Thyroid Management
Your thyroid gland plays a pivotal role in regulating your metabolism, and a variety of disorders can interrupt its work. Family care physician Tanya Pandya, DO and the expert team at Pandya Medical Center provide comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for the full range of thyroid dysfunctions at their locations in Alpharetta, Braselton, Cumming, Dawsonville and Johns Creek, Georgia, If you’re looking for a family physician who specializes in thyroid dysfunction, call Pandya Medical Center — serving Dawson, Hall, Fulton, Forsyth, Gwinnett, Jackson and surrounding counties — or book an appointment online today.
Thyroid FAQs
What is the thyroid gland?
The hormones your thyroid produces control your body’s metabolic functions, such as regulating how fast you burn calories or how quickly your heart beats.
What are some common thyroid problems?
Several problems can occur when your thyroid produces imbalanced levels of hormones.
Hyperthyroidism
If you have hyperthyroidism, your thyroid gland produces excess hormones. Graves’ disease is the most common cause of this condition, affecting about 70% of people with hyperthyroidism. Other possible causes of an overactive thyroid include growths on the gland, such as nodules or cancerous tumors.
Hypothyroidism
This condition occurs when your thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones. The most common causes of hypothyroidism include Hashimoto’s disease, surgical removal of your thyroid gland, or thyroid damage from radiation treatment.
What are symptoms of hyperthyroidism?
Too much thyroid hormone can lead to the following symptoms:
- Racing heartbeat
- Feelings of restlessness and nervousness
- Anxiety
- Weight loss
- Irritability
- Difficulty sleeping
- Brittle hair and nails
- Thin skin
- Increased perspiration
What are symptoms of hypothyroidism?
Too little thyroid hormone often causes symptoms such as:
- Fatigue
- Feeling cold
- Memory problems
- Depression
- Dry skin
- Slow heart rate
- Weight gain
- Constipation
How do you diagnose and treat thyroid dysfunctions?
Thyroid dysfunction and hormonal balance rank high among Dr. Pandya’s greatest medical interests. To diagnose thyroid disorders, Dr. Pandya or another member of the expert team at Pandya Medical Center measures the levels of thyroid hormone (thyroxine) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) with a blood test.
A high level of thyroxine and low level of TSH indicate an overactive thyroid gland, while low levels of thyroxine and high TSH could mean you have hypothyroidism.
Once she determines the type of thyroid imbalance you have, Dr. Pandya investigates the cause with a comprehensive physical exam that may include more blood tests.
Treatment depends on the cause of your thyroid dysfunction. Dr. Pandya may prescribe medications to increase or decrease the level of thyroid hormone in your body.
If you suspect you may have a thyroid disorder, call Pandya Medical Center or book an appointment online today.