The thyroid helps regulate many body functions, including metabolism, temperature, heart rhythm, and energy use. When thyroid hormone levels are too high, too low, or disrupted by another thyroid condition, symptoms can show up in different ways.
PACT Endocrinology provides thyroid specialist care in Connecticut for patients who need help reviewing symptoms, understanding test results, and managing thyroid disease over time.
Thyroid disease refers to a group of conditions that affect how the thyroid gland works. The thyroid is a small gland located at the front of the neck, but its hormones play a major role throughout the body.
Some thyroid problems affect hormone production. Others involve changes in the size, shape, or structure of the gland. A person may have an underactive thyroid, an overactive thyroid, autoimmune thyroid disease, thyroid nodules, or another related condition.
Because thyroid symptoms can be easy to mistake for other health concerns, medical evaluation is important when symptoms persist.
Hypothyroidism means the thyroid is not making enough thyroid hormone. This can slow certain body functions and may lead to tiredness, weight gain, dry skin, constipation, or increased sensitivity to cold.
Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune thyroid condition that can gradually lead to hypothyroidism. Many patients need ongoing lab monitoring and medication review as hormone levels change.
Hyperthyroidism means the thyroid is making too much hormone. This can speed up certain body functions and may cause a fast heartbeat, sweating, nervousness, weight loss, shakiness, or difficulty sleeping.
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune condition that is often linked to hyperthyroidism. It may also affect the eyes in some patients and usually requires specialty evaluation.
Thyroid nodules are growths or lumps within the thyroid gland. Many nodules are not cancerous, but they may need ultrasound review, lab testing, monitoring, or biopsy depending on their features.
A goiter is an enlarged thyroid gland. It may develop because of hormone changes, nodules, autoimmune disease, or other thyroid-related factors.
Thyroid disease symptoms are not always obvious at first. Some people notice gradual changes. Others may only learn they have a thyroid concern after routine blood work.
Symptoms may include:
These symptoms can have many causes. A thyroid specialist can review whether thyroid disease may be part of the picture.
Thyroid disease diagnosis usually starts with a conversation about symptoms, medical history, family history, medications, and prior lab results. Your provider may also examine the neck to check for thyroid enlargement, tenderness, or nodules.
Testing may include:
Blood tests can show how well the thyroid is working. Common tests include TSH, free T4, and sometimes free T3.
Antibody testing may be used when autoimmune thyroid disease is suspected. This can help identify conditions such as Hashimoto’s disease or Graves’ disease.
A thyroid ultrasound creates images of the gland. It may be recommended if there is neck swelling, thyroid enlargement, nodules, or abnormal findings on exam.
If a thyroid nodule has certain features, your provider may recommend follow-up imaging, biopsy, or referral for additional review.
Thyroid problems treatment may include:
Thyroid care often changes over time. Regular follow-up care allows your provider to track patterns, review symptoms, and adjust the care plan when appropriate.
Review common thyroid disorders, symptoms, testing, and treatment options.
Read about autoimmune thyroid disease, hypothyroidism, lab monitoring, and medication management.
Explore overactive thyroid function, Graves’ disease, symptoms, testing, and treatment options.
If you have thyroid disease symptoms, abnormal lab results, or questions about thyroid problems treatment, PACT Endocrinology can help you take the next step.
Common signs include fatigue, weight changes, temperature sensitivity, changes in heart rate, mood swings, hair thinning, dry skin, digestive changes, menstrual changes, and neck swelling.
Thyroid problems are usually diagnosed through blood tests. Your provider may also recommend antibody testing or a thyroid ultrasound, depending on your symptoms and exam findings.
Common thyroid diseases include hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s disease, hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease, thyroid nodules, and goiter.
You may want to see a thyroid specialist if you have abnormal thyroid labs, ongoing symptoms, a thyroid nodule, autoimmune thyroid disease, or concerns about thyroid medication.
Many thyroid conditions can be treated or monitored with medication, lab testing, imaging, and follow-up care. Treatment depends on the specific thyroid condition and how it affects your body.
PACT, LLC & PACT MSO, LLC
322 East Main Street, Suite 1B
Branford, CT 06405
PACT, LLC & PACT MSO, LLC
322 East Main Street, Suite 1B
Branford, CT 06405
