Thyroid & Parathyroid Disorders

Thyroid conditions

• A goiter occurs when the thyroid swells. This can be a totally benign condition, or it may represent something potentially harmful to the body. Dr. Aminpour will properly diagnose the goiter and prescribe the correct treatment.
• Thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid, generally caused by an infection. Thyroiditis may create painful symptoms, or there may be no symptoms at all.
• Hyperthyroidism, or an excess of hormone production in the thyroid.
• Hypothyroidism, or an unusually low production of hormones in the thyroid.
• Graves' disease, which is an autoimmune condition causing the thyroid to become overstimulated.
• Thyroid cancer, which is a rare form of cancer, usually curable.
• A thyroid nodule is a lump in the thyroid gland. These are quite common and are rarely malignant. They may lead to hyperthyroidism or may cause no problems at all.
• Thyroid storm, which is a form of hyperthyroidism that causes very high levels of thyroid hormones. It usually results in severe illness.

Symptoms of thyroid disorders

There are a number of symptoms that may represent one of the conditions described above. While the symptoms below do not conclusively point to a thyroid problem, it is still important to get yourself checked out to make sure the condition is harmless. If it is a thyroid problem, you can rest assured that ear nose and throat doctor Shervin Aminpour has the tools and knowledge necessary to deliver effective treatment in Los Angeles.

• Muscle, joint pain, carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis may all represent an untreated thyroid problem.
• Neck enlargement or discomfort can indicate a goiter, or enlarged thyroid gland.
• Changes in the skin or hair can come from thyroid disorders. In particular, hair loss or brittle, dry hair may represent hypothyroidism. Additionally, skin may become dry and flaky. These symptoms may also be present with hyperthyroidism.
• Constipation can result from hypothyroidism, while diarrhea or IBS can come from hyperthyroidism.
• Shorter, less frequent menstruation can be caused by hyperthyroidism. Heavier, more frequent menstruation can come from hypothyroidism.
• High cholesterol that is unresponsive to diet or exercise can be a sign of hypothyroidism. Low cholesterol can indicate hyperthyroidism.
• Unusual weight fluctuations may be a sign of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

Parathyroid

The parathyroid glands are four pea-sized glands located on the thyroid. While their name is similar, the parathyroid glands perform a totally different function from the thyroid. The parathyroid glands are primarily concerned with maintaining a proper level of calcium in the body. When certain conditions strike the parathyroid glands, they may overproduce calcium, causing a number of long-term symptoms.

Parathyroid conditions and symptoms

Conditions of the parathyroid break down into two main categories: Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is an abnormally high production of parathyroid hormone (PTH), while hypothyroidism is an abnormally low production of PTH. Each affects the body differently.