When all is going well, you probably don’t think too much about your thyroid. The hormones that this gland releases, however, contribute to many important bodily functions. These include, but are not limited to, breathing, controlling your heart rate, regulating your body temperature and maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder that attacks thyroid tissue, making it difficult or impossible for your thyroid to function properly. Fortunately, Hashimoto’s is easily treatable.

What is Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis?
In people with Hashimoto’s, the body turns on itself an attacks thyroid tissue in the same way it does bacteria and viruses. This causes the thyroid to become inflamed and irritated. Most people don’t feel any pain or discomfort in the thyroid area directly, but that doesn’t mean you won’t notice a problem. Inflamed thyroid tissue struggles to function and often can’t do so. As a result, the thyroid releases less of the hormones the body requires. This leads to a wide variety of problems and symptoms throughout the body, many of which you can easily mistake for something other than thyroid trouble.

Causes of Hashimoto’s
Doctors and scientists don’t know for sure what causes Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Some feel that bacteria and viruses trigger the condition while others blame genetic flaws. Women experience Hashimoto’s seven times more oftenthan men, suggesting that hormones may play a role. Other theories include excessive amounts of iodine in the body and radiation exposure. Age plays a role, as well, with most new cases of Hashimoto’s diagnosed in middle age.

Hashimoto’s Symptoms
In its early stages, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis often fails to cause any symptoms. You may also feel fine but notice unexplained swelling in your throat. You’re also likely to feel tired and run down. Other symptoms include:

• Puffiness in the face
• Difficulty getting and staying warm
• Constipation
• Brittle nails
• Hair loss
• Stiff joints
• Muscle weakness
• Enlargement of the tongue
• Unexplained weight gain
• Excessively long menstruation

As you can see, the symptoms of Hashimoto’s are quite varied and you can easily mistake some of them for other issues. This disease may also present as hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid gland) because the inflammation limits the thyroid’s ability to function. While these issues by themselves don’t always point to thyroid problems, it’s important to visit your doctor if you’re experiencing them. If your doctor can’t find the cause, it’s time to see an endocrinologist.

Diagnosis
Diagnosing Hashimoto’s thyroiditis requires medical testing. Your Tampa endocrinologist will perform blood test to check the amount of thyroid hormone in your blood. If your thyroid isn’t working properly because of Hashimoto’s, your thyroid hormone levels will test low while your pituitary hormone levels will read high. This happens because your pituitary gland will increase hormone production in an attempt to stimulate your thyroid and spur it to action.

Your doctor will also check your blood for certain antibodies. Antibodies are proteins that your body makes when you fight an infection. These antibodies attach bacteria and viruses to keep you safe and healthy. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an immune disorder in which your body will make antibodies that erroneously attack the body’s own tissue. Your doctor will look for specific thyroid-attacking antibodies as part of the diagnostic process.

Thyroid Treatment
In mild cases of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, your doctor may suggest doing nothing. So long as your thyroid continues functioning properly, he may see no reason to intervene. Instead, he’ll likely monitor you with periodic blood tests to keep an eye on your thyroid in case you need treatment in the future.

If you need treatment now, your doctor will prescribe synthetic hormones to boost your levels and restore balance in your body. You will receive this medication through a pill or as a periodic injection. Although you should expect to need this medication for the rest of your life, it will regulate your hormone without intrusive side effects or the need for surgery or more complicated treatments. When treatment begins, your endocrinologist will want to see you for a blood test in a few weeks to make sure your medication dosage is correct. After this initial dosage verification, you’ll likely need annual blood tests. If your Hashimotos’ progresses over time, your doctor will adjust your medication dosage as needed.

Complications
After a diagnosis of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, it’s crucial that you follow your endocrinologist’s instructions and take your medication as prescribed. Hashimoto’s is fairly easy to control with a drug regimen, but it can cause serious complications if left untreated. You could develop a large mass called a goiter in your throat. Goiters are unsightly and can interfere with swallowing and breathing. Because thyroid hormones help regulate cholesterol, a lack of them can increase your LDL (bad) cholesterol and lead to heart problems.

