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.
Thyroid & Diabetes The Focus Of An Endocrinologist
From an interview on Good Morning Pee Dee with Aundrea Loftley, MD McLeod Endocrinology Associates
An endocrinologist is a specialist dealing with hormone imbalances in the body primarily thyroid issues and diabetes.
THYROID ISSUES TOO MUCH, TOO LITTLE
The thyroid is a powerful gland, says McLeod Endocrinologist Aundrea Loftley, MD. It sits at the center of our neck and its tiny. Yet, the thyroid controls everything from the way we think to our metabolism and how our heart contracts.
Many people spend their lives barely aware that they have a thyroid. Yet, a large portion of the population has to deal with a gland thats overactive or underactive .
Sometimes, the thyroid irregularity is triggered by your bodys own immune system, says Dr. Loftley. Other times it can be induced by medications or exposures . There are a number of symptoms, although none are unique to the thyroid gland. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, see your personal physician for initial testing and a referral can be made if lab abnormalities are detected.
Signs of thyroid trouble include:
Sudden weight gain or loss.Sudden onset of diarrhea or constipation.Hand tremor.Memory problems in someone who is a highly functioning individual.Other, less common symptoms, include: Chest pain, heart palpitations and unusual anxiety.DIABETES
There are several types of diabetes.
The three types that we see most often are:
ACTION YOU CAN TAKE
For more information on these topics:
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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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.
Types Of Thyroid Healthcare Providers
There are two types of healthcare providers who may specialize in any area of medicinemedical doctors and osteopathic physicians . Osteopathic physicians undergo training very similar to that of medical doctors, and the two are considered equal with regard to the ability to care for and treat patients. Some may specialize in endocrine conditions, like thyroid disease, while others may care for patients with these concerns as well as others.
With some thyroid conditions, your family healthcare provider may be your best choice for your care, whereas, with others, you may need to see an endocrinologist or a surgeon who specializes in treating thyroid cancer.
MDs and DOs who may treat thyroid disease include:
Also Check: How To Fix Thyroid Problems Naturally
Thyroid Nodule Treatment Options
Most nodules, benign or cancerous, are not an immediate health risk. However, as with most conditions, treating the issue early is less intensive and less invasive than waiting until it becomes serious.
The treatment your endocrinologist recommends will depend upon the nodule characteristics:
If you are diagnosed with a thyroid nodule, dont panic. The majority of thyroid nodules are benign, and most do not require surgery. See an endocrinologist to find the most effective treatment option for you and to get your questions answered.
To find out whether you or a loved one might benefit from a thyroid exam or a second opinion, call or request an appointment online.
Evaluating Your Current Healthcare Provider
Once you see a healthcare provider for your thyroid condition, it’s a good idea to step back and decide whether or not this is the healthcare provider you wish to continue seeing.
Having a list of questions to ask yourself can sometimes make this decision a bit more objective. You probably won’t be able to get everything you want in one thyroid doctor, so it’s helpful to decide what is most important to you, as well as what is realistic.
Also Check: If Thyroid Levels Are High
When To See An Endocrinologist For Thyroid Disorders
by Magnolia Endocrinology | Jul 30, 2020 | Endocrinology
Through the hormone it produces, the thyroid influences almost all of the important processes in your body, including breathing, heart rate, digestion, and temperature. These systems fluctuate depending on the amount of thyroid hormone being secreted. Problems occur if the thyroid makes too much or too little hormone. When functioning improperly, the thyroid can cause a range of problems, including drastic changes to your weight, energy, digestion, or mood.
Mrs. Temple Simpson, MPAS, PA-C, an endocrinology PA at Magnolia Endocrinology, recommends seeing an endocrinology provider when youre first diagnosed with a thyroid disorder to review and understand your condition, your test results, and your treatment plan. Patients benefit from an endocrinology visit to ensure their diagnosis is accurate and the treatment plan will achieve maximum resolution of symptoms, says Temple Simpson. We opened Magnolia Endocrinology to provide rapid access to an endocrinology provider as well as the benefits provided by our advanced treatment technologies. We believe that listening to the patient is an important component of our highly experienced teams successful outcomes.
