Your thyroid is a small but powerful gland that plays a vital role in regulating your metabolism, energy levels, weight, and even your skin and hair health. When issues arise, it’s important to seek care from a knowledgeable thyroid doctor. At Passion Health Primary Care, Shyamala Arani Purushotham, MD, FACP, CPHQ, Pooja Naik, MD, and their experienced team of thyroid specialists offer comprehensive thyroid treatment tailored to your specific needs.
Whether you’re experiencing fatigue, weight changes, or other symptoms of thyroid dysfunction, our thyroid specialists are here to help. We proudly serve patients across the Dallas Metroplex, including Irving, Plano, Frisco, Prosper, Aubrey, Kemp, Kaufman, Flower Mound, and Forney (Temporarily Closed).
Call today to schedule an appointment with our thyroid doctor or book your visit online.
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in your neck. It’s responsible for producing hormones essential for several of your body’s processes, including:
The thyroid also affects a woman’s menstrual cycle.
The most common thyroid problems are hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid gland) and hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland).
Hypothyroidism is most often caused by the autoimmune condition Hashimoto’s disease.
The symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
If you think you have hypothyroidism, contact Passion Health Primary Care for an evaluation.
When you have hyperthyroidism, your thyroid produces too much of certain thyroid hormones. Hyperthyroidism is often a result of a condition called Grave’s disease.
Hyperthyroidism can cause brittle bones, heart problems, and eye problems when left untreated.
The Passion Health Primary Care team regularly helps patients maintain the correct levels of thyroid hormones. Although the symptoms of thyroid problems can be uncomfortable, they can usually be successfully managed.
Patients with hypothyroidism are typically prescribed medication that supplements their thyroid hormone production, bringing them to normal levels.
For hyperthyroidism, your provider works to regulate the thyroid gland. You can be prescribed medication that blocks your thyroid from creating more thyroid hormones. Some patients with hyperthyroidism undergo procedures that permanently stunt the thyroid gland.
These include the application of radioactive iodine or surgical removal of part of the gland. If you undergo one of these procedures, you’ll need to take supplemental thyroid for the rest of your life.
Cancer can also develop in the thyroid gland. At first, you might not notice any symptoms, but the cancer grows and causes pain and swelling in your neck with time.
Your cancer could be aggressive or slow-growing. Most cases can be treated successfully.
If you suspect you have thyroid problems, contact Passion Health Primary Care. Call today or set up an appointment using the online tool.
The thyroid is a small gland in the front of your neck that plays a big role in metabolism, energy, mood, weight, and many body systems. This FAQ page answers the most common patient questions about thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer, medication, testing, and everyday life with thyroid disease.
Can you live without a thyroid?
Yes, you can live without a thyroid if you take lifelong thyroid hormone replacement to keep your levels normal.
Can you survive without a thyroid and no medication?
No, without thyroid hormone replacement, severe hypothyroidism can eventually become life-threatening.
What does thyroid pain feel like?
Thyroid pain usually feels like neck discomfort, tenderness, pressure, or pain when swallowing or turning your head.
How does the thyroid affect weight?
The thyroid regulates metabolism and energy use, so low thyroid can cause weight gain and fatigue, while high thyroid can cause weight loss and feeling “wired.”
Does thyroid affect sleep?
Yes, an overactive thyroid can cause insomnia and restlessness, while an underactive thyroid can cause excessive tiredness and sleeping more than usual.
Can thyroid problems cause headaches?
Yes, thyroid hormone imbalance can contribute to headaches in some people, especially when levels are uncontrolled.
Can thyroid problems cause dizziness?
Yes, thyroid problems can cause lightheadedness or balance issues, often along with other symptoms like fatigue or palpitations.
What does thyroid dizziness feel like?
It often feels like lightheadedness, unsteadiness, or feeling “off balance,” rather than the room spinning.
Can thyroid problems cause sore throat or hoarseness?
Yes, especially with thyroid nodules, goiter, or thyroid inflammation, you may notice a sore throat, tightness, or persistent hoarseness.
How can you calm thyroid-related anxiety?
Getting thyroid levels into the normal range, managing stress, practicing relaxation techniques, and keeping regular follow-ups with your doctor can help calm thyroid-related anxiety.
Can thyroid cause hot flashes?
Yes, an overactive thyroid can cause heat intolerance, sweating, and flushing that may feel like hot flashes.
When should you worry about thyroid nodules?
