What Dr Do You See For Thyroid Problems

Find The Right Doctor

Identifying the signs that you need to see an endocrinologist is one thing, but finding a suitable doctor to treat your condition is another. Make sure you find a doctor who is conveniently locatedsomeone you can reach quickly in an emergency and with whom you feel comfortable. Dr. Philip Rabito is considered among the best endocrinologists in New York City. He has extensive training and experience in diagnosing and treating thyroid disorders.

Surgical Treatment For Cancerous Thyroid Conditions

As explained earlier, treatment techniques for thyroid conditions depend on the nature of the condition and whether ENT specialists are required. Ultrasound scans give ENT professionals a better understanding of the patients thyroid situation and whether surgical procedures are necessary. Also, thyroid biopsy and surgery are safe options once medical examinations reveal more information about the condition. When you visit ENT specialists, they will usually take you through thyroid function tests, thyroid scans and ultrasonography.

All the above procedures are followed to verify whether the thyroid nodules are cancerous. Cancerous thyroid conditions often require entirely different treatment options.

On the other hand, benign thyroid nodules require hormone suppression therapy to correct the disorders. There are also anti-thyroid medications such as methimazole that effectively treat some categories of patients thyroid conditions. Assuming your nodule size is relatively small, an ENT doctor may give you some time to wait so that they can monitor the growth of the tissue.

Pros Of Radiologists: Imaging And Diagnosis Using Thyroid Scan And Thyroid Function Tests

• Thyroid scans can provide detailed images of the nodules, allowing radiologists to accurately diagnose the condition.
• Thyroid function tests can help determine if the nodules are producing hormones, which can be important for determining treatment options.
• Radiologists can provide guidance on which type of surgery may be necessary to remove the nodule.
• Working with a radiologist for thyroid nodule care can help ensure that you receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment for your condition.

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What Is The Thyroid And What Does It Do

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the lower portion of the front of the neck, just above the collarbone.

The thyroid affects various organs in the body, Dr. Mary Vouyiouklis Kellis, an endocrinologist at Cleveland Clinic, told Newsweek. It can control temperature regulation, metabolism, gastrointestinal health, heart health, and bone and brain health.

How To Find A Thyroid Doctor

There are many ways to find healthcare providers to consider, but personal recommendations are a great place to start. If you have friends or family members with thyroid problems, you can ask about their experiences. Online thyroid communities may also yield suggestions of healthcare providers who treat thyroid disease in your area. People in these forums are often passionate about thyroid conditions and familiar with the healthcare providers who are, too.

To broaden your search even further, consider referencing databases provided by professional organizations, which allow you to search by specialty and location:

• The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists

If you have thyroid cancer, especially an uncommon type such as anaplastic thyroid cancer, you may need to travel to a larger cancer center to find a specialist who is considered a thyroid cancer expert.

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Insurance Vs Cash Pay

You should be aware that many of the best doctors typically do not accept insurance for their services.

This can be a frustrating thing to hear for many patients but that is the reality of the situation right now.

The reason is simple:

Insurance usually compensates doctors based on complexity and time. In order to get the most out of that time, doctors need to see a huge number of patients every single day.

To meet the demands of staff and salary this usually means no more than 5-10 minutes per patient per day.

Its just simply not possible to have a meaningful conversation about eating habits, exercise routines, how someone is feeling, and diving deep into a complex medical history in that timeframe.

But you certainly can look at the TSH and adjust thyroid medication as necessary in 5-10 minutes.

So guess what happens?

Doctors lean towards the quick visit with minor adjustments to thyroid medication and neglect the other more important areas mentioned above.

Doctors that break free of the insurance reimbursement model can spend much more time with thyroid patients.

When I was practicing, my initial visit was 60 minutes and every follow up visit was 30 minutes. I also ensured that I didnt overload my total patient list so that I could spend enough time with each of my patients.

