Philip Rabito, MD, is a leading endocrinologist and thyroid specialist in NYC with over 20 years of experience in treating thyroid disorders.
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the lower neck responsible for producing hormones that control metabolism. Abnormalities in the thyroid gland are quite common affecting up to 5% of the general population. Even subtle imbalances in thyroid hormone levels can lead to symptoms, such as weight gain, fatigue, muscle aches, constipation and depression. The cause of these symptoms may go unexplained for years unless your physician considers the thyroid as the potential cause, and orders the appropriate diagnostic tests.
Thyroid Disorders - HYPOTHYROIDISM:
Usually, an autoimmune condition in which the thyroid is not producing enough thyroid hormone to support the body’s metabolism. Untreated, hypothyroidism can lead to an increased risk of heart disease. The most common signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism are:
- Weight gain
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Dry skin
- Elevated cholesterol
- Irregular menstruation
- Impaired memory and concentration
- Increased sensitivity to cold
- Joint pains
- Muscle aches
- Slow heart rate
- Hair loss
- Brittle nails
- Enlarged thyroid gland
Thyroid Disorders - HYPERTHYROIDISM:
A condition in which the thyroid produces abnormally high levels of thyroid hormone, creating a hypermetabolic state. The causes of an overactive thyroid can be infection, as is the case with subacute thyroiditis, autoimmune disease from Grave’s disease, and toxic thyroid nodules. Hyperthyroidism, if left untreated, can eventually lead to osteoporosis and cardiac abnormalities, including an enlarged heart and irregular heart rhythm.
The most common signs and symptoms seen in hyperthyroidism are:
- Anxiety and/or hyperactivity
- Tremor
- Palpitations
- Weight loss
- Rapid heart rate
- Sensitivity to heat and excessive
- Sweating
- Bulging eyes
- Insomnia
- Frequent bowel movements
- Irregular menstruation
- Enlarged thyroid gland
In addition to hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland is also subject to structural abnormalities. The thyroid can become enlarged, a condition known as goiter, which may lead to difficulty swallowing, breathing and voice hoarseness.
Lumps, or nodules, can also develop on the thyroid gland. These nodules can be benign or cancerous. Thyroid cancer is the fastest-growing malignancy, and it is extremely curable when detected in its early stages. Therefore, it is imperative to have a thyroid specialist inspect and monitor your thyroid nodules to assess the ongoing risk of cancer.
How Do You Diagnose Thyroid Conditions?
Thyroid problems are diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, bloodwork, and specialized tests. Dr. Rabito uses thyroid ultrasound to make an accurate diagnosis. Ultrasounds send sound waves into the body, which are bounced back by hitting tissues. The process is entirely painless, but it allows the doctor to gain a visual image of your thyroid and determine its size, shape, and any abnormalities.
Before you are given a thyroid ultrasound, the doctor will perform an intake assessment to learn more about your medical history, including any thyroid risks you may have based on your family’s history of thyroid problems and your lifestyle habits.
What Are the 3 Main Thyroid Tests?
There are three types of tests used to help doctors diagnose thyroid conditions: TSH, T3 and T4, and thyroid antibodies site.
- TSH Test — This test measures your thyroid’s ability to produce the thyroid-stimulating hormone. When patients exhibit symptoms of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, measuring TSH is typically the doctor’s first diagnostics test. Once he knows your current TSH levels, Dr. Rabito can determine what additional tests may be required to develop an accurate treatment plan.
- T3 and T4 Tests — T3 and T4 levels reflect the presence of triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) in your bloodstream. Evaluating these levels can help the doctor determine whether your symptoms are more likely to be caused by hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
- Thyroid Antibodies Test — Thyroid antibodies can reveal whether or not your immune system is targeting your thyroid due to infection or disease. This type of test can often help the doctor diagnose thyroid autoimmune diseases such as Graves’ disease or Hashimoto’s disease.
We always choose the simplest thyroid tests first to get a baseline understanding of your current thyroid function. If the basic tests are effective, we can make diagnoses and develop treatments without the need for extensive blood work.
Ultimately, we work with each patient one-on-one to determine what types of tests they need in order to get the most accurate diagnoses and effective treatments.
If you are experiencing a thyroid disorder or symptoms of a thyroid problem, contact the foremost endocrinologist and thyroid specialist in NYC—Philip Rabito, MD—for evaluation and treatment. Contact our office for more information.
Contact Dr. Rabito For Thyroid Disorders In NYC!
If you are experiencing a thyroid disorder, contact the foremost endocrinologist and thyroid specialist in NYC—Philip Rabito, MD—for evaluation and treatment. Contact our office for more information.