Pregnant women with uncontrolled Hashimoto’s experience an increase in the likelihood of birth defects and anyone can develop depression or other mental health issues. Although rare, people with untreated Hashimoto’s may also experience a life-threatening medical emergency known as myxedema. Triggered by stress on the body such as cold temperatures or infection, myxedema causes extreme drowsiness and lethargy followed by unconsciousness and possible death.

Although Hashimoto’s disease can cause serious problems and complications if left untreated, it’s easy to diagnose with simple blood tests and just as easy to treat. if you’re feeling under the weather and can’t figure out why, visit a local Tampa endocrinologist to check your thyroid. The sooner you get the answers you need, the sooner you can get back to feeling good and living a healthy life.

The thyroid gland is a small but vital organ that has immense power over the human body. Similarly, a disorder in the thyroid can have some serious implications to your health. An endocrinologist is a doctor who specializes in detecting and treating thyroid problems. Such specialty services are available from the physicians at Bayarea Endrocrinology in Tampa.

Understanding the Thyroid Gland

Wrapped around the windpipe, the thyroid is located in close proximity to the voice box. It is part of the human endocrine system, which means it produces hormones that in many ways affect the functioning of the body. These functions include your appetite, the absorption of nutrients, regulation of the heart and the control of your sleep patterns. The thyroid plays a particularly important role during the adolescent period, when the body is rapidly growing and undergoing other physical changes. The defective operation of the gland can result from different factors and create different types of health problems.

The Effects of a Dysfunctional Thyroid

The thyroid itself is controlled by a hormone that is produced elsewhere in the body. A disruption in this hormone can thus cause improper production by the thyroid. The gland can also be affected by tumors that, in a relatively small number of cases, can be cancerous. Excessive hormone production by the thyroid, known as hyperthyroidism, can lead to such conditions as loss of appetite, insomnia and muscle weakness. An underactive gland, known as hypothyroidism, can have similar or different effects, including abnormal weight gain and a reduced heart rate.

Treating a Defective Thyroid

An endocrinologist will use different techniques to check the thyroid and determine whether it is functioning properly. The simplest method involves a visual examination and the feeling of the neck area. An enlarged thyroid, a condition known as a goiter, may at that point be obvious. Blood tests and even ultrasound equipment can also be used in detecting thyroid deficiencies. Anyone living in the Tampa area who suspects a thyroid problem should turn to the type of services available from the experts at Bayarea Endocrinology. Visit them at https://thyroiddoctortampa.com.

More than 30 million people may have undiagnosed thyroid disorder. Thyroid symptoms can be subtle or severe. Sometimes, drastic lifestyle changes can heal a thyroid disorder. However, some people need conventional treatment options. Many people treat thyroid issues with hormone replacement medications. Some people take their medication with a cup of coffee. New research has shown that coffee can interfere with thyroid medications.

Coffee and Thyroid Medication

Caffeine and decaf coffee can affect absorption. The warning might not be listed on the medication. Nevertheless, several studies have confirmed the link between coffee and thyroid medications. The medication will not work if it is not fully absorbed. Caffeine will affect your adrenal glands. The stimulant will also make you produce more adrenaline.

Options to Consider

A study found that coffee reduced hormone replacement drugs by as much as 36 percent. The amount is equivalent to skipping a pill twice a week. When your body does not absorb the medication, your TSH will increase. Your active thyroid hormones will drop. You will experience mood changes, weight gain and fatigue.

When the medication is taken with water, the medicine can be fully absorbed. If you are going to drink coffee, you should drink your coffee an hour after taking your medication. You can drink coffee first thing in the morning if you take your medication in the middle of the night. You should speak with your doctor before changing your routine.

