Thyroid
-
- Tweet
Comprehensive Ear Nose Throat
N.X. Nguyen, M.D.
Otolaryngology & Allergist located in Huntington Beach, CA
For such a small gland, your thyroid plays a huge role in your health. If you suffer from chronic fatigue, thinning hair, or unexplained weight loss, you may have a thyroid condition. At Comprehensive Ear Nose Throat in Huntington Beach, California, Nghia Nguyen, MD offers innovative treatment options, including thyroid surgery, to relieve your symptoms and restore the quality of your life. If you have or suspect thyroid dysfunction, call or book an appointment online today.
Thyroid Q & A
Thyroid Q & A
What is the thyroid?
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in your neck, sitting just above your collarbone. It’s a part of your endocrine system, and it makes hormones to regulate many of your body’s functions.
What conditions can result from thyroid dysfunction?
Your thyroid is responsible for controlling your metabolism and your heart rate. When your thyroid isn’t functioning properly, you can develop several health issues, such as:
- Hyperthyroidism: your thyroid makes too much thyroid hormone
- Hypothyroidism: your thyroid doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone
- Goiter: an enlarged thyroid gland
In severe cases, dysfunction in the thyroid can also result in the development of thyroid cancer.
What are the symptoms of thyroid dysfunction?
Depending on the type of thyroid dysfunction you experience, you may have an array of symptoms that include:
- Irritability
- Thinning hair
- Brittle nails
- Chronic fatigue
- Memory issues
- Anxiety or depression
- Unexpected weight loss or gain
Because these symptoms are common with many other health conditions, it’s important to receive a proper diagnosis and an evaluation of your thyroid functionality.
How is a thyroid condition diagnosed?
Dr. Nguyen offers advanced thyroid testing to determine if your symptoms are related to thyroid dysfunction. He reviews your medical history and your symptoms and may determine blood work is necessary. These blood tests measure your thyroid hormone levels and can also determine if cancer cells are present in your thyroid.
How is thyroid dysfunction treated?
Initially, Dr. Nguyen may recommend daily prescription medications to regulate your thyroid and relieve your symptoms. If you have thyroid cancer or a goiter that is interfering with your health, Dr. Nguyen may recommend surgery.
Surgical procedures depend on the nature of your condition. Dr. Nguyen may need to remove the excess tissue growth of a goiter or existing nodules growing on your thyroid. If you have cancer, he may need to remove part of the gland or the whole thyroid. If your thyroid is removed, you will need to take a thyroid medication for the rest of your life.
To learn more about thyroid dysfunction, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Nguyen online or by calling the office.
