A thyroid imbalance can affect far more than your energy level. Because thyroid hormones help regulate metabolism, producing too much or too little can affect your weight, heart rate, temperature tolerance, digestion, mood, menstrual cycle, and more.
At Sarah Fishman Premier Endocrine in New York City, endocrinologist Sarah Fishman, MD, PhD, evaluates and treats thyroid disease with personalized care. The practice provides diagnostic testing and treatment for conditions including hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and thyroid cancer.
Your thyroid is a small gland in the front of your neck that produces hormones that help regulate metabolism. These hormones influence how your body uses energy, which means an imbalance can cause symptoms throughout your body.
When your thyroid produces too little hormone, you have hypothyroidism. When it produces too much, you have hyperthyroidism. Both conditions can develop gradually, so you may initially blame the symptoms on stress, aging, or changes in your routine.
Hypothyroidism slows many body processes. Common signs include:
Some people experience only mild symptoms, while others notice significant changes in their energy, mood, and daily functioning.
Hyperthyroidism speeds up many body processes. You may lose weight even if your appetite stays the same or increases.
Other symptoms can include:
Because these symptoms overlap with other medical conditions, testing helps determine whether your thyroid is responsible.
Symptoms alone cannot confirm a thyroid disorder. Dr. Fishman may review your medical and family history, examine your thyroid, and order blood tests that measure thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormone levels.
Depending on your symptoms and test results, additional blood work or imaging may help identify the underlying condition. If you have a thyroid nodule, further evaluation can determine whether it requires monitoring or treatment.
Treatment varies according to the type and cause of your thyroid condition. Hypothyroidism often requires thyroid hormone replacement to restore hormone levels.
For hyperthyroidism, treatment may include medications that reduce thyroid hormone production. In some cases, radioactive iodine or surgery may be appropriate. Dr. Fishman considers your overall health, symptoms, test results, and diagnosis when recommending treatment.
Regular follow-up matters because medication needs can change. Blood tests help determine whether treatment is keeping your thyroid hormone levels within the appropriate range.
Do not dismiss persistent fatigue, unexplained weight changes, temperature sensitivity, or other symptoms as something you simply have to live with. Identifying and treating a thyroid imbalance can help restore healthy hormone levels and improve how you feel.
If you have symptoms of thyroid disease or concerns about your thyroid health, call Sarah Fishman Premier Endocrine or book an appointment online. A personalized evaluation can identify the problem and help you take the right steps toward better health.
