When thyroid problems go untreated, they lead to a wide range of serious health issues, including weight gain, high cholesterol, heart arrhythmias, and osteoporosis. At Utah Endocrinology Associates, Alireza Falahati, MD, FACE, carefully reviews your symptoms, performs on-site diagnostic testing, and develops a personalized treatment plan to restore thyroid hormones to a healthy level. To schedule an appointment, use the online booking feature or call one of the offices in Salt Lake City, American Fork, or Ogden, Utah.
The thyroid gland produces three hormones. One of them, calcitonin, regulates calcium levels to maintain strong bones. The other two hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), are collectively referred to as your thyroid hormones.
The most common problems affect the two thyroid hormones, which regulate nearly every part of your body, including your:
Your body normally maintains tight control of your levels of thyroid hormones. But when problems arise, it only takes a slight imbalance of either too much or too little hormone to cause health concerns.
Hypothyroidism occurs when your thyroid hormone levels are too low. This condition is usually caused by an autoimmune condition called Hashimoto’s disease.
If you have hypothyroidism, you’ll experience symptoms such as:
Hypothyroidism also causes high cholesterol and nerve damage.
An overactive thyroid gland leads to hyperthyroidism, an abnormally high level of thyroid hormone. An autoimmune condition called Graves’ disease often causes hyperthyroidism, but the condition also develops due to thyroid nodules.
Hyperthyroidism causes symptoms such as:
When hyperthyroidism goes untreated, you’re at risk of developing osteoporosis.
Thyroid nodules are small lumps containing fluid or thyroid tissue. Most nodules are not cancerous, but they can enlarge and produce thyroid hormones. As a result, you’ll develop hyperthyroidism or a goiter.
After reviewing your medical history and performing a physical exam, Dr. Falahati may order blood tests, a thyroid ultrasound to identify thyroid nodules, or a basal metabolic rate measurement. These diagnostic tests are all done in the office, so you don’t have to travel to another medical center and you’ll have quick ultrasound results.
The primary treatment for hypothyroidism is hormone replacement therapy to restore normal blood levels and reverse your symptoms. Hyperthyroidism treatment begins with medication to shrink the size of the thyroid gland or to lower hormone production.
If a nodule is diagnosed, Dr. Falahati performs a fine needle aspiration. After withdrawing a small sample of the tissue in the nodule, it’s examined to be sure it’s not cancerous. Dr. Falahati may recommend surgery to remove the nodule, depending on its size, if it’s producing hormones, or if the cells appear abnormal.
To get exceptional treatment for thyroid problems, call Utah Endocrinology Associates or schedule an appointment online.
