Endocrinology For Thyroid Disorders

We talk a lot about diabetes, but endocrinology encompasses many more areas. Another common reason to see endocrinology is for thyroid disorders. The thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland that sits in the base of the neck. The thyroid produces hormones that play major roles in metabolism, bone health, growth and development, and other things like mood, heart, muscle and digestive health.  The pituitary gland helps to regulate thyroid hormone production by secreting either more or less thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). The thyroid uses iodine to create thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Most of the T3 is produced when the peripheral tissues in the body convert T4 to T3 through a process called deiodination. When a person is hypothyroid there is usually a low T3/T4 with an elevated TSH. Conversely, when a person is hyperthyroid there is typically a high T3 and/or T4 with a suppressed TSH. For either of these issues, there are medications to help regulate thyroid function. There is also testing for antibodies to check for autoimmune issues that impact thyroid function. Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune issue that causes hypothyroidism. Grave’s disease is the autoimmune disease that causes hyperthyroidism. We will usually monitor for thyroid nodules, which is how we screen for thyroid cancer. There are many types of thyroid cancer, but they are not easily detected by your blood work. Occasionally, thyroid nodules may cause hyperthyroidism as well. Treatments and diagnostic workups will vary depending on your condition, you can reach out to your provider for more information on thyroid dysfunction.