Thyroid Disorders

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the lower front of the neck, but it plays a major role in how the body uses energy. Thyroid hormones influence metabolism, temperature regulation, heart rhythm, digestion, mood, menstrual cycles, and many other body functions. When the thyroid makes too much or too little hormone, or when nodules develop within the gland, patients may experience health changes.

At The Endocrinology Group, our clinicians evaluate and manage thyroid concerns for patients in Falls Church, Arlington, and throughout Northern Virginia. Thyroid care may involve conditions such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Graves’ disease, thyroid nodules, goiter, thyroid inflammation, thyroid hormone imbalance, and thyroid cancer management. Because symptoms can overlap with many other health concerns, a thoughtful evaluation is important.

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid does not make enough thyroid hormone. Patients may notice fatigue, weight changes, constipation, dry skin, cold intolerance, hair thinning, slower heart rate, or changes in mood and concentration. Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid makes too much hormone. Symptoms may include rapid heartbeat, anxiety, tremor, heat intolerance, increased sweating, unexplained weight loss, more frequent bowel movements, or sleep difficulty. In some patients, thyroid disease is autoimmune, meaning the immune system affects thyroid function over time.

A thyroid evaluation typically begins with a discussion of symptoms, family history, medication use, prior lab results, pregnancy history when relevant, and any history of radiation exposure or thyroid surgery. Testing may include thyroid hormone levels, thyroid antibody testing, thyroid imaging. Thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer are another common reason patients may see an endocrinologist. A thyroid nodule is a growth or lump within the thyroid gland. Most thyroid nodules are benign, but they may need evaluation based on size, appearance, symptoms, growth pattern, or risk factors. Some patients notice a lump in the neck, pressure, swallowing discomfort, or voice changes, while others discover nodules incidentally during imaging for another reason.

Some clinicians may offer thyroid ultrasound and biopsy services in the office when appropriate. Thyroid ultrasound uses sound waves to evaluate the structure of the thyroid and better characterize nodules. If a nodule has features that require further evaluation, a fine needle aspiration biopsy may be recommended. This is a common office-based procedure in which a thin needle is used to collect cells from the nodule for laboratory review.

Pregnancy planning, pregnancy, and the postpartum period can also affect thyroid needs. Some patients require closer monitoring during these stages because thyroid hormone levels can influence maternal health and fetal development.

If you are experiencing thyroid abnormalities, were told you have a thyroid nodule, or need ongoing thyroid cancer-related endocrine care, The Endocrinology Group provides thyroid care in Falls Church and Arlington, VA.