Thyroid
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Tahir S. Ali, MD
Otolaryngology & Ear, Nose & Throat Specialist located in Fort Worth, TX
Your thyroid is a small gland in your neck that’s shaped like a butterfly. It also controls many critical body functions, like metabolism, sex drive, and temperature regulation, and is vulnerable to a wide range of diseases. In Fort Worth, Texas, Tahir Ali, MD, and his team diagnose thyroid problems and collaborate with your endocrinologist, if applicable, to offer state-of-the-art treatments. Call Dr. Ali's office or schedule a consultation online today for expert treatments for thyroid disease.
Thyroid Q&A
What are common thyroid problems?
A wide range of conditions can interfere with your thyroid function — making the gland either hyper (over) or hypo (under) active. For example, thyroid nodules, tumors, and goiters might make your thyroid overactive. Graves’ disease is a hereditary condition that causes thyroid hyperactivity. Another inherited disorder, Hashimoto’s disease, is a prevalent cause of hypothyroidism.
What are the warning signs of a thyroid problem?
Depending on whether your condition makes your thyroid hyperactive or hypoactive, you may experience a variety of symptoms to varying degrees. Common signs of thyroid hyperactivity include:
- Anxiety and nervousness
- Restlessness
- Insomnia
- Increased hunger
- Shaking
- Irritability
- Thin skin
- Brittle hair and nails
- Unintended weight loss
- Racing heart
- Increased sweating
However, if your condition causes thyroid hypoactivity, you might develop symptoms such as:
- Fatigue
- Dry skin
- Constipation
- Weight gain
- Depression
- Increased sensitivity to cold
- Slow heart rate
- Reduced memory
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should make an appointment to talk to your doctor and have blood tests to assess your thyroid function. A blood test can show the amount of thyroid hormones in your blood, which reveals hyper or hypoactivity.
How are thyroid problems treated?
Dr. Ali and his team offer expert treatments for thyroid problems. They work closely with your endocrinologist to ensure you receive efficient, collaborative care, including follow-up treatments such as hormone therapy or radioactive iodine treatments.
Depending on your needs, Dr. Ali might perform a thyroidectomy to remove part or all of your thyroid to address hyperactivity. He can also remove thyroid nodules or tumors.
What should I expect during thyroid surgery?
Dr. Ali provides general anesthesia during your thyroid surgery. Whenever possible, he uses minimally invasive surgical techniques to reduce your risk of scarring and infection. Thyroid surgery usually takes a few hours, but it’s an outpatient procedure, so you can go home to rest and recover.
In most cases, you can get up and return to regular activity on the day after your surgery. However, Dr. Ali provides customized instructions on limiting strenuous exercise for a few weeks while you heal.
If you’re looking for expert surgical treatment for thyroid disorders, call Dr. Ali's office or make an appointment online today.