If you want to switch to a new medication, you should ask your endocrinologist about Tirosint. Coffee does not interfere with Tirosint. The medication is safe for people who have absorption problems, digestive issues, and allergies. If your medication is not treating your symptoms, contact your Tampa endocrinologist. Your doctor will run tests and review your medical history.

The glands in the human body are not very large, but they have a significant impact on your health. From the thyroid gland to the pancreas to the sex organs, a proper glandular function is very important in keeping all of the body systems working correctly. With that in mind, here’s some information about how an endocrinologist can help keep you healthy or treat problems like thyroid disease from Bay Area Endocrinology Associates in Tampa, Florida.

About the Endocrine System

The endocrine system includes all the glands of the body – the thyroid, parathyroid, pineal, hypothalamus, pancreas, ovaries, testes, adrenal and pituitary glands. Each of these has a specific function or group of functions and secretes one or more hormones directly into the bloodstream to regulate those functions. For example, the pancreas secretes insulin, which regulates the blood sugar. The thyroid secretes thyroid hormone, which regulates metabolism.

What’s an Endocrinologist?

An endocrinologist is a physician who is trained initially in internal medicine. After completing medical school and residency, the next step is two to three years in an endocrinology fellowship. Endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism is a recognized sub-specialty of the American Board of Medical Specialties and most endocrinologists become board-certified after they complete fellowship training.

What Does an Endocrinologist Do?

Endocrinologists treat patients who have endocrine gland disorders such as too little hormone (like diabetes) or too much hormone (like hyperthyroidism). Other hormone-related conditions include menopause, osteoporosis, metabolic disorders, growth deficiency and cancers of the endocrine glands. Endocrinologists may also treat patients who have conditions related to endocrine function; people who have low thyroid, for example, are more likely to be overweight.

At Bay Area Endocrinology Associates, we specialize in disorders of the thyroid, related problems like obesity and other endocrine disorders. If you have such a problem, please contact us for an appointment.

Hormones have control or influence over most of our body functions. Energy levels, growth, and reproductive health are all dependent on the right hormones being secreted at the right time. Even our mental health and mood are affected by the presence of these potent biochemicals.

Hormonal imbalances can become chronic and lead to drastic changes in the way you feel physically, emotionally, and mentally. Choosing an endocrinologist providing prompt, comprehensive, and competent care throughout all phases of treatment is crucial. In addition, hormones affect the most private and sensitive functions of our bodies. Finding a specialist with whom you feel relaxed and comfortable is also important. Here are suggestions to consider.

Ask your Primary Care Doctor

Your family doctor can be an excellent starting point in your search. Primary care doctors relate to endocrinologists frequently. They also share treatment plans and outcomes with one another. Choosing a specialist your general practitioner recommends may also ensure better communication and coordination when managing chronic conditions.

Consult Association Directories

Every specialty has their own association. The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists has provider searches within a certain-mile radius of your location to assist you. In addition, there are also websites, such as Healthgrades, which supply vital information regarding schooling, certifications, specific areas of interest, and gender. Many of these sites also supply reviews and testimonials from patients they have served, providing insight as to bedside manner, responsiveness, and attentiveness.

Call Your Insurance Company

Choosing an in-network provider will save you both time and money, allowing you to concentrate on your treatment and recovery. Many people choose this as a starting point when conducting their search.

Research Hospital Affiliation and On-site Services

Hospital access may be required either as an inpatient or for outpatient services. Research hospitals in your area to determine which offer the highest standards and best outcomes for your condition. Many hospitals have physician referral services to connect you with endocrinologists affiliated with their system. Look for physicians performing their own testing and treatment services. Specialists with on-site labs can offer the convenience of managing your condition in-house.

Bay Area Endocrinology Associates in Tampa, Florida specializes in a comprehensive treatment approach for all thyroid conditions. On-site lab, and ultrasound services are provided, meaning shorter wait times and fewer trips to off-site diagnosing facilities. Specialty services are also available for other metabolic conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, and other hormone deficiencies.