You should worry when nodules grow, feel hard or fixed, cause symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or breathing, or show suspicious features on ultrasound.
Can thyroid nodules cause mucus in the throat?
Yes, large nodules may cause throat pressure or irritation that feels like mucus or a “lump” in the throat.
Is thyroid cancer hereditary?
Some types of thyroid cancer can be inherited, but most thyroid cancers are not genetic.
What percent of thyroid biopsies are cancerous?
About 5–15 percent of thyroid biopsies show cancer or strong suspicion of cancer.
How long can you have thyroid cancer without knowing?
Thyroid cancer can be present for months to years without symptoms because it often grows slowly.
Does thyroid cancer spread?
Yes, thyroid cancer can spread, especially to lymph nodes in the neck and, in more advanced cases, to the lungs or bones.
Where does thyroid cancer spread to?
Thyroid cancer most commonly spreads to neck lymph nodes, lungs, and bones.
Which lymph nodes swell with thyroid cancer?
Lymph nodes in the neck are most commonly affected when thyroid cancer spreads.
What are early warning signs of thyroid cancer?
Early warning signs include a neck lump, hoarseness that doesn’t go away, difficulty swallowing, or swollen lymph nodes.
What does thyroid cancer feel like?
Thyroid cancer is often painless but may present as a neck lump, fullness, or hoarseness.
How is thyroid cancer diagnosed?
Thyroid cancer is diagnosed with a combination of ultrasound, fine-needle biopsy, and imaging tests, along with blood work when needed.
How do you know if you have thyroid cancer?
You know through imaging and biopsy results; symptoms alone are not enough to diagnose thyroid cancer.
What happens if a thyroid biopsy is positive?
If a biopsy is positive, your doctor will discuss treatment options such as surgery, possible radioactive iodine, and a follow-up plan.
What color is thyroid cancer on ultrasound?
Thyroid cancers often appear darker than normal thyroid tissue (hypoechoic) and may have irregular borders or tiny calcifications.
Why would a doctor order a thyroid ultrasound?
A thyroid ultrasound is ordered to evaluate nodules, swelling, or abnormal thyroid blood tests and to check nearby lymph nodes.
What does a thyroid ultrasound show?
It shows the size, structure, and nodules of the thyroid gland, as well as features that help determine cancer risk.
What are doctors looking for in a thyroid ultrasound?
Doctors look at nodule size, shape, composition (solid vs cystic), blood flow, and any suspicious lymph nodes.
How long does a thyroid ultrasound take?
A thyroid ultrasound usually takes about 15–30 minutes and is painless.
Can thyroid nodules be removed without surgery?
Some nodules can be monitored or treated with minimally invasive procedures in select cases, but surgery is still needed for many.
Can the thyroid be removed?
Yes, the thyroid can be partially (lobectomy) or totally (total thyroidectomy) removed when needed.
Can you remove the thyroid completely?
Yes, a total thyroidectomy removes the thyroid completely and is often done for certain cancers or very large goiters.
Is thyroid surgery dangerous?
Thyroid surgery is generally safe with experienced surgeons, though risks include hoarseness, low calcium, bleeding, and infection.
Is thyroid surgery outpatient?
Sometimes. Depending on the procedure and your health, it may be same-day surgery or involve an overnight stay.
How long does thyroid surgery take?
Thyroid surgery usually takes about 1–3 hours.
How long does it take to recover from thyroid surgery?
Most people recover enough for routine activities in 2–4 weeks, with full healing over several months.
How long do thyroid blood test results take?
Thyroid blood test results usually come back within 1–2 days, depending on the lab.
Do you need to fast for a thyroid blood test?
Fasting is usually not required for standard thyroid blood tests.
How is the thyroid dose decided?
Thyroid dose is decided based on blood tests, symptoms, age, weight, heart health, and other medical conditions.
How should thyroid medication be taken?
Take your thyroid medication on an empty stomach with water, usually in the morning, and avoid food or coffee for 30–60 minutes.
How long after thyroid medication can you eat?
Wait at least 30–60 minutes after taking your thyroid pill before eating or drinking anything other than water.
How long does thyroid medication take to work?
Symptoms often start to improve within 2–6 weeks after starting or adjusting thyroid medication.
How long does it take thyroid levels to stabilize?
Thyroid levels typically stabilize about 6–8 weeks after a dose change.
What happens if I miss one day of thyroid medication?
Usually nothing serious happens; do not double the next dose, just take the next pill at your usual time.
