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Hypothyroidism Specialist

Fort Wayne Endocrinology Our Services Hypothyroidism

Fort Wayne Endocrinology

Endocrinologists & Private Medical Practices located in Fort Wayne, IN

Hypothyroidism affects more women than men because women are 3-5 times more likely to develop the autoimmune condition that causes hypothyroidism. At Fort Wayne Endocrinology, Ashok Kadambi, MD and Crystal Webb, NP-C, have years of experience accurately identifying your thyroid hormone levels and providing hypothyroidism treatment that restores your health and well-being. To schedule an appointment, call the office at 260-436-1248.

Hypothyroidism Q & A

What causes hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism occurs when your thyroid gland fails to produce a sufficient amount of hormones.

The problems responsible for causing an underactive thyroid gland include:

  • Hashimoto's disease
  • Thyroiditis (thyroid gland inflammation)
  • Congenital hypothyroidism
  • Surgical removal of the thyroid gland
  • Radiation treatment of the thyroid
  • Certain medications (some heart, cancer, and psychiatric medications)

The most common cause of hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's disease, is an autoimmune disorder that develops when your immune system attacks the thyroid gland. As a result, the gland becomes inflamed and can't produce enough hormones.

What symptoms does hypothyroidism cause?

Thyroid hormones regulate nearly every system in your body, from your metabolism, heart rate, and body temperature to your weight, muscle strength, and cholesterol levels.

You may have many symptoms affecting different parts of your body. A few of the most common symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

  • Fatigue
  • Dry skin
  • Thinning hair
  • Hair loss
  • Weight gain
  • Depression
  • Foggy thinking
  • Sensitivity to the cold
  • Muscle aches
  • Joint pain
  • Fertility problems
  • Slow heart rate
  • Heavy or irregular menstrual periods

Many of these symptoms could represent a wide range of possible health problems. That’s why it’s important to seek the help of experienced endocrinologists like the team at Fort Wayne Endocrinology.

How is hypothyroidism treated?

After reviewing your medical history and performing a physical exam, your provider runs blood tests in their advanced lab. After they determine your thyroid hormone levels and identify the underlying cause, they customize a treatment plan that meets your unique health care needs.

If you have an underlying condition affecting your thyroid, treating that problem may restore normal hormone levels. However, most people with hypothyroidism need bioidentical hormone replacement therapy to bring their levels back to the healthy range.

Fort Wayne Endocrinology specializes in bioidentical hormone therapy, so you can be confident that the hormones you receive are safe and contain hormones that function just like your body's natural thyroid hormones.

After you start taking thyroid hormone replacement therapy, you have several follow-up blood tests to verify your hormone levels and adjust your dose if needed. Once your blood levels stabilize, you have less frequent blood tests to monitor your health.

Your provider also talks with you about your diet and how that may affect your hypothyroidism or your hormone medication. They may recommend taking your medication on an empty stomach to promote maximum absorption through the small intestine and ensure it makes it into your bloodstream.

If you're worried you may have hypothyroidism, call Fort Wayne Endocrinology or book an appointment online today.

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