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, Grave’s 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. Silva 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 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. Silva will recommend appropriate advanced testing that my include ultrasounds and scan. When treatment is necessary for hyperthyroidism, nodules, or goiters, Dr. Silva will review with your treatment options to control hormone levels and reduce thyroid size. If needed Dr.Silva 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.Silva had extensive training with AACE’s Endocrine Certification in Neck Ultrasound to able to review your thyroid ultrasound findings and help you determine what treatment would be needed. She will sit down with you review your results to give you an understanding of your findings. If needed, she will send you for additional testing and/or biopsy. The average population has a 5% risk of a nodule being a cancer.
What thyroid conditions are treated?
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
- Grave’s disease (including Grave’s eye disease)
- Goiter (large thyroids)
- Thyroid nodules
- Under or overactive thyroid
- Post-partum thyroid disorders
CALCIUM DISORDERS Q & A
What is a parathyroid gland?
Parathyroid glands are a group of 4 glands that sit behind the thyroid gland. They are responsible for maintaining proper calcium levels.
What is hyperparathyroidism?
Parathyroid glands are often mistaken to be part of the thyroid gland, but they are actually 4 small glands that sit just behind the thyroid. Their main job is to control your calcium balance. Parathyroid glands can become enlarged and lead to high calcium levels, called hyperparathyroidism. Hyperparathyroidism is the most common cause of elevated calcium and can occur in 1 out of every 4 adults. Left untreated hyperparathyroidism can cause osteoporosis, kidney stones, depression and abdominal pain.
If you suffer from a thyroid, parathyroid, or Calcium problem, Dr. Silva offers the help you need through telehealth services, as well as 24/7 access to her via cell phone if you’re a concierge member. You can easily schedule an appointment at your convenience using the online booking tool.
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