Thyroid Disease Specialist
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Prime Endocrinology of Tampa
Archana Swami, MD
Endocrinology, Diabetes, & Thyroid Specialist located in Tampa, FL
Your thyroid hormones regulate every part of your body, from your heart rate and metabolism to body temperature and cholesterol levels. When a thyroid disease develops, you need the expertise of Archana Swami, MD, at Prime Endocrinology of Tampa, to determine the underlying problem and provide treatment that restores your health and wellness. To schedule an appointment, call the office in Tampa, Florida, or use the online booking feature today.
Thyroid Disease Q & A
What type of thyroid disease might I develop?
Your thyroid gland produces three hormones. Calcitonin supports healthy bones by regulating calcium. The other two — triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) — are generally called thyroid hormones. These hormones regulate every system in your body.
Several thyroid diseases affect the gland and disrupt the production of thyroid hormones:
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism occurs when the gland produces too few thyroid hormones. The top causes of an underactive thyroid gland include Hashimoto's disease (an autoimmune disorder), hyperthyroid treatment, and surgery to remove part or all of the gland.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism refers to an overactive gland that produces excessive thyroid hormones. This disease develops due to Grave's disease (an autoimmune disorder), thyroiditis, or toxic thyroid nodules.
Thyroid nodules
Thyroid nodules are fluid-filled or solid lumps that grow in the gland. Most nodules are benign (not cancerous). However, they can get large enough to affect your ability to swallow or breathe. A toxic nodule produces extra thyroid hormones.
Goiter
A goiter is an enlarged thyroid gland. The condition develops due to hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, or thyroid nodules. Like nodules, some goiters get large enough to disrupt swallowing and may produce thyroid hormones, which causes hyperthyroidism.
Thyroid cancer
Thyroid cancer isn’t common, as it ranks below the top 10 cancers, and it’s usually curable. In addition to affecting swallowing, thyroid cancer may cause hoarseness.
What symptoms develop due to thyroid disease?
You may see and feel a thyroid nodule or a lump caused by cancer. Most goiters grow large enough to cause visible swelling at the base of your neck.
Beyond a visible lump, the symptoms of thyroid disease depend on whether your condition causes low or high levels of thyroid hormones.
Hypothyroidism slows down your metabolism and causes symptoms such as:
- Fatigue
- Sensitivity to cold
- Dry skin
- Joint pain
- Weight gain
- Muscle aches and weakness
- Memory and concentration problems
Hyperthyroidism speeds up your metabolism and leads to:
- Weight loss
- Sensitivity to heat
- Tremors
- Rapid heartbeat
- Difficulty sleeping
- Thinning skin
- Irritability and nervousness
These lists are far from comprehensive because whether your thyroid hormones are too low or high, the imbalance affects many parts of your body.
How is thyroid disease treated?
Prime Endocrinology of Tampa performs blood tests to determine your hormone levels. Your provider also performs thyroid ultrasound and nodule biopsies in the office.
Hypothyroidism needs hormone replacement therapy, while treatment for hyperthyroidism includes medications that shrink the gland or reduce hormone production.
Surgery for thyroid nodules, tumors, and goiter involves removing part or all of the thyroid gland. Afterward, you need thyroid replacement hormone.
If you have symptoms of thyroid disease, call Prime Endocrinology of Tampa or book an appointment online today.
