THYROID SPECIALIST – WHEN SHOULD YOU LOOK FOR ONE?

Posted by Dr. Ashutosh Sonawane on May 13th, 2021

 As far as hypothyroidism is concerned, there may be individuals around you that help you monitor the condition regularly. However, the best way is always to be in touch with a thyroid specialist. It is common for hypothyroid patients to be under medication required for producing the thyroid hormone of which there is a shortage in the body. Though a regular physician may be able to help you in this condition, it is best to seek the help of the best Thyroid Doctor in Nashik. 

A thyroid specialist is knowledgeable about the physical structure of the gland and also in dealing with its functions. They would also know the hormones that are required in the body and how all of them interact with one another. This will help you to manage the long-term condition in a better manner. 

When Should You See a Thyroid Specialist?

You should contact a thyroid doctor specialized in the treatment of thyroid disorders as soon as you are diagnosed with a thyroid condition the first time. The thyroid is a gland that is located in your throat. Soon after your initial diagnosis, you can discuss an appointment with an ENT doctor about the test results and finalize the treatment plan. There are other times when you need to consult a thyroid specialist. They are listed below for your reference.

When you are pregnant or are trying to conceive

Hormones in the body are greatly affected when you are pregnant. Hypothyroidism can affect your body during this time. If you are trying to conceive, then you must consult a thyroid specialist. It is important to monitor the medication closely during these times because of changing hormonal levels. During pregnancy, some women require more medication. However, the correct dosage for you can only be suggested by the thyroid specialist.

Unchanged Symptoms

Normally, symptoms should subside when taking medication for thyroid conditions. However, if the symptoms remain unchanged, it is important to revisit the thyroid specialist who may give you a changed dosage to make the medication more effective. Medication should never be changed without a recommendation from the thyroid specialist. 

Pituitary-related Issues

The gland at the base of the brain, the pituitary, is the one that controls the thyroid gland and its production of hormones. In the case of pituitary gland dysfunction, the thyroid medication will not be producing the desired result. The inability to release TRH (thyrotropin-releasing hormone) will cause a lowering in the production of hormones and give rise to related complications.

Enlarged Thyroid

An enlarged thyroid is also called a ‘goiter’ and this necessitates a trip to the thyroid specialist. This will enable the doctor to make you understand the reason for the enlargement and find out if you have hypothyroidism. In such a case, an immediate appointment can help the doctor treat the condition with the right medication at the earliest. 

Nodules/Lumps on the Thyroid Gland

The thyroid gland is located in the front of your neck below the voice box. You should visit a thyroid specialist in case of the appearance of lumps or nodules on the gland. They will conduct the necessary tests and examinations to determine the cause and nature of the nodules/lumps. In a majority of cases, the nodules/lumps turn out to be harmless. However, this may not be true for every case. 

Maintaining a healthy thyroid gland may be challenging but it is required to maintain a healthy body.