The Thyroid is the Body’s Gas Pedal

The thyroid gland is the body’s accelerator. It controls the speed of your internal body functions, known as your metabolism, by secreting hormones which speed things up. When your body needs to slow down, the thyroid decreases the production of these hormones. Another gland in the brain, the pituitary gland, keeps tabs on the thyroid and secretes its own stimulator to motivate production when levels are low. Disorders and diseases mainly affect the amounts of hormones produced in two ways: too much or too little. The result is a metabolism that is too fast or too slow.

Too Much Means Too Fast

When your thyroid is producing too much of its hormones, you have a condition known as hyperthyroidism. The easiest way to remember symptoms associated with the condition is the word, “hyper.” Metabolism is abnormally fast, and you will probably feel restless, agitated, and anxious. You will have trouble sleeping and may lie awake with your mind racing, regardless of how tired you are. You may shake. Your heart will race, and you may feel hot even though your AC is set to turn your house into a deep freeze. You also use the bathroom more frequently and will lose weight although you can’t stop eating. Your endocrinologist will probably perform tests to rule out Grave’s Disease and examine your neck for lumps and bumps known as adenomas or nodules. You may also experience neck swelling referred to as a goiter. It is very important to see your doctor as a potential crisis may occur that can threaten your life known as thyroid storm.

Too Little Means Too Slow

Hypothyroidism is the exact opposite. It results from an under-producing thyroid. It is easier to remember, “hypo rhymes with low and metabolism is slow,” when describing the symptoms. If you are experiencing symptoms of an underactive thyroid, you will feel tired, you will have no energy, and may even be sad. Mood swings are common. The fact that you are gaining weight regardless of how little you eat, make them even worse. You will feel cold a lot, and everyone may wonder why you are wearing a sweater in July. Everything seems to slow down, even your bowel habits. You may forget things and feel weak. Your endocrinologist will perform tests to rule out causes such as Hashimoto’s Disease or thyroid tumors.

Pedro I. Toya of Bay Area Endocrinologist Associates offers comprehensive services to treat thyroid disorders. He does all his laboratory testing and diagnostics on site offering a one-stop center. In addition, services for advanced metabolic conditions, diabetes, and weight management are available.

Overview Of Thyroid Disorders

If you’re one of the approximately 14 million people in the U.S. who have an undiagnosed thyroid disorder, you may be wondering why you’re always tired, or why you’ve lost weight when there are no other mitigating factors. Your problems may stem from a thyroid disorder. A normally functioning thyroid produces hormones that help keep your body in homeostasis, which means that all of your systems are working together to maintain a healthy body. The two hormones that your thyroid gland produces are called triiodothyronine, orT3, and tetraiodothyronine, or T4. These hormones regulate bowel function, pulse rate, temperature sensitivity, metabolism, and other body functions. When the thyroid doesn’t produce enough of these two hormones, it’s called hypothyroidism; when it produces too much of them, it’s called hypothyroidism. Grave’s disease is the most common presentation of hypothyroidism and you may notice additional symptoms such as bulging eyeballs, vision problems, ridges in your fingernails, and thickening of the skin near the ankles.

Do You Have Hypothyroidism Or Hyperthyroidism?

If you have hypothyroidism, you may be experiencing the following symptoms:

-Exhaustion, no matter how much sleep you get

-Unexplained aches and pains in your joints and muscles

-Dry skin

-Intolerance to cold temperatures

-Constipation

-Depression

-Brittle fingernails and hair

 

If you have hyperthyroidism, you may be experiencing the following symptoms:

-Tiredness

-Inability to concentrate

-Increase in your appetite

-Enlarged thyroid gland/swelling at the base of the neck

-Insomnia or trouble sleeping

-Agitation and/or nervousness

-Intolerance to heat

-Increased bowel function

-Increased perspiration

-Trembling hands

-Weight loss that’s not attributable to other factors

-Increased pulse rate

 

What Causes Thyroid Disorders?

