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Thyroid Specialists Los Angeles

Do you suffer from the symptoms of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism or have another thyroid condition? If so, make today the day you take charge of your health. At the Surgery Group of LA, our doctors led by top thyroid specialist, Dr. Jason Cohen, are experienced in diagnosing and treating thyroid conditions. Call our office today at 310.861.7493 to schedule an appointment and to get your thyroid health back to optimal levels.

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What is the Thyroid Gland?

The thyroid, located in the front lower region of the neck, is a gland that produces thyroid hormones. These hormones are necessary for many bodily functions, as they impact our muscles, bones, skin, heart, brain, liver, kidneys, digestive tract, and more. Primarily, surgery is performed only after the thyroid is deemed suspicious by a biopsy. Unusual findings, or a biopsy that shows signs of cancer, may indicate a number of problems in your endocrine system. Operations, medication, or other therapies are advised for patients who have a variety of thyroid conditions.

What is Thyroid Disease?

Thyroid Disease is a broad term that encompasses a range of conditions affecting the thyroid gland, a small, butterfly-shaped organ located in the front of your neck. This gland plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions by producing thyroid hormones, including thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones influence metabolism, energy production, and the proper functioning of organs and tissues.

When the thyroid gland doesn’t function as it should, it can lead to a variety of thyroid diseases. These conditions can manifest in several ways, impacting your overall health and well-being. Some thyroid diseases may cause an overproduction of hormones (hyperthyroidism), while others result in an underproduction (hypothyroidism). In some cases, the thyroid gland may develop nodules or become enlarged (goiter).

What causes Thyroid Disease?

Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, the primary categories of thyroid disorders, can originate from an array of underlying conditions that influence the thyroid gland’s functionality.

The causes of hypothyroidism include:

Autoimmune Thyroiditis: This is one of the leading causes of hypothyroidism, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is a common example.
Iodine Deficiency: A lack of iodine in the diet can hinder the production of thyroid hormones, potentially leading to an underactive thyroid.
Medications: Certain medications, such as lithium or amiodarone, can interfere with thyroid function and contribute to hypothyroidism.

The causes of hyperthyroidism include:

Graves’ Disease: This autoimmune disorder prompts the thyroid gland to overproduce hormones, leading to hyperthyroidism.
Thyroid Nodules: Abnormal growths in the thyroid gland can sometimes produce excess thyroid hormones, causing hyperthyroidism.
Thyroiditis: Often triggered by viral infections, thyroiditis can lead to the temporary release of stored hormones, resulting in a hyperthyroid state.

What are the symptoms of Thyroid Disease?

Recognizing the symptoms of thyroid disease is vital as they often overlap with other health issues, making it challenging to identify. Whether you’re managing hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, the presentation of signs may differ.

Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include

Fatigue: Individuals with hypothyroidism often experience unrelenting fatigue, even after a good night’s sleep.
Weight Gain: Unexplained weight gain is a classic symptom, accompanied by difficulties in losing weight.
Cold Sensitivity: Feeling excessively cold, particularly in the extremities, is a common complaint.
Dry Skin and Hair: Dry skin, brittle hair, and brittle nails are often indicators.
Depression: Hypothyroidism can contribute to mood disturbances and depression.
Constipation: Sluggish digestion is a frequent complaint.
Muscle and Joint Pain: Aches and pains, especially in the muscles and joints, can be present.
Memory and Cognitive Issues: Some individuals may experience cognitive difficulties and memory problems.

Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:

Weight Loss: Hyperthyroidism often leads to unintended weight loss.
Anxiety and Nervousness: Increased thyroid hormone levels can cause heightened anxiety and nervousness.
Heat Sensitivity: Feeling excessively warm or sweaty, even in cool temperatures.
Tremors: Shaky hands or a trembling sensation may occur.
Irregular Heartbeat: Palpitations or a rapid heartbeat can be a concern.
Increased Appetite: An unexplained increase in appetite may be noticeable.
Frequent Bowel Movements: Hyperthyroidism can lead to frequent and loose bowel movements.
Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep may be experienced.

