If you’re in the Tulsa area and searching for a trusted thyroid specialist, look no further than Grassroots Healthcare. Led by board-certified physician, Dr. Melita Tate, our clinic offers comprehensive care to address all your thyroid concerns.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed or seeking a second opinion, we can help. Dr. Tate is an expert in natural hormone therapy and traditional treatment options. Let us help you find the path to optimal thyroid health and a renewed sense of well-being.
This blog will cover the topic of thyroid health. We’ll answer frequently asked questions like “What doctor treats hypothyroidism?” and “When should I see a thyroid doctor?”.
You will find a checklist for choosing the right thyroid doctor for your needs. Let’s discuss how Grassroots Healthcare can help you take control of your thyroid health and live a vibrant life.
When Should You See a Thyroid Doctor?
Scheduling a visit with a thyroid doctor isn’t just for those with a new diagnosis. There are many reasons to seek professional guidance throughout your health journey.
Here are some key situations where consulting a thyroid specialist is recommended:
- Beyond the initial diagnosis: Even if you’ve been diagnosed with a thyroid condition, regular check-ins with a doctor are crucial to monitor your response to treatment and potentially adjust medications as needed.
- Changes in your health: If you experience new symptoms like fatigue, weight fluctuations, bowel irregularity, or temperature sensitivity, it’s important to see a thyroid doctor to determine if these could be related to your thyroid function.
- Reproductive health concerns: Women who are pregnant, trying to conceive, or experiencing menstrual irregularities should consult a thyroid doctor, as thyroid health plays a vital role in reproductive health.
- Medication or treatment concerns: Are you having trouble tolerating your current thyroid medication or experiencing side effects? A thyroid doctor can help adjust your treatment plan for optimal results.
- Other health complexities: If you have a diagnosed thyroid condition alongside another endocrine disorder, consulting a thyroid specialist is essential to ensure comprehensive care for your overall hormonal health.
- Visible changes in your neck: A lump or nodule (goiter) in your thyroid gland warrants a visit with a thyroid doctor to evaluate the cause and determine the best course of action.
Symptoms to Watch For:
- Changes in mood and energy levels
- Unexplained weight change
- Changes in bowel movements
- Difficulty regulating body temperature
- Menstrual irregularities
What Doctor is Best for Thyroid Problems?
This answer can differ from person to person. The ideal healthcare provider depends on your specific needs and health history.
A patient dealing with multiple endocrine issues may see benefit from working with an endocrinologist. On the other hand, a primary care physician may suit someone looking for comprehensive healthcare.
We must also consider women who are pregnant or attempting to conceive. Seeking care from an obstetrician or gynecologists could be helpful.
Types of Doctors Who Can Treat Thyroid Problems:
- Endocrinologists: These specialists are highly trained in all aspects of the endocrine system, including the thyroid. They can diagnose complex thyroid issues and manage them with medication or other therapies.
- Primary Care Physicians (PCPs): PCPs often manage routine thyroid conditions like hypothyroidism. They can order blood tests, prescribe medication, and monitor your progress over time.
- OB/GYNs: For women, OB/GYNs play a crucial role in managing thyroid health throughout pregnancy and preconception. They can adjust medications and monitor thyroid function to ensure optimal health for both mother and baby.
The Grassroots Healthcare Advantage:
Dr. Melita Tate, our board-certified medical doctor, takes a holistic approach to patient care. As a thyroid expert, she goes beyond just treating your thyroid condition. She considers your overall health and well-being when developing a treatment plan. This personalized approach often leads to better long-term outcomes and a renewed sense of vitality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Thyroid Be Cured Without Surgery?
According to the American Thyroid Association, all thyroid diseases can be treated. Effective treatment may include surgery, radioactive iodine and antithyroid medication. These forms of treatment can restore the thyroid to a normal function. However, curing the underlying condition may not be possible.
Which Type of Treatment is Best for Thyroid Problems?
The best treatment for thyroid problems depends on the specific type of condition you have and its severity. Here’s a breakdown based on information from the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and the American Thyroid Association.
- Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid): The most common treatment is synthetic levothyroxine (L-thyroxine), a medication that replaces the missing thyroid hormone. The dosage is individualized based on your blood test results and adjusted as needed.
- Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid): Treatment options can include anti-thyroid medications that decrease hormone production, radioactive iodine therapy to destroy overactive thyroid tissue, or surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid gland. The best choice depends on factors like your age, overall health, and the severity of your condition.
Treatment Options by Thyroid Condition:
Hypothyroidism:
- Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Levothroid) medication
Hyperthyroidism and Grave’s Disease:
- Anti-thyroid medications (propylthiouracil, methimazole)
- Radioactive iodine therapy
- Surgery (thyroidectomy)
Thyroid nodules or goiter:
- Monitoring (depending on size and symptoms)
- Medication (for hyperthyroidism caused by the nodule)
- Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (to rule out cancer)
- Surgery (removal in some cases)
Thyroid Eye Disease:
- Medications to preserve sight
- Treatment of permanent changes (possibly surgery for double vision, eyelid retraction and swelling)
Thyroid cancer:
- Surgery (most common treatment)
- Radioactive iodine therapy (often used after surgery)
- Thyroid hormone replacement therapy (to suppress TSH and any remaining cancer cells)
- Thyroglobulin testing (to monitor for recurrence)
Note: This list is not exhaustive, and it’s crucial to consult with a qualified doctor to determine the best treatment plan for your specific case.
Hi, I’m Dr. Melita Tate with Grassroots Healthcare.
Hi, I’m Brooke Schaive with Grassroots Healthcare, and today we’re going to give you some information that’ll give you an edge for your thyroid health.
We really want to help our patients look at the whole picture of what’s going on with their thyroid health. A lot of our patients come to us and say that they can only get a TSH test, or they’ve been diagnosed with low thyroid but don’t know if they have antibodies against their thyroid.
Technically, in the commercial medicine world, it might not make any difference if we’re just going to prescribe thyroid hormone. However, it makes a huge difference in the wellness world to know what your TSH looks like, along with your T3, T4, reverse T3, and thyroid antibodies. You can do a full thyroid panel here at Grassroots Healthcare.
We offer that to our patients and help them track their antibodies if they have them. We also help patients look for ways to lower that antibody load because that’s causing more inflammation, discomfort, brain fog, and all the other symptoms associated with thyroid issues.
If you have thyroid issues and you don’t feel like you fully understand them, and you’re taking a pill every month but still don’t feel good, it’s time to consider getting a full thyroid panel. Many physicians will do that for you, and we definitely do it here at Grassroots Healthcare. However, some physicians might not offer this service, depending on how open they are to comprehensive thyroid testing.
If you need a full thyroid panel, we’re here for you. Come see us.
Checklist for Selecting a Thyroid Doctor
- Able to Interpret Thyroid Panel
- Willing to Explore Treatment Options Beyond Levothyroxine
- Understands the Endocrine System
- Educated About the role of Antibodies
In Summary
Do you suspect a thyroid issue might be affecting your well-being? You don’t have to navigate this journey alone.
At Grassroots Healthcare, we understand the frustration and fatigue that can accompany thyroid problems. Dr. Melita Tate and our team are dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive care. We work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that helps you regain control of your health and live a vibrant life.
Schedule an appointment today and take the first step towards feeling your best. We look forward to partnering with you on your path to optimal thyroid health.
