What is the purpose of my thyroid gland?
Your thyroid is a gland in your neck that sits above your collarbone. The gland is small, shaped like a butterfly, a vital part of your endocrine system, and is responsible for making the T3 and T4 hormones that travel to all tissues in your body through the bloodstream.
These hormones influence and control many of your body’s activities, including the regulation of your metabolism and your heart rate. Your thyroid is also responsible for determining how your body breaks down food and whether it stores the resulting energy or uses it immediately.
Common thyroid problems include:
- Hypothyroidism: occurs when your thyroid doesn’t make enough hormones
- Hyperthyroidism: occurs when your thyroid makes more hormones than necessary
- Thyroid nodules: lumps that form on the thyroid gland
Cancer can also affect your thyroid gland. If you discover lumps or swelling in your neck, it's essential to seek a prompt diagnosis from Dr. Khalfin.
What are the symptoms of thyroid dysfunction?
Because your thyroid controls several bodily functions, symptoms can vary. You may experience one or more symptoms at one time, including:
- Persistent fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Joint pain
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Skin dryness
- Trouble sleeping
- Unexplained weight gain
- Changes in menstrual periods
Thyroid dysfunction symptoms can mimic other medical conditions. It's essential to consult with Dr. Khalfin for a thorough thyroid screening to ensure there are no underlying medical problems.
What treatments are available for thyroid conditions?
Dr. Khalfin uses blood tests to determine if your thyroid isn’t functioning correctly. If she diagnoses hypo- or hyperthyroidism, she may recommend prescription medications to regulate your body’s hormone production.
If medications don’t effectively treat your hyperthyroidism, Dr. Khalfin may recommend thyroid ablation or surgery to take out your thyroid. However, surgery may cause permanent hypothyroidism, and you'll have to take hormone medications for the rest of your life.
If Dr. Khalfin diagnoses thyroid nodules, she may initially wait to see if the nodule grows larger or changes in any way or refer you for an ultrasound-guided biopsy. She may recommend surgery to treat the nodule if it grows rapidly and impacts your breathing. Surgery may also be necessary if you are at risk for thyroid cancer.
To learn more about thyroid treatments, schedule an appointment online or by calling Dr. Khalfin’s office.
*Individual results may vary
