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Thyroid Disorder services offered in Richmond, TX
The thyroid gland is critical in regulating vital bodily functions, so any abnormalities can have considerable adverse effects. At Fusion Primary Care and Wellness in Richmond, Texas, Zunaira Gul, MD, provides comprehensive thyroid disorder diagnosis, management, and treatment. Their personalized care and support help people with thyroid problems achieve optimal health and well-being. Call Fusion Primary Care and Wellness today or use the online booking form to request a thyroid disorder evaluation.
Thyroid Disorder Q & A
What are thyroid disorders?
The thyroid (a gland at the front of your neck) produces hormones your body needs for various functions, including regulating metabolism and energy levels.
Thyroid disorders develop when the thyroid gland doesn’t work properly. The two primary thyroid disorders are hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
Hypothyroidism
This disorder results from an underactive thyroid gland. The result is a slow metabolism, causing symptoms like fatigue, hair loss, weight gain, temperature sensitivity, and constipation. The leading cause is an autoimmune condition, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Hyperthyroidism
In contrast to hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism is where your thyroid gland produces excessive quantities of hormones. This results in an accelerated metabolism, with common symptoms including weight loss, anxiety, heat intolerance, rapid heartbeat, and tremors. The leading cause is Graves’ disease, another autoimmune condition.
Other disorders affecting the thyroid gland include thyroid nodules (abnormal growths) and thyroid cancer.
How are thyroid disorders diagnosed?
To diagnose thyroid disorder symptoms, your Fusion Primary Care and Wellness provider completes a physical exam, takes your medical and family history, and discusses your symptoms.
They take blood for thorough thyroid function analysis at the practice’s onsite lab. Blood tests measure your thyroid hormone levels (T3, T4, and TSH) to identify abnormalities.
You might also need imaging studies and/or a fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy, where your provider extracts a thyroid tissue sample for lab testing.
Thyroid disorders are often incurable but treatable. Early diagnosis and correct management effectively control symptoms and improve quality of life.
How is a thyroid disorder treated?
Thyroid disorder treatment varies depending on your condition and its severity. Options include:
Medication management
Patients with hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism receive personalized medication management plans. Your plan would include antithyroid medications for hyperthyroidism or thyroid hormone replacement therapy for hypothyroidism.
Thyroid cancer management
If you have thyroid cancer, the Fusion Primary Care and Wellness team works closely with oncologists (cancer specialists) to deliver optimal results. Your treatment plan might include radioactive iodine therapy, surgery, and/or chemotherapy.
Lifestyle modifications
Your provider offers guidance on lifestyle modifications to support thyroid health, such as learning stress management techniques and making dietary changes.
How often you need thyroid function testing depends on your medical history, symptoms, and general health. People with diagnosed thyroid disorders require regular monitoring, while those with no symptoms need less frequent testing.
Call Fusion Primary Care and Wellness to arrange a thyroid disorder assessment or request an appointment online today.