You may not give your thyroid much thought until you start having a difficult time losing weight or feeling like your heart about to beat out of your chest. As an internal medicine physician, Dr. Indira Madapati at Medwell Medical and Aesthetic in East Windsor, New Jersey, provides specialized care for thyroid problems. For testing and treatment, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.
The thyroid is a small gland located in your neck above your collarbone. The gland is part of your endocrine system and makes hormones that control your metabolism, including how fast you burn calories and the rate of your heartbeat.
If you have issues with your thyroid, it’s usually either hypothyroidism, when you’re not making enough of the hormones, or hyperthyroidism, when you’re making too much.
Not producing enough thyroid hormones upsets the chemical balance in your body and produces a number of recognizable symptoms. However, Dr. Madapati conducts a blood test to check your hormone levels to verify if you have hypothyroidism.
Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
Hypothyroidism can affect anyone, but is more common in women, especially those over the age of 60.
If your thyroid levels are low, Dr. Madapati may prescribe a synthetic thyroid hormone replacement. Once you’re on the medication, Dr. Madapati has you come into the office every three months to check your hormone levels so she can adjust your dose.
Unexplained rapid weight loss or an increase in your heart rate are the telltale signs of hyperthyroidism. Other symptoms include:
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, schedule an appointment with Dr. Madapati for a physical and blood test. Additional testing may be necessary to determine the cause of your hyperthyroidism, whether it’s an autoimmune condition called Graves’ disease or thyroiditis, when your thyroid gets inflamed.
Management of your hyperthyroidism depends on the cause, as well as your age, physical health, and the severity of your condition.
Common treatments include:
A thyroidectomy, removal of your thyroid, may be recommended if the conservative measures fail to improve your symptoms.
If you have concerns about thyroid health, call Medwell Medical and Aesthetic or schedule an appointment using the online booking feature.