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Hypothyroidism services offered in Southlake, TX
If you struggle with fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, or thinning hair, it could be because of hypothyroidism. At Southlake Endocrinology PLLC: Do-Eun Lee, MD, board-certified endocrinologist Do-Eun Lee, MD, diagnoses and treats hypothyroidism to help you feel better and reduce the risk of complications. Call the office to schedule an appointment or book one online today.
Hypothyroidism Q & A
What is hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is a condition that causes low levels of thyroid hormone in your body, which is a hormone responsible for regulating your metabolism. If you don’t have enough thyroid hormone, unpleasant symptoms and complications can result. See Dr. Lee at the first sign of a problem.
What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism?
Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
- Weight gain
- Cold intolerance
- Fatigue
- Thinning hair
- Slowed heart rate
- Constipation
- Dry skin
- Puffy face
- Hoarseness
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle aches or stiffness
- High cholesterol levels
- Heavy menstrual bleeding in women
- Stiff, swollen, painful joints
- Impaired memory
- Large thyroid gland (goiter)
- Depression
When left untreated, hypothyroidism can cause infertility in women, congenital disabilities, heart problems, nerve damage, and mental health challenges.
What are the risk factors for hypothyroidism?
The cause of hypothyroidism isn’t always clear, but risk factors for developing it include:
- Iodine deficiency
- Type 1 diabetes
- Celiac disease
- Autoimmune diseases
- Some medical treatments
- Thyroid surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Certain medications
- Pituitary disorders
- Family history of thyroid problems
- Pregnancy in women
- Being a woman
- Aging
- Previous thyroid treatments
Adopting healthy habits and consuming sufficient amounts of iodine may reduce your risk of developing hypothyroidism, but you can’t always prevent it.
How is hypothyroidism diagnosed?
Dr. Lee diagnoses hypothyroidism using a blood test. She also reviews your medical history, asks questions about your symptoms, checks your vital signs, and completes a physical exam. She feels the thyroid gland in your neck and offers on-site, noninvasive thyroid ultrasounds.
How is hypothyroidism treated?
Dr. Lee tailors your hypothyroidism treatment to your needs. She approaches thyroid hormone replacement therapy slightly differently than other providers, focusing on individual thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) setpoints that vary from person to person.
You can expect to feel better, even after years of struggling with hypothyroidism, since most doctors just look at TSH and don’t address anything else. Taking synthetic thyroid hormone daily is the most common treatment for hypothyroidism. You may need thyroid gland surgery in some cases.
Eat nutritious food, get regular exercise, maintain healthy body weight, and take dietary supplements if Dr. Lee recommends them.
To find out if you have hypothyroidism or get treatment for it, call the Southlake Endocrinology PLLC: Do-Eun Lee, MD, office or schedule an appointment online today.