Thyroid disorders are an autoimmune function and statistically, those who have one autoimmune disorder are more likely to develop another autoimmune disorder. Arthritis, for example, is an autoimmune disorder so if you have arthritis, you may be more prone to develop another autoimmune disorder, such as thyroid disease. Autoimmune disorders occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks your own cells because it perceives them as invaders. Antibodies are released and this results in inflammation and cell damage to the area.

Although the exact cause of autoimmune disorders isn’t yet known, medical science speculates it to be a combination of both environmental and genetic factors. Thyroid disease isn’t thought to be contagious, but if one family member has it, it’s more than likely that another family member will develop it. One twin is 30 percent more likely to develop Grave’s disease if the other twin has it, and those who live in the same household are more likely to develop the disease even though they aren’t biologically related.

 

How Are Thyroid Disorders Diagnosed And Treated?

In order to confirm a diagnosis of a thyroid disorder, your endocrinologist will order a blood test, which will indicate whether your T3 and T4 levels are too high or too low. If they’re too high, it may indicate you have a hyperactive thyroid, if they’re too low, it may indicate that you have an underactive thyroid. Other test options may include a radio iodine uptake test or a thyroid scan.

Treatment of hypothyroidism is simpler than treatment of hyperthyroidism. If you have hypothyroidism, your endocrinologist may prescribe additional thyroid hormone for you to take on a daily basis. This will supply the necessary hormones to your body and should alleviate many of your symptoms. You’ll most likely need periodic blood tests to ensure that your level of thyroid hormone is adequate for your endocrine system. Lifestyle changes such as pregnancy, weight loss or gain, activity decrease or increase, and many other factors have the potential to change your requirement of thyroid hormones, so following your endocrinologist’s recommendation for blood tests is important.

Treatment of hyperthyroidism is more complex. In the past, surgery was sometimes used to remove the hyperactive thyroid but modern medicine typically uses less invasive procedures. Since there are limited ways to make an overactive thyroid less active, it’s usually treated with either radioactive iodine or anti-thyroid medication. Radioactive iodine is administered orally and may require some safety precautions but it isn’t absorbed by other cells in the body. The objective of the radioactive iodine treatment is to kill some of the thyroid cells so that the overall production of thyroid hormone is reduced. There’s the possibility, however, that too many thyroid cells will be eliminated and the body will then be in a state of hypothyroidism. To date, there’s been no evidence that use of the radioactive iodine pill causes cancer.

Anti-thyroid medications take longer to be effective because they gradually slow your thyroid’s production of hormones to a normal level. Sometimes this is a permanent cure and sometimes it isn’t. This method also takes longer than the radioactive iodine treatment, sometimes up to a year, and there’s the possibility of a relapse. These medications can have side effects and may not be appropriate for everyone.

Those who live in the Tampa area and have additional questions about their thyroid symptoms can contact Bay Area Endocrinology and schedule an appointment or have their questions answered by one of our friendly and caring staff. Dr. Pedro Troya and Dr. Carlos Fumero specialize in the treatment of all types of thyroid disorders, including cancer and complex metabolic issues. Multiple locations ensure that there’s an office near you that will help you find a solution to your thyroid issues.

According to some estimates, more than 30 million people have thyroid disorders. Half of these people have issues that are undiagnosed. This blog post will reveal 5 symptoms of a possible thyroid condition. If you are experiencing one or more of the symptoms on this list, visit a Tampa endocrinologist right away.

