Thyroid Disorders Specialist
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Nabeel Khan, MD
Primary Care Practice located in Huntsville, TX
Around 20 million Americans have a thyroid disorder. But up to 60% of them don’t realize they have a problem because symptoms are often brushed off as a sign of aging. Board-certified internal medicine physician Nabeel Khan, MD, and his team diagnose thyroid disorders and provide personalized treatment plans at his practice in Huntsville, Texas. Call Dr. Khan today or schedule a consultation online if you have any signs of a thyroid disorder.
Thyroid Disorders
What are thyroid disorders?
Your thyroid is a small gland in your neck that produces thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones are essential to various body functions, including your metabolic rate; heart, muscle, and digestive function; and brain and bone development.
Thyroid disorders interfere with hormone production, leading to hyper- or hypoactivity. Common thyroid disorders include:
- Graves’ disease
- Hashimoto’s disease
- Thyroiditis
- Thyroid nodules
- Thyroid cancer
You could also have excessive or insufficient iodine levels. Pituitary gland problems, diabetes, and other autoimmune disorders can also cause thyroid dysfunction.
What are the warning signs of thyroid disorders?
Thyroid disorder symptoms vary depending on whether your thyroid is hyper- or hypoactive. Signs of a hyperactive thyroid include:
- Unintentional weight loss
- Insomnia
- Anxiety, irritability, and nervousness
- Enlarged thyroid or goiter
- Muscle weakness
- Irregular menstruation
- Vision problems
- Heat sensitivity
However, if your thyroid is underactive, you’re likely to gain weight and have trouble losing weight, as well as experience fatigue, heavy and frequent periods, dry skin and hair, and cold intolerance.
Many of these symptoms are easy to ignore as part of aging or a result of another disease. If you experience any of these signs of thyroid disorders, make an appointment to find out what’s causing your symptoms so you can get the help you need.
How are thyroid disorders diagnosed?
Dr. Khan usually begins a thyroid assessment with a physical exam and blood tests. The bloodwork measures your T3, T4, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. He may also recommend a thyroid ultrasound to check for nodules or other abnormal growths.
How are thyroid disorders treated?
Thyroid disorder treatment depends on whether your thyroid is hyper- or hypoactive. If you have an underactive thyroid, Dr. Khan can prescribe thyroid hormones to restore your hormonal balance. He may also suggest lifestyle changes to alleviate your symptoms.
Dr. Khan can also prescribe medication to treat a hyperactive thyroid. However, in some cases, you might need surgery or a radioactive iodine procedure to remove or damage your thyroid in part or whole to stop the overproduction of thyroid hormones.
If you have a treatment to stop thyroid production, Dr. Khan prescribes the appropriate thyroid hormones to restore normal body function and health.
You have regular follow-up appointments for Dr. Khan to monitor your health, symptoms, and hormone levels. He may need to adjust your treatment to optimize your health.
Call Nabeel A. Khan, MD, today or make an appointment online for expert and patient-focused diagnosis and treatment of thyroid disorders.
