What does the thyroid do?
Your thyroid is a small gland that sits at the front base of your neck. It is shaped like a butterfly with two distinct lobes connected by a thin band of tissue called an isthmus.
The thyroid gland produces several hormones. These thyroid hormones control several functions throughout your body, including growth and development, body temperature, brain development, and metabolism.
If your thyroid produces too much (hyperthyroidism) or too little (hypothyroidism) thyroid hormones, serious symptoms can develop.
What are some symptoms of thyroid conditions?
Thyroid problems can lead to a wide range of symptoms. Knowing what to look for can make it easier to know when to seek medical care.
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:
- Racing heartbeat
- Restlessness
- Anxiety
- Sleep disruptions
- Weight loss
- Muscle weakness
- Abnormally heavy sweating
- Irritability
Symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
- Fatigue
- Dry skin
- Weight gain
- Slow heart rate
- Depression
- Constipation
- Memory problems
Additional thyroid conditions include Graves’ disease, Hashimoto’s disease, thyroid nodules, and goiter, an enlarged thyroid gland. Hoarseness and voice changes could be a sign of thyroid nodules.
The team at ENT of New Orleans offers comprehensive diagnostic services for all types of thyroid conditions. The process usually includes blood tests to measure your current thyroid hormone levels.
A physical exam can usually detect the presence of a neck mass or thyroid mass. In some cases, imaging procedures like a CT scan, MRI, or ultrasound will be needed to get a better understanding of your condition.
What are some treatments for thyroid issues?
Medications can play a role in your treatment. Some drugs reduce thyroid hormone production. If your thyroid is not producing enough hormones, a synthetic version can be used to supplement your natural hormones.
Carefully controlled application of radioactive iodine is a good way to reduce the size of an enlarged thyroid gland. Radiation can shrink an enlarged thyroid. In some cases, surgery is the best option to treat a diseased thyroid gland.
To learn more about these and other treatments for thyroid problems, call the office to book an appointment or try the easy online scheduling tool.
We see patients all throughout the Greater New Orleans area. Call us to book your appointment today.