1. Feeling a Little Low
   Have you been feeling a little blue lately? Some experts think that when your body produces a lower amount of thyroid hormone, this negatively affects the serotonin levels in your brain. Serotonin is a chemical that affects your mood, so when lower amounts of the thyroid hormone slows everything down, it’s easy to understand why you may be feeling a little “blah.”
2. You’re Dealing With Excess Fatigue
   Excess fatigue can often be linked to hypothyroidism, a disorder that comes about when your body produces too little of the thyroid You might want to see an endocrinologist if you’re still tired after 8-9 hours of sleep.
3. You’re Feeling Very Anxious Lately
   The constant feeling of being “wired” and extra “jittery” is often associated with hyperthyroidism. This disorder occurs when your thyroid gland produces too much of its hormone.
4. You’re Suffering From Brain Fog
   When your thyroid isn’t functioning well, your cognitive functioning can become compromised. Hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone) can cause you to have trouble concentrating while hypothyroidism (too little hormone) can cause brain fog.
5. You Have Dry Skin
   Dry and itchy skin can be a result of hypothyroidism. Your skin can change its textures and appearance due to a slowed down metabolism, which can happen when your body doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone. When this happens, you don’t sweat as much. This lack of moisture can cause your skin to become flaky and dry.

If you’re dealing with excess fatigue, the jitters, a change in cognitive functioning, or have an extreme change in the appearance of your skin, schedule a visit with your Tampa endocrinologist. They can take your medical history, run tests, and use their specialized knowledge to treat your particular thyroid issues.

What is Hypothyroidism?

Your thyroid produces a hormone called thyroxine. This hormone keeps all of the metabolic functions in your body working properly. An underactive thyroid is a problem that occurs when the body does not produce enough thyroxine. The body functions will be slowed down if your thyroid is underactive.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

The symptoms of hypothyroidism are often caused by the low levels of thyroxine in the body. Many of the functions in the body will slow down. Some people do not have any symptoms. However, if a person does have symptoms, then they are likely to experience the following:

• Constipation
• Weight gain
• Dry skin
• Lifeless hair
• Depression
• Feeling cold

Less Common Symptoms

• Irregular periods in women
• Loss of sex drive
• Memory loss
• Carpal tunnel syndrome

It is important to note that there are other health conditions that can cause these symptoms. Many people notice that their symptoms start off mild and then gradually worsen. It is important to see an endrocrinologist in Tampa if you notice any strange symptoms.

Causes

The exact causes of hypothyroidism are not known. However, this condition is more common in women and people who are over the age of 60. There are also some health conditions that can put a person at risk for hypothyroidism including thyroid surgery, autoimmune disease, certain medications and radiation therapy. Iodine deficiency is another thing that can contribute to hypothyroidism.

Pregnant women are at a higher risk for developing hypothyroidism. This condition may also develop shortly after pregnancy. Pregnant women produce hormones antibodies that can cause hypothyroidism. Pregnant women with hypothyroidism are more likely to have a miscarriage. It can also increase the risk of pregnancy complications.

Thyroid nodules are abnormal growths that form lumps on the butterfly-shaped thyroid gland that is located in the lower front portion of your neck. These growths are very common and no one yet knows the cause of them. In cases of hypothyroidism, there is a higher risk of nodules growing. Fortunately, most nodules are benign and do not contain cancer. However, in rare cases, they can be cancerous.

Thyroid nodules typically do not have any symptoms. It is important to know that many thyroid tests may have normal results, despite having cancerous nodules present. This is why it is vital to be sure your doctor examines your neck and feels your thyroid gland during your routine visits. Many nodules can be felt by a professional. Ultrasounds of the thyroid can be performed to get a closer look at the gland and any nodules it may contain. In rare cases, nodules can grow large enough to be plainly visible by the eye or cause pain, difficulty breathing, or difficulty swallowing.

If nodules are present, a blood test and ultrasound may be ordered to check the function of the thyroid overall as well as any suspicious features of the nodules themselves. Nodules may also be biopsied by a fine needle in a nearly painless and simple procedure. Most times, no cancer is found and nodules can be left alone unless they are large enough to cause difficulty breathing or swallowing. However, if cancer is found, it may be determined that the best course of action is to remove the thyroid.

At Bay Area Endocrinology Associates, we are a team of endocrinologistswho specialize in all thyroid-related disorders including but not limited to: nodules, cancer, and overactive and under-active thyroidfunction. We also focus on a number of other metabolic disorders. We are located in Tampa, Florida. Please give us a call if you have any metabolic or thyroid concerns.