Diagnosis & Screening

How is Thyroid Disease diagnosed?

Accurate diagnosis is the cornerstone of effective thyroid disease management. The diagnostic process, generally includes the following tests

Thyroid Hormone Blood Tests: Thyroid blood tests, including TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone), T4, and T3 levels, provide crucial insights into thyroid function. Elevated TSH may indicate an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), while decreased TSH levels can signal an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
Thyroid Antibody Testing: In cases where autoimmune thyroid diseases are suspected, measuring thyroid antibodies, such as anti-thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies, can confirm the diagnosis.
Imaging Tests: In certain instances, ultrasound or nuclear scans may be employed to assess the thyroid’s physical structure and identify abnormalities or nodules.

Treatment

How is Thyroid Disease treated?

When it comes to thyroid disease, effective treatment is pivotal in restoring well-being and maintaining a balanced thyroid function. Here are the treatment approaches we offer:

Medication Therapy: For individuals with hypothyroidism, synthetic thyroid hormones (like levothyroxine) can be prescribed to replace the missing hormones, bringing thyroid levels back to normal.
Anti-thyroid Medications: In cases of hyperthyroidism, anti-thyroid drugs such as methimazole or propylthiouracil can help regulate the excessive production of thyroid hormones.
Radioactive Iodine (RAI) Therapy: RAI is a treatment for hyperthyroidism, where a radioactive form of iodine is used to reduce thyroid gland activity.
Thyroid Surgery (Thyroidectomy): In some cases, surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland may be necessary to treat thyroid disorders.

Prognosis

What to expect after having my thyroid removed?

After undergoing a thyroidectomy, a surgical procedure to remove your thyroid gland, you can anticipate several important post-operative considerations. In the immediate recovery phase, you’ll typically spend a day or two in the hospital, where medical professionals will closely monitor your condition and provide pain management as needed. A scar on your neck will be a visible reminder of the surgery, and proper wound care is essential to minimize its appearance over time.

Thyroid hormone replacement therapy becomes a lifelong commitment after thyroid removal. Without a thyroid gland, your body can no longer produce thyroid hormones naturally. Achieving the correct hormone balance often requires dosage adjustments and regular monitoring through blood tests. Adhering to your prescribed treatment plan and maintaining regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider is key to managing your health and quality of life. Thyroidectomy may bring emotional and psychological challenges, but with proper support and care, many individuals successfully resume their daily routines, and quality of life improves.

Parathyroid Disease

Frequently Asked Questions

What health issues can a parathyroid condition cause?

An overactive parathyroid gland may lead to high calcium levels, causing kidney stones, fatigue, cardiovascular issues and bone thinning.

What’s the difference between parathyroid glands and thyroid glands?

Although located near each other, the parathyroid glands regulate calcium levels, while the thyroid gland controls metabolism and energy.

What are the risks of leaving parathyroid disease untreated?

Without treatment, complications like severe bone loss, fractures, or kidney issues can develop.

What is minimally invasive parathyroid surgery?

It’s a targeted surgical procedure that uses small incisions, allowing quicker recovery and minimal scarring.

How quickly can I return to daily activities after parathyroid surgery?

Most patients resume normal activities within a few days, but it’s best to follow your surgeon’s specific recovery guidelines.

Experience matters. Our surgeons have achieved the highest standard of recognition for their expertise and skill.

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Years of Combined Experience

More importantly, our team of world-renowned surgeons have saved countless lives, and have enabled countless more to live healthy, happy lives.

Schedule a consultation with a Thyroid Doctor Near Me

Consulting with thyroid specialists is essential to ensure the effective management of your condition. Our team of experienced doctors specializes in thyroid treatment, providing expert care personalized to your specific needs. We are here to address your inquiries and support you on your path towards improved health.

310-861-7493

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