We recommend seeing an endocrinologist for these additional concerns if:
Some common symptoms that can perpetuate if you have untreated or improperly treated hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism include:
Medical School: Medical University of SC, Charleston SC
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.
Recommended Reading: Thyroid Cancer In The Neck
When You May Want To See An Endocrinologist
If you need an oncologist or a surgeon, you will know it, as either, you will have a diagnosis of thyroid cancer or a thyroidectomy will have already been recommended to you.
When that’s not the case, you may assume that an endocrinologist is a better choice for you than your primary care healthcare provider or OB/GYN. Endocrinologists specialize in the endocrine system, but not everyone with a thyroid condition needs to see one of these specialists. This is fortunate as there is currently a significant shortage of endocrinologists in the United States.
With conditions such as autoimmune hypothyroidism, people may actually receive better care from another specialist simply because they are able to see them more regularly many endocrinologists’ appointments are booked far into the future or they are not taking any new patients.
However, in certain circumstances and when particular conditions are already diagnosed , seeing an endocrinologist is a good idea:
- Symptoms of hypothyroidism persist despite “normal” lab tests
- TSH fluctuates unpredictably
- Heart disease along with a thyroid problem
An initial evaluation with an endocrinologist may also be helpful for those with new-onset Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and for those who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant with thyroid disease .
If you do see an endocrinologist, it’s important to find one who specializes in thyroid disease rather than another endocrine condition such as diabetes.
Choosing A Healthcare Provider
Once you know what type of healthcare provider you wish to see, there are several things to consider before you make your appointment. This is an important decision for several reasons. Not only is thyroid disease something that often requires long-term care, but it isn’t always easy to treatand working to find an effective treatment can make a difference in outcomes.
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Not All Ophthalmologists Are Thyroid Eye Disease Specialists
While there are about 20,000 ophthalmologists in the U.S., most are not considered TED Specialists. Most TED Specialists have advanced training in one area of ophthalmology, such as surgical procedures. Below are the types of specialized ophthalmologists that you could see. While they may have different titles, what they have in common is experience treating TED.
When To Be More Proactive
Although most thyroid nodules are benign, some can harbor thyroid cancer. And some types of thyroid cancer are more aggressive than others. You should be more proactive in seeing an endocrinologist if you have any of the following symptoms:
- A lump in your neck that appears to be growing
- Swelling or pain in the neck
- Persistent cough
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
Also see an endocrinologist if you have been diagnosed with a thyroid nodule and have any of the following risk factors for thyroid cancer:
- An immediate family member who was diagnosed with thyroid cancer
- Any kind of radiation exposure, especially to the head and neck area
Also Check: Doctors Who Specialize In Thyroid
Uses & Safety Information
Precautions
As with any prescription medication, talk to your doctor about any existing medical conditions, and let your doctor know immediately if you experience any side effects.
Tell your doctor if:
- You have any food or medicine allergies.
- Youre pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding.
- You are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medications, or if you start or stop any medications while on WP Thyroid® and Nature-Throid®.
- You suffer from any medical conditions other than hypothyroidism, particularly heart disease, clotting disorders, or adrenal or pituitary gland problems.
- You have diabetes. Monitor your blood and/or urinary glucose levels as directed by your doctor and immediately report any changes.
- Youre taking anticoagulants .
- Let your dentist know you are taking WP Thyroid® and Nature-Throid® before any surgery.
- You experience any of the following symptoms: rapid or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, shortness of breath, leg cramps, headache, nervousness, irritability, sleeplessness, tremors, change in appetite, weight gain or loss, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating, heat intolerance, fever, changes in menstrual periods, hives, skin rash or any other unusual medical event.
Warnings: Dont Take For
WP Thyroidand Nature-ThroidTablets ARE PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call .