And this isnt uncommon! Other practitioners spend up to 90 minutes or more on initial visits so they can really understand their patients.

Thyroid Nodules And Treatment: Get The Facts

For many patients, being told they have athyroid nodule instantly raises red flags. DoI have cancer? Will I need surgery? Should I be worried?

The answer to these questions is usually, butnot always, no. Thyroid nodules are lumps that form within your thyroid, abutterfly shaped gland located at the base of your neck. Nodules can be solidor contain a variable amount of fluid. If they are completely fluid-filled,they are called thyroid cysts.

Thyroid nodules are more common in womencompared to men and more likely to occur as you get older. The exact reason whysome people get thyroid nodules and others dont is not known, but nodules tendto run in families.

Most thyroid nodules are benign and cause no problems if left untreated. However, approximately 5 to 10 percent of thyroid nodules are cancerous but even then, a patient might not need surgery right away because most thyroid cancers grow slowly.

If you have been diagnosed with a thyroid nodule, the first step is to see an endocrinologist a doctor who specializes in conditions of the endocrine glands, such as the thyroid.

Most thyroid nodules are benign and cause no problems if left untreated. However, approximately 5 to 10 percent of thyroid nodules are cancerous but even then, a patient might not need surgery right away because most thyroid cancers grow slowly.

Iram Hussain, M.D.

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Who Treats Thyroid Disease

Several types of healthcare providers can play a role in managing thyroid disease and its symptoms. Some people only see one healthcare provider for thyroid-related issues, while others have a medical team they work with to manage their disease. The types of healthcare providers you may want to consider include:

• Primary care doctors
• Holistic thyroid practitioners, including naturopaths and chiropractors

What Does A Ted Specialist Do

TED Specialists will often:

• Conduct a baseline eye exam to test your vision and make note of all your symptoms. If your eyes are bulging, your TED Specialist may use a tool called an exophthalmometer to measure how far they are bulging
• Conduct additional eye exams to see how your Thyroid Eye Disease is changing over time
• Create a TED treatment plan, which could include:

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When To See A Thyroid Specialist

Tamara Wexler, MD, PhD, an endocrinologist at NYU Langone Health in New York City recommends seeing an endocrinologist at least once when youre first diagnosed with hypothyroidism to review your condition, your test results, and your treatment plan. After one or two visits, you may not need to keep seeing him or her regularly, she says. Thats when your primary care doctor can usually take over.

Other times it’s smart to see an endocrinologist are when:

Symptoms of hypothyroidism dont get better despite treatment. If you’ve been taking medication to replace your thyroid hormone for a while but your symptoms persist, you might want to see an endocrinologist for a second opinion, says Cathy Doria-Medina, MD, an endocrinologist with HealthCare Partners Medical Group in Torrance, California. Some people with hypothyroidism have a more difficult time finding the concentration of thyroid hormone medication that works best for them. In these situations, a specialist often can help, she says.

You have a thyroid nodule or lump. Your thyroid gland is located in the front of your neck, just below your voice box. If you have a lump, nodule, or other growth on your thyroid, an endocrinologist should examine it. Most are harmless , but once in a while a more serious change is happening. Five percent of thyroid nodules are cancerous, according to the Cleveland Clinic. And sometimes though its rare thyroid nodules actually cause hypothyroidism.

What Foods Are Bad For Thyroid

Foods that are bad for the thyroid gland include foods from the cabbage family, soy, fried foods, wheat, foods high in caffeine, sugar, fluoride and iodine. The thyroid gland is a shield-shaped gland located in your neck. It secretes the hormones T3 and T4 that control the metabolism of every cell in the body.

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Diagnosis Of An Underactive Thyroid Function Is Made Based On A Combination Of Thyroid Blood Test Results Symptoms And Several Other Factors

is evaluated and diagnosed by a physician, usually an endocrinologist or your primary care doctor. Symptoms, signs, andmore criticallyblood tests are taken into consideration when evaluating the possibility of an underactive , all of which help identify the cause and severity of the disease.

