Thyroid Disorders
Thyroidology
Thyroid disorders are common in the Eastern Tennessee area, affecting some 10-12% of the adult population. Some thyroid disorders run in families, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis; others may result from childhood or young adult exposure to radiation. Most diffuse thyroid disease is autoimmune in nature. Some disorders like thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer increase in prevalence with age.
Some Thyroid Disorders Treated at UDEC
- Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
- Lymphocytic Thyroiditis
- Postpartum Thyroioditis
- Silent Thyroioditis
- Subacute Thyroiditis
- Nodular Thyroid Disorders
- Primary & Secondary Hypothyroidism
- Thyroid Carcinoma
- Graves' Disease
- Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma
- Autoimmune Hyperthyroidism
- Longterm Cancer Survelliance & Management
- Secondary Hyperthyroidism
- Genetic & Familial Metabolic Thyroid Disorders
Symptoms of thyroid disease may be nonspecific, insidious, and may be mistaken for other medical problems.
Common Symptoms of Thyroid Dysfunction:
Hypothyroidism
- fatigue and increased sleep requirements
- dry skin and hair, Thickening of the nails with yellowing
- constipation
- memory loss and difficulty concentrating
- weight gain
- cold intolerance
Hyperthyroidism
- anxiety and tremor
- sweating
- smoothing of skin
- breakage of nails
- weight loss with increased appetite
- memory loss difficulty concentrating
- shortness of breath with exertion
- palpitations
- sleeplessness
- early morning awakening
Treatment of Thyroid Disorders
We understand that thyroid problems are as individual as you are. Moreover, in thyroiditis the thyroid levels can fluctuate, and may not always be within your own normal range. Optimal thyroid treatment keeps you at your mental and physical best while minimizing your cardiovascular risk and maximizing your lifespan.
Optimal Thyroid Treatment involves more than a thyroid pill. Longterm treatment should protect your body and mind against aging, protect your bones and your heart, and keep you at your best mentally and physically. At University Diabetes & Endocrine Consultants, treatment is based on your needs and sensitivities, and we make sure that you understand your condition and all of your options.
Our doctors use state-of-the-art high-frequency matrix array ultrasound to view and diagnose thyroid problems. Diagnostic procedures can be performed using noninvasive or minimally invasive techniques to:
- Assess and Characterize Thyroid Nodules
- Drain and Characterize Thyroid Cysts
- Perform Surveillance of Neck Nodes in Thyroid Cancer
- Localize and Characterize Parathyroid Disease