Your thyroid is an endocrine gland where certain hormones are manufactured and released throughout your body. Due to various causes, your thyroid can malfunction, leading to hypothyroidism (low thyroid function) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). Before a good endocrinology doctor in Houston, TX can make a diagnosis, they will need to perform an examination and order certain medical tests. However, before these components, they may ask you about the following symptoms of thyroid disease during your medical history discussion.
Hypothyroidism Symptoms
Before your endocrinologist performs their physical examination, which will include palpating the thyroid gland in your neck, they will ask you a series of questions regarding your health and if you have been experiencing symptoms of hypothyroidism including fatigue, hair loss, constipation, feeling cold, and weight gain. Other symptoms of a low-functioning thyroid include dry eyes, hoarseness, dry itchy skin, and a slow pulse. In most cases, once hypothyroid medications have been started, your symptoms will resolve.
Your endocrinology doctor in Houston, TX will also ask you if you have been experiencing symptoms of an overactive thyroid gland. These symptoms include a fast pulse, heart palpitations, diarrhea, weight loss, always feeling warm, excessive sweating, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, and hand tremors. It is important to note that while your symptoms can indicate the presence of thyroid disease, they can also be caused by other health conditions. Following your medical history and physical examination, your endocrinologist may also recommend a blood test known as a thyroid panel to assess your thyroid hormone levels so that they can make a diagnosis.