LINKS
Thyroid Disorders And Pregnancy
- Hyperthyroidism: Options during pregnancy include observation, medication or surgery . The choice depends on the cause and severity of the overactive thyroid
- Hypothyroidism : It is typically treated with an oral thyroid hormone
- Thyroid nodules: Treatment options include observation as well as further assessment with a fine needle aspiration biopsy
- Thyroid cancer: It may be observed, treated with thyroid hormone, or treated surgically. It is infrequently diagnosed during pregnancy
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When To Seek Out A Second Opinion
What if you are already working with a doctor and you arent sure what to do next?
I realize that its not always as easy as just finding a new doctor.
Looking for a new doctor takes a lot of work, it often requires extra time and energy, and may be quite expensive.
Because this task can be daunting, many thyroid patients are reluctant to do it!
I totally understand that perspective but let me ask you a few questions.
These questions should help you decide if your current doctor is worth sticking with or if its time to try someone else:
Has your current doctor helped you to feel better in any way?
Does your current doctor actually listen to you?
Does your current doctor take your symptoms seriously?
Does your doctor dismiss your symptoms or suggest that they are in your head or due to depression or due to aging?
Does your current doctor look at more than just your lab tests?
Does your current doctor support you in seeking out additional information on the internet or from other sources?
Does your current doctor support you if you want to take a natural approach to manage your thyroid?
Does your current doctor support the use of thyroid support supplements?
Does your doctor actually know and remember who you are? Are you more than just a chart or a number on a computer screen?
Is your doctor willing to look at new research and change their beliefs based on evidence?
Before you do anything, take some time to reflect on these questions.
Tests For Thyroid Disease
Your doctor may suspect thyroid disease if you experience some of the common symptoms, such as unexplained weight loss or gain, mood swings or depression, and fatigue. In many cases, abnormal thyroid levels may turn up when your doctor orders a blood test as part of a routine physical exam. Your doctor may order one of the following tests to confirm your diagnosis.
Read Also: Different Types Of Thyroid Tests
Be Your Own Best Advocate
TED is a serious disease that can get worse over time. Anyone living with a thyroid condition, like Graves’ disease, should pay attention to their eyes and seek help from a TED Specialist at the first signs of change.
“When describing eye symptoms to your doctor, remember to talk about how symptoms are affecting your life, like making it difficult to drive or spend time outdoors,” says Brown. “These details are really important and will help your doctor understand the full impact of the disease and how to best manage it.”
To find a nearby TED Specialist, visit TEDdoctors.com. This website also provides helpful information about TED, including the symptoms, risk factors and tips for tracking symptoms.
Horizon Therapeutics is focused on researching, developing and commercializing medicines that address critical needs for people impacted by rare and rheumatic diseases. Our pipeline is purposeful: we apply scientific expertise and courage to bring clinically meaningful therapies to patients. We believe science and compassion must work together to transform lives.
Finding The Right Specialist: Thyroid Eye Disease
What TED is and the specialists who can treat it
Editors note: This content is sponsored by Horizon Therapeutics.
Many people living with chronic disease refer to their experience as a journey, reflecting the ongoing nature of their condition and the different directions their lives may take. For people living with Thyroid Eye Disease , that journey can feel like a solo expedition in the dark, but the right medical specialists can act as guides to help navigate this complex disease.
TED is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the muscle and fat tissue behind the eye and causes it to become inflamed and swollen. TED often occurs in people who already have a thyroid disease, but sometimes the symptoms of TED will be the first reason someone visits their doctor’s office. TED is most commonly seen in patients living with Graves’ disease and despite these two conditions being distinct diseases that require different treatment, they often get confused. It can be especially confusing because up to 50% of people with Graves’ disease will also develop TED.
TED causes a range of symptoms, such as eye pain, redness, double vision, light sensitivity and eye bulging. Often, these symptoms are confused with allergies, dry eye, or other, less menacing conditions until they get worse and patients begin to experience long-term damage. That’s why it’s especially important for people with Graves’ disease or other thyroid conditions to take their symptoms seriously.
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