What happens if you stop taking thyroid medication?
If you stop, symptoms of low thyroid will return and can increase long-term health risks.
What happens if you take two thyroid pills accidentally?
Most people have only mild symptoms like palpitations or jitteriness, but you should contact your doctor or poison control for advice, especially if you have heart disease.
Why can’t thyroid medicine be taken at night?
It can be taken at night, but in some people it interferes with absorption or sleep; morning dosing is preferred and easier to keep consistent.
Can you sleep after taking thyroid medication?
Yes, but if taken late in the day some people notice restlessness or trouble sleeping.
Can thyroid and blood pressure medication be taken together?
They can be taken the same day, but timing may need to be spaced out so thyroid medication is absorbed properly.
Can magnesium be taken with thyroid medication?
Yes, but not at the same time; separate magnesium and thyroid pills by at least 4 hours.
Can you drink alcohol while on thyroid medication?
Moderate alcohol use is usually safe, but heavy drinking can interfere with thyroid and liver health.
Can you drink alcohol on thyroid medication?
Occasional moderate intake is generally acceptable; ask your doctor if you have liver, heart, or other health conditions.
Is thyroid disease curable?
Some thyroid problems are temporary, but many require ongoing management rather than a one-time cure.
Why is desiccated thyroid not recommended?
Desiccated thyroid has inconsistent hormone levels and can make it harder to maintain stable, safe thyroid levels.
What are the first signs of thyroid eye disease?
Common first signs are eye dryness, bulging eyes, redness, swelling of the lids, and sometimes double vision.
How can swelling from thyroid eye disease be reduced?
Treating thyroid levels, using eye drops, protecting the eyes, and medications or surgery in severe cases can all help reduce swelling.
Where do you itch with thyroid problems?
Itching commonly occurs on the arms, legs, and scalp due to dry skin from low thyroid.
Can thyroid problems cause tingling in hands and feet?
Yes, long-standing thyroid imbalance can affect nerves and cause tingling or numbness.
How can hair fall due to thyroid be reduced?
Normalizing thyroid levels, correcting vitamin or iron deficiencies, and gentle hair care can reduce hair fall over time.
How can you check your thyroid at home?
You can monitor symptoms and gently feel your neck for lumps, but diagnosis and monitoring require professional exams and blood tests.
What vitamins are good for thyroid health?
Iodine, selenium, vitamin D, and zinc are important for thyroid health; most people get what they need from a balanced diet plus any supplements your doctor recommends.
Which fruits are good for thyroid?
Berries, apples, and citrus fruits are nutrient-rich choices that support overall health, including thyroid health.
Does alcohol affect the thyroid?
Excess alcohol can disrupt thyroid function and harm the liver; moderate intake is usually better tolerated.
What medications can cause thyroid problems?
Medications like amiodarone, lithium, and some immune therapies can cause thyroid problems and may require monitoring.
Can emotional trauma cause thyroid problems?
Emotional trauma and chronic stress may worsen or unmask thyroid conditions but are not usually the sole cause.
Can stress affect your thyroid?
Chronic stress can contribute to hormone imbalance and make thyroid disorders harder to control.
Why is ashwagandha bad for thyroid?
Ashwagandha may overstimulate thyroid hormone production and has been linked to episodes of hyperthyroidism in some people.
Does biotin affect thyroid tests?
Yes, biotin can cause inaccurate thyroid lab results by interfering with some test methods.
Does biotin increase or decrease thyroid levels?
Biotin does not change your true hormone levels but can make blood tests look falsely high or low.
Is thyroid disease hereditary?
Some thyroid conditions run in families, especially autoimmune thyroid disease and some thyroid cancers.
Is the thyroid part of the lymphatic system?
No, the thyroid is an endocrine gland, though it is closely surrounded by lymph nodes in the neck.
What nuts are bad for thyroid?
Most nuts are fine in moderation; the main concern is excessive raw goitrogenic foods, but this is rarely an issue in a typical balanced diet.
Who is the best doctor for thyroid problems?
An endocrinologist specializes in thyroid disorders, but a primary care doctor can manage many thyroid conditions and refer when needed.
What is a thyroid doctor called?
A thyroid doctor is usually an endocrinologist; for surgery, an endocrine or head-and-neck surgeon may be involved.
Who should you see for thyroid issues?
Start with your primary care doctor; you may then be referred to an endocrinologist or thyroid surgeon if needed.
