Thyroid Problems Specialist
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Gulf West Medical Associates
Rajesh B Dave, MD
Internal Medicine & Primary Care located in Port Richey, FL
Thyroid hormones play a critical role in regulating your metabolism, and too low or too high a level of hormones in your body can make you feel very sick indeed. If you have or think you might have thyroid problems, board-certified internist Rajesh Dave, MD, of Gulf West Medical Associates can help. Dr. Dave is an experienced physician who provides exceptional care for men and women who have thyroid problems. Call the office in Port Richey, Florida, today to schedule a consultation or book an appointment online.
Thyroid Problems Q&A
What is the thyroid?
The thyroid is a gland in your neck that produces thyroid hormones. These are potent chemicals that are responsible for regulating your metabolism. If your thyroid gland produces too little or too much thyroid hormone, it can result in distressing symptoms that seriously affect your quality of life.
Left untreated, serious thyroid hormone imbalances can cause life-threatening complications.
There are several types of thyroid problems, but the two most common conditions affecting the thyroid are hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
What is hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is a condition caused by having insufficient thyroid hormones in your system. Lacking thyroid hormones reduces your energy levels and slows your metabolism. Hypothyroidism causes symptoms such as:
- Severe, chronic fatigue
- Irregular periods
- Constipation
- Depression
- Dry hair and skin
- Hair loss
- Temperature sensitivity
- Slowed heart rate
- Unintentional weight gain
- Inability to lose weight
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
Many of the symptoms of hypothyroidism are the same as other common issues, particularly menopause. Because of this, thyroid problems can often go undiagnosed until symptoms become severe.
What is hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) is a condition caused by having excess thyroid hormones in your system. It can cause symptoms such as:
- Mood swings
- Anxiety and nervousness
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Temperature sensitivity
- Unexpected weight loss
- Palpitations
- Frequent urination
- Hand tremors
- Problems sleeping
- Thinning skin
- Fine, brittle hair
- Irregular periods
If you have thyroid problems, you may also develop a lump in the front of your throat called a goiter.
How are thyroid problems treated?
Treating thyroid problems typically involves taking medications that rebalance the levels of thyroid hormone in your system.
Hyperthyroidism medications prevent your thyroid from producing as much thyroid hormone, so your system doesn’t have an overdose. You might have to undergo radioactive iodine treatment to shrink your thyroid gland, or even have some or all of the thyroid taken out. These options are only appropriate if other treatments aren’t working.
If you have hypothyroidism, Dr. Dave can prescribe levothyroxine, a synthetic thyroid hormone medication that you take every day.
You need to have regular blood tests to check on the levels of thyroid hormone in your body. Dr. Dave might need to adjust your medication to rebalance the thyroid hormones after viewing your blood test results.
If you’re concerned about having any of the symptoms of thyroid problems, schedule a consultation with Dr. Dave by calling Gulf West Medical Associates today or book an appointment online.
