Thyroid Disease

Your thyroid plays an important role in regulating your metabolism, energy levels, and many other essential bodily functions. When it produces too much or too little thyroid hormone, you may experience symptoms that affect your everyday life. At Humble Simple Care, a virtual primary care practice serving patients throughout Kentucky and Virginia, Nicole Isaac, MSN, FNP-C, provides personalized thyroid disease evaluations, treatment, and ongoing management through telemedicine. Whether you're experiencing new symptoms or need help managing an existing thyroid condition, Nicole can help. Book an appointment online.

What is thyroid disease?

Thyroid disease refers to conditions that affect how your thyroid gland functions. Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland at the base of your neck that produces hormones responsible for regulating metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, and energy levels.

When your thyroid produces too much or too little hormone, it can disrupt these functions and cause various symptoms. Thyroid disease can affect people of all ages, but it's more common in women and individuals with a family history of thyroid conditions.

What are the different types of thyroid disease?

Several conditions can affect your thyroid, including:

• Hypothyroidism: Occurs when your thyroid doesn't produce enough hormones, slowing down your metabolism and other bodily functions.
• Hyperthyroidism: Develops when your thyroid produces too much hormone, causing your metabolism to speed up.
• Hashimoto's thyroiditis: An autoimmune condition that damages the thyroid gland and commonly causes hypothyroidism.
• Graves' disease: An autoimmune disorder that causes the thyroid to produce excessive hormones.
• Thyroid nodules: Lumps that develop within the thyroid gland. Most are benign, but some require additional testing or treatment.

Identifying the type of thyroid disease you have helps determine the most appropriate treatment.

What are the symptoms of thyroid disease?

Thyroid disease symptoms vary depending on whether your thyroid is overactive or underactive.

Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

• Persistent fatigue or low energy
• Unexplained weight gain
• Feeling unusually cold
• Dry skin or thinning hair
• Constipation
• Difficulty concentrating

Hyperthyroidism may cause:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Increased sweating
• Anxiety or irritability
• Difficulty sleeping
• Tremors or muscle weakness

Because these symptoms can resemble other health conditions, proper evaluation is important.

How is thyroid disease diagnosed through telemedicine?

Nicole begins by reviewing your medical history, discussing your symptoms, and asking about any family history of thyroid disease.

She may order blood tests to measure your thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormone levels. You can complete these tests at a nearby laboratory.

If additional testing, imaging, or an in-person examination is necessary, Nicole can recommend appropriate follow-up care.

How is thyroid disease treated?

Treatment depends on your diagnosis, symptoms, and hormone levels. Nicole develops an individualized care plan that may include:

• Thyroid hormone replacement medication for hypothyroidism
• Medication to manage an overactive thyroid
• Routine bloodwork to monitor thyroid function
• Medication adjustments based on your response to treatment
• Referrals to an endocrinologist when specialized care is needed

Regular follow-up appointments help ensure your treatment continues to meet your needs.

If you're experiencing symptoms of thyroid disease or need ongoing thyroid management, Humble Simple Care makes it convenient to receive care from home. Schedule a telemedicine appointment online.