A diagnosis is reached after a thorough review of the patients personal medical and family histories, any risk factors, findings on physical examination, and the results of . There are several types of hormones checked in a blood test to assess your thyroid statusthe most definitive one is the . Often, physicians may decide to check the free , or T4, free T4 index, or total T4 to aid in the diagnosis.

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Do You Need To See An Endocrinologist For Your Thyroid Disease

Thyroid disease is often managed by hormone specialists called endocrinologists and thyroidologists, but some primary care doctors diagnose and manage it as well. Other healthcare practitioners, such as naturopaths and chiropractors, can provide complementary treatments.

The main types of thyroid disease are:

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The First Step Find The Right Type Of Doctor

If you have any thyroid condition then you know just how frustrating it can be trying to get your doctor to see eye to eye with you.

While doctors have undergone training to help people with various types of problems, it isnt always the case that whatever doctor you are seeing is the best option for you.

And, as a thyroid patient, you may not be aware that there are MANY options available to you.

You dont have to stick with your primary care doctor or your endocrinologist, especially if they dont seem to be helping you.

There are doctors that specialize in other areas of medicine that are often better at treating hormone imbalances such as thyroid problems.

So if your doctor really isnt willing to work with you or isnt interested in hearing about your problems, you do NOT need to settle.

But before you run out and swap doctors, lets talk a look at the various options available.

In this article you will learn:

• How conventional doctors differ from integrative doctors
• How various types of doctors can help treat and manage thyroid problems
• Why some doctors are better at managing thyroid problems compared to others
• When you should look outside of the traditional insurance based model
• How naturopaths, chiropractors, and health coaches can help you feel better

Foods to Avoid if you Have Thyroid Problems:

Ive found that these 10 foods cause the most problems for thyroid patients. Learn which foods you should avoid if you have thyroid disease of any type.

What Type Of Doctor Treats Hashimotos Disease

You may be asking yourself, what are the top doctors for Hashimotos disease near me? Or, which specialist for Hashimotos disease should I choose?

Figuring out what type of doctor to see for your Hashimotos thyroiditis can be a little confusing, as there is more than one type of doctor who can treat and manage this condition.

Doctors specializing in Hashimotos disease come down to two types: a primary care doctor and an endocrinologist .

Primary doctor

Primary doctors are your first point of contact for an undiagnosed health problem and the continued management of various health disorders.

Endocrinologist

Endocrinologists are doctors who have special training in diagnosing and treating endocrine system disorders, including Hashimotos disease.

The endocrine system makes up your organs and glands that make hormones. These disorders include infertility, diabetes, along with adrenal, pituitary, and other thyroid gland issues like hyperthyroidism.

Along with performing a medical examination and taking your complete medical history, diagnostic procedures for this condition may include blood testing to detect levels of thyroid antibodies and thyroid hormones. Usually, a primary care doctor can manage this condition.

Your doctor may prescribe you a synthetic thyroid hormone replacement drug to help replace what your body isnt producing. However, there are times when youll need to see a thyroid specialist and/or receive a second opinion.

When to get a second opinion

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Endocrinologists: Your First Line Of Defense

An endocrinologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the endocrine system, which includes the thyroid gland. Endocrinologists are experts in understanding how hormones affect the body and can help diagnose and treat thyroid nodules. They can also provide guidance on lifestyle changes that may help manage symptoms associated with thyroid nodules, such as fatigue or weight gain. Additionally, they can order tests to determine if the nodules are cancerous or benign, and recommend treatment options such as medication or surgery.

