Frequently asked questions

What is a thyroid and what does it do?

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The thyroid gland is the most important gland in terms of its size, location, and function. It is located in the neck, just below the larynx, and is divided into two lobes (right and left) and one isthmus by the thyroid cartilage. The thyroid gland is stimulated by thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) from the pituitary to produce hormones that regulate the growth of the body, thyroxine (T4), and triiodothyronine (T3- most active hormone). The thyroid hormones are essential for maintaining the growth, development, and metabolic functions of the body.

When should I consider visiting a thyroid specialist near me?

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You can consider booking an appointment with a thyroid specialist if you are suffering from:

1. Hypothyroidism- Thyroid hormone synthesis is insufficient in hypothyroidism. It is more common in females. Fatigue, lack of focus, constipation, dry skin, depression, and other thyroid symptoms in females can be caused by Hashimoto's thyroiditis, thyroid hormone resistance, and acute thyroiditis, among other things.

2. Hyperthyroidism- Thyroid hormone production is excessive in hyperthyroidism. Nervousness, tremors, weight loss, an elevated heart rate, and heat intolerance are some of the symptoms. Graves disease, multinodular goitre, and high iodine consumption are some of the causes.

3. Goitre - Thyroid gland enlargement is known as goitre.

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4. Thyroid nodules - Nodules, lumps, or abnormal masses in the thyroid gland are known as thyroid nodules.

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5. Thyroid Cancer - There are several forms of thyroid cancers, each with a different prognosis and treatment options. The survival rate is great, especially when the disease is detected early on by thyroid specialists.

How will the thyroid doctor near me diagnose my problem?

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Thyroid specialists help us to diagnose the type of various thyroid problems through these tests:

• Blood test for Thyroid- TSH , T3, and T4 levels are usually measured using a blood test. Comparing this TSH test result with TSH normal range will help to identify the primary thyroid disorder. Sometimes if you are having thyroid symptoms with normal TSH levels, your thyroid specialist will suggest going for free T3 (FT3) & free T4 (FT4). Thyroid antibody tests like thyroid peroxidase autoantibody (TPO Ab) and thyroglobulin autoantibody (TG Ab). This can help your thyroid specialist in differentiating benign thyroids or thyroid cancer from Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

• USG (Ultrasound) - The thyroid gland is measured in different views like normal, hypo-, hyperechoic, etc. This test is used to look for nodules, cysts, or calcification of the thyroid.

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• Imaging scans - CT and/or MRI are used to check abnormalities at thyroid hospitals, which cannot be seen using blood tests. They can also be done if you don’t have thyroid problems.

• Thyroid Nuclear Scans - Radioiodine Scan is done to check for cancer of the thyroid gland, particularly to differentiate between benign and malignant lesions. This test uses radioactive iodine to assess thyroid function.

• FNAC or Biopsy - is another term for fine-needle aspiration. It is done to get a tissue sample that may then be sent to a lab to be examined for malignant cells. This test will be done if the results of the scans show a problem with the thyroid gland.

• Cytology - This involves studying the cells in the fluid taken from the biopsy.

What is the Treatment for Thyroid Disorders?

• Thyroid Medications: Medications that act to balance the thyroid hormone levels are called thyroid medications. The medications are taken internally in pill form. They can be prescribed by a thyroid doctor to treat hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.  It is also used in thyroiditis treatment and help the thyroid do its job.

• Radioactive iodine treatment: It is usually used in resistant cases of hyperthyroidism. If you have cancer of the thyroid, this may be also considered.

• Thyroid Surgery: In the case of hyperthyroidism, thyroid surgery may be helpful. Your thyroid doctor may operate on the thyroid to remove excess tissue, which may then restore normal thyroid tissue growth. Graves' disease, for example, can be treated with a partial or whole thyroidectomy.

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What is LDN therapy for autoimmune thyroiditis treatment?

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Low-dose naltrexone (LDN) is a drug used for autoimmune thyroiditis, which is a condition where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. The LDN inhibits the production of antibodies and T cells responsible for attacking the thyroid gland, thereby helping to reduce or stop the destruction of the gland. Many patients see an improvement in their symptoms with LDN therapy.