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant)
What Does the Thyroid Gland Do?
The thyroid is a gland located at the front of your neck. It produces hormones that help regulate many of your body’s functions:
- Metabolism
- Heart rate
- Muscle function and growth
- Digestion
- Brain function
- Bone health
Symptoms of Thyroid Issues
The symptoms of a thyroid problem vary depending on what condition you have.
Hyperthyroid Symptoms
- Racing heartbeat (palpitations)
- Shaky hands
- Jitteriness or difficulty sleeping
- Excess sweating or feeling overheated
- Irregular menstrual cycles in women
- Unintentional weight loss
- Frequent bowel movements
Hypothyroid Symptoms
- Constipation
- Dry skin
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight gain
Thyroid nodules often cause no symptoms. You may get diagnosed with a nodule when you have imaging for another problem and your provider spots the growth. Rarely, you may be able to feel a mass at the front of your neck where your thyroid gland is or you may have difficulty swallowing.
When to See an Endocrinologist
Schedule an appointment with your primary care provider if you notice symptoms of a thyroid problem. Your primary care provider will evaluate you with blood tests to find the cause of your symptoms. They may treat you or refer you to an endocrinologist, a doctor who specializes in endocrine disorders.
Find an Endocrinology Specialist
How to Test for Thyroid Disorders
Your endocrinologist will use several tests to diagnose a thyroid disorder:
- Blood tests—A thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) test checks your blood levels of TSH. TSH is the hormone your pituitary gland produces. It triggers your thyroid to make hormones. If your TSH is low, it could mean you have hyperthyroidism. If your have high levels of TSH, it could point to hypothyroidism. You may also have blood tests to check for antibodies of an autoimmune condition.
- Neck ultrasound—This test uses sound waves to create an image of your thyroid and look for thyroid nodules or cancer.
- Fine needle aspiration biopsy—You may need a biopsy to test a thyroid nodule. Your endocrinologist will insert a needle smaller than the one used for a blood test into your thyroid gland to remove a small sample of cells. They typically will use a neck ultrasound to guide the needle to the correct spot.
What Causes Thyroid Issues?
There are several different causes of thyroid disorders.
- Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid may be caused by Grave’s disease (an autoimmune condition), a benign thyroid nodule (toxic adenoma), goiter (enlarged thyroid), thyroiditis (thyroid inflammation), or certain medications.
- Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid may be caused by Hashimoto’s disease (an autoimmune condition) or surgical removal of your thyroid gland.
- Thyroid nodules: Nodules may be genetic, or they may occur for no known reason.
Are Thyroid Disorders Hereditary?
Autoimmune conditions that lead to thyroid problems can run in the family. Some nodules or cancers can also run in families.
Thyroid Treatment
Treatment for thyroid disorders varies depending on what condition you have. Our endocrinologists put together comprehensive, personalized treatment plans to help manage your symptoms.
Thyroid Medication
Your endocrinologist may prescribe medications or thyroid hormone replacements to treat an overactive or underactive thyroid. They will monitor you with regular lab tests to check your thyroid hormone levels.
Radioactive Iodine Scan and Therapy
We may use radioactive iodine scans to treat hyperthyroidism and to monitor for thyroid cancer recurrence. Here's what you can expect during the scan:
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You will visit the hospital's radiology department for an X-ray in the morning.
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You will take a small oral pill that contains radioactive iodine.
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You will get another X-ray four hours later then another one 24 hours later.
This series of steps helps us plan your treatment before you take another pill of radioactive iodine. After you receive treatment, you’ll need to isolate yourself from others for a period of time to avoid exposing them to the radiation. Your care team will give you instructions for isolation after treatment.
Thyroid Cancer Surveillance
If you have thyroid cancer, your care team may monitor your thyroid nodule with regular blood tests, neck ultrasounds, and fine needle aspiration biopsies. These tests check whether the nodule is growing or spreading to your lymph nodes.
Ethanol Ablation
Ethanol (alcohol) ablation may treat thyroid nodules or cysts. Your endocrinologist will use ultrasound guidance to inject alcohol directly into the nodule or cyst. This alcohol injection reduces the size of the growth and decreases the symptoms caused by it.
Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation is a treatment to shrink thyroid nodules. Your endocrinologist will use ultrasound guidance to insert a small needle into the growth. The needle uses heat to destroy (ablate) the tissue strategically and safely.
Thyroid Surgery
You may need surgery to remove all or part of your thyroid gland in some cases. Thyroid cancer is the most common reason for thyroid removal, but thyroid surgery may also be recommended for some cases of hyperthyroidism.
Refer a Patient to the Thyroid & Parathyroid Clinic
You will need a provider referral to schedule an appointment at the Thyroid & Parathyroid Clinic. Referring providers may call 801-581-7761.
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