In addition to consulting with an endocrinologist, blood tests and a thyroid scan may be recommended to further evaluate the nodules. Blood tests can help determine if the nodules are producing hormones, while a thyroid scan can provide images of the nodules. The majority of thyroid nodules are benign and do not require treatment however, if they are found to be cancerous or growing rapidly, then surgery may be necessary to remove them. Thyroid cells can also be tested for genetic abnormalities that could indicate a higher risk of developing cancer in the future. With expert care from an endocrinologist and other specialists, you can get the help you need to manage your condition and improve your quality of life.

What To Consider In Your Personal And Family Medical Histories

Its important to give your physician as many details as possible about your personal medical history, as well as family history . Be sure to discuss:

• Your general state of healthparticularly any changes you have noticed in your general overall health.

• Your familys health historyespecially if a close relative has been diagnosed with hypothyroidism .

• Whether youve ever had , or radiation to your neck to treat cancer.

• Any medicines you may be taking that could cause hypothyroidism .

Hashimotos disease can slowly progress over many years, and you may not experience symptoms at all.

But, eventually, your thyroid hormone production will decline and lead to any of the symptoms below:

• Heavy or irregular menstrual cycles

When to see a medical professional about your symptoms

Hashimotos disease symptoms arent always specific to just that condition and can vary from person to person.

Since different conditions can also cause these symptoms, its essential you see your doctor immediately to receive a timely and proper diagnosis.

Thyroid disease-related emergencies dont occur often, but they can occur. For example, extremely severe and untreated hypothyroidism can lead to hypothyroid coma . This is an endocrine emergency that requires urgent care.

When theres a thyroid hormone deficiency, HC is typically triggered by various factors,³ such as:

• Congestive heart failure

HC accounts for around 0.1% of hypothyroid patients³ in hospital. It especially affects women who are older than 60.

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Surgeons: When Surgery Is Necessary

Surgeons play an important role in the treatment of thyroid nodules. If a nodule is found to be cancerous, or if it is causing symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or breathing, then surgery may be necessary. Surgeons can remove the entire thyroid gland or just part of it . They can also perform minimally invasive procedures such as radiofrequency ablation and cryotherapy to shrink the size of the nodules. It is important to consult with your doctor to determine which type of surgery is best for you.

When considering surgery for thyroid nodules, it is important to understand the risks associated with the procedure. Your doctor may recommend a physical exam to evaluate your overall health and determine if you are a good candidate for surgery. Additionally, it is important to consult with your primary care doctor to discuss any potential risks or complications that could arise from the procedure. With expert care from an endocrinologist, surgeon, and primary care doctor, you can get the help you need to manage your condition and improve your quality of life.

Signs Its Time To See An Endocrinologist For Your Thyroid Disorder

Thyroid conditions can have far-reaching effects all over the body and result in serious deterioration of health. Knowing the signs its time to see an endocrinologist for your thyroid disorder can save you from serious illnesses and long-term debilitating conditions. Be aware of your body, its functions, and how it responds to stimuli that information can be invaluable when discussing possible treatment for your thyroid.

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Types Of Thyroid Problems

Thyroid issues broadly fall within two categories of disordersabnormal function and abnormal growth in the gland, explains the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Functional disorders see the thyroid produce either too little or too much thyroid hormones. When nodules in the thyroid are too large, they can sometimes put pressure on the neck and cause swallowing, breathing, or speaking issues. The thyroid typically functions normally even when nodules are present in the gland, says the CDC.

• Hyperthyroidism: When your thyroid produces more thyroid hormones than your body needs. thyroid nodules that produce excess thyroid hormone
• Hypothyroidism: When your thyroid does not produce sufficient thyroid hormones.
• Thyroid nodules: Lumps in the thyroid gland. “Benign nodules in the thyroid gland are common and do not usually cause serious health problems. These nodules occur when the cell growth within the nodule is abnormal,” says the CDC.
• Goiter: An enlargement of the thyroid gland.
• Thyroiditis: Swelling of the thyroid. This inflammation can result in thyroid dysfunction that typically resolves on its own, said Vouyiouklis Kellis.
• Thyroid cancer.