Thyroid Disorders

Weight gain, fatigue, always being cold, or excess hair shedding could indicate a thyroid condition. At Richmond Primary Care Specialists in the Prince’s Bay neighborhood of Staten Island, New York City, experienced medical professionals diagnose and treat thyroid disorders to restore balance, eliminate symptoms, and prevent complications. Schedule an evaluation at Richmond Primary Care Specialists by phone or request one online today.

What are thyroid disorders?

Thyroid disorders are conditions that affect the thyroid gland in your neck. This gland produces hormones responsible for regulating your metabolism. Thyroid hormone imbalances can cause symptoms that reduce your quality of life. More than 12% of the United States population experiences a thyroid condition during their lifetime.

What are examples of thyroid disorders?

Examples of thyroid disorders include:

• Hypothyroidism: too little thyroid hormone
• Hyperthyroidism: too much thyroid hormone
• Thyroiditis: thyroid gland inflammation
• Goiter: enlarged thyroid gland
• Thyroid cancer: cancer of the thyroid gland

The symptoms you experience may indicate the type of thyroid disease you have.

What are the symptoms of thyroid disorders?

Thyroid disorders can contribute to the following symptoms:

• Cold or heat intolerance
• Weight loss or weight gain
• Heavy menstrual bleeding in women
• Fatigue
• Changes in sleep
• Pale, dry skin
• Brittle nails
• Hair loss
• Puffy face
• Hoarse voice
• High blood cholesterol
• Constipation 
• Muscle aches
• Stiffness
• Depression
• Forgetfulness
• Enlarged thyroid gland

Your symptoms vary based on whether your body produces too much or too little thyroid hormone.

What may increase my risk of a thyroid disorder?

Thyroid disease affects 20 million people in the United States, and women are 5-8 times more likely than men to have a thyroid condition. Other risk factors include a family history of thyroid disease, having diabetes or another medical condition, being older than 60, taking medicines containing iodine, or undergoing thyroid surgery or radiation treatment for cancer. 

How are thyroid disorders diagnosed?

Diagnosing thyroid disorders involves a review of your medical history and symptoms, an evaluation of your thyroid gland, and blood tests to assess thyroid hormone levels. You might also need an ultrasound to create images of your thyroid gland and screen for irregularities. 

How is a thyroid disorder treated?

Your personalized thyroid disease treatment plan could include taking medications, making lifestyle changes, trying dietary supplements, or undergoing surgery. If you need surgery, your Richmond Primary Care Specialists provider gives you a referral.

It’s important to eat nutritious foods, exercise regularly, and maintain an ideal body weight. Richmond Primary Care Specialists has a medical weight loss program if you need help. Take any medications exactly as instructed and follow up with your provider to ensure your treatment is effective.

Schedule a thyroid disorders evaluation at Richmond Primary Care Specialists by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.