We treat all disorders of the thyroid.

Hypothyroidism

Not to be confused with hyperthyroidism, this is when the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormones. People with this condition often feel tired, gain weight, get cold easily, experience constipation, have coarse or thin hair, dry skin, muscle and joint pain, become forgetful and depressed.  Women can experience disruptions in their menstrual cycle, fertility issues, and/or complications with pregnancy. Many people with hypothyroidism have enlarged thyroid (goiter).

The most common cause of hypothyroidism is production by the immune system of special antibodies that make the thyroid gland unable to produce the needed amount of thyroid hormone.  This condition is also called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.  The other, less common causes of hypothyroidism include surgical removal of the thyroid, previous treatment of hyperthyroidism with radioactive iodine, thyroid inflammation, iodine deficiency, certain pituitary problems and other, very rare conditions. Also, certain non-thyroid medications may cause hypothyroidism.

If untreated, in addition to causing low quality of life, hypothyroidism can lead to a number of health problems such as high cholesterol, heart disease, depression, and nerve damage.  Newborns of untreated or inadequately treated pregnant women with hypothyroidism may have birth defects and mental retardation later in life.

If treatment is necessary, hypothyroidism is usually treated with the thyroid hormone levothyroxine (or T4), either generic or branded such as Synthroid, Levoxyl, Tirosint or others.  Other treatment options include the thyroid hormone liothyronine (or T3) and a variety of different combinations of T4 and T3 (such as Armour Thyroid, Nature-throid and others).   Medications restore adequate hormone levels and reverse the symptoms of hypothyroidism.

How Does TVC Help People with Hypothyroidism?

TVC clinicians can help to diagnose hypothyroidism in people with suggestive symptoms, or can provide screening for those who are simply concerned. Our clinicians can determine the cause of hypothyroidism and advise if treatment is needed (which is not always the case).  If you already have been evaluated by another physician, TVC clinicians will provide you with a second opinion on diagnosis and treatment.  If treatment is needed or if you are already taking medications for hypothyroidism, TVC clinicians will determine the correct medication and dose, and provide monitoring as these medications may not be effective if not taken properly, or if the dose is inadequate.

TVC clinicians will order necessary blood tests or other diagnostic studies when needed, professionally interpret the findings, provide recommendations, and refill your medications in advance. If you are taking a brand medication such as Synthroid, we will make sure that it is not substituted for a generic medication by your pharmacy.  For pregnant women it is especially important to be properly monitored throughout the course of pregnancy (thyroid & pregnancy).

TVC clinicians are always available to answer any questions you may have and will make any appropriate adjustments to your treatment plan, after communicating with you via secure messaging, video/audio conferencing, or live chat through our secure patient portal.