Austin Thyroid Endocrinology

Advancements in Endocrinology

The thyroid gland is located in the lower neck, above the breastbone on either side of the windpipe. Its function is to provide the body with thyroid hormones, chemicals that are essential for the normal function of each cell organ in the body. 

Thyroid pathology is very common. One in five people will develop a thyroid lump which needs medical attention. More than 20 million people in the US have an overactive or underactive thyroid, but half of them do not even know they have the disease. Even among those who know they have a thyroid condition, many are taking either too much or too little medication.

Thyroid problems manifest themselves as abnormalities of function or structure.

Structure abnormalities consist of goiter (an enlarged thyroid gland), and nodules or lumps. To rule out cancer, a thyroid fine needle aspiration is required (biopsy).

Function abnormalities comprise an overactive or an underactive thyroid. Both cause a variety of symptoms involving virtually every organ of the body, hence the difficulty in diagnosing the thyroid condition.

Thyroidology, the science of the thyroid, has undergone rapid development in the last years. For example, subclinical over- and underactive thyroid has been recently associated with bone loss, high cholesterol, heart problems, etc. Previously normal TSH levels are now under scrutiny.


Thyroid Symptoms
Symptoms suggestive of thyroid disease are:

    * weight loss
    * tremors
    * palpitations
    * nervousness
    * frequent bowel movements
    * tiredness
    * irregular menstrual periods
    * lump in the neck
    * enlargement of the thyroid gland
    * history of neck irradiation in childhood or adolescence (high risk of thyroid cancer),
    * history of a thyroid problem in the past

In addition, you are at high risk of having a thyroid problem if you

    * have any close relatives with  a history of thyroid disease
    * take insulin for diabetes
    * need vitamin B12 shots for anemia
    * have premature gray hair
    * have white skin patches (known as vitiligo)

The most common thyroid disorder is an underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism. This results when the thyroid fails to produce enough hormone. Less frequently, an overactive thyroid condition, or hyperthyroidism, occurs when the thyroid produces more thyroid hormone than is needed. If properly treated, patients with thyroid disorders lead normal, active lives. When left untreated, however, thyroid disorders can affect the patient's cardiovascular system, reproductive system and other major organs.

Endocrinology has seen major progress recently. Scientific research has led to changes in hormonal replacement therapies. We now know that each of us has a genetic set point for the thyroid hormone regulation. In other words, each of us is different, and whatever is normal for one person may not be normal for the next person.

Have you checked your hormone levels lately?

Get additional information about endocrinology here.