Thyroid disorders are among the most common conditions seen in primary care — yet millions of Americans are living with an undiagnosed thyroid problem without knowing it. The thyroid gland, a small butterfly-shaped structure in your neck, produces hormones that regulate virtually every system in your body: your metabolism, heart rate, energy levels, mood, weight, and even your hair and skin. When it’s not working properly, the effects ripple throughout your entire body. At Four Peaks Primary Care & Internal Medicine, we see and treat thyroid disease regularly — and early detection makes a significant difference in outcomes.
What Is Thyroid Disease?
Thyroid disease is an umbrella term for conditions in which the thyroid gland produces too little or too much thyroid hormone. The two most common forms are:
- Hypothyroidism — an underactive thyroid that doesn’t produce enough hormone. The most common cause in the United States is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition in which the immune system gradually attacks the thyroid gland.
- Hyperthyroidism — an overactive thyroid that produces too much hormone. The most common cause is Graves’ disease, another autoimmune condition that overstimulates the thyroid.
Other thyroid conditions include thyroid nodules, thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid), and thyroid cancer — all of which require evaluation by an experienced internist.
Symptoms: What to Watch For
Because thyroid hormones touch so many body systems, the symptoms can vary widely and are often mistaken for other conditions — or simply attributed to “getting older” or “stress.”
Hypothyroidism symptoms may include:
- Persistent fatigue and low energy
- Unexplained weight gain
- Feeling cold all the time
- Constipation
- Brain fog, memory problems, or difficulty concentrating
- Dry skin and brittle nails
- Hair thinning or loss
- Depression or low mood
- Slow heart rate
Hyperthyroidism symptoms may include:
- Unexplained weight loss despite normal or increased appetite
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
- Anxiety, nervousness, or irritability
- Heat intolerance and excessive sweating
- Tremors in the hands
- Frequent bowel movements
- Difficulty sleeping
- Muscle weakness
These symptoms overlap with many other conditions, which is exactly why blood testing is essential — symptoms alone cannot reliably distinguish between the two types, or rule out thyroid disease altogether.
How Is Thyroid Disease Diagnosed and Treated?
Diagnosis begins with a simple blood test measuring thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), often combined with free T4 and free T3 levels. If thyroid antibodies are elevated, that helps identify autoimmune causes like Hashimoto’s or Graves’ disease. Thyroid ultrasound may be ordered if nodules or structural changes are suspected.
Hypothyroidism is typically treated with levothyroxine (synthetic T4), a once-daily oral medication that replaces the hormone the thyroid is underproducing. Most patients feel significantly better within a few weeks of starting treatment, though dosing often requires adjustment over time based on repeat lab work.
Hyperthyroidism treatment options depend on the underlying cause and severity. They include:
- Antithyroid medications (methimazole or propylthiouracil) to slow hormone production
- Radioactive iodine therapy to reduce thyroid activity
- Beta-blockers to manage symptoms like rapid heart rate and tremors while other treatments take effect
- Surgery (thyroidectomy) in certain cases
Long-term management requires regular monitoring — thyroid hormone levels can shift over time, and medication doses often need adjustment. This is an area where having an ongoing relationship with an internist who knows your history is particularly valuable.
Who Is at Risk?
Thyroid disease is significantly more common in women than men — women are five to eight times more likely to develop a thyroid disorder. Risk is highest in those who:
- Have a family history of thyroid disease or autoimmune conditions
- Are over 60 years old
- Have had a prior thyroid condition, thyroid surgery, or radiation to the neck
- Are pregnant or have recently given birth (postpartum thyroiditis)
- Have other autoimmune diseases such as Type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus
Because thyroid disease is so common and often asymptomatic in early stages, routine screening is often appropriate — particularly for women over 50 and anyone in a higher-risk group.
When to See a Doctor
Don’t wait for symptoms to become severe. If you’ve been experiencing unexplained fatigue, weight changes, heart palpitations, hair loss, or mood changes that aren’t explained by other causes, a thyroid panel is a straightforward first step. It’s a blood draw — quick, inexpensive, and highly informative.
At Four Peaks Primary Care & Internal Medicine, Dr. Fayz Yar Khan, MD, FACP — a board-certified internist and Fellow of the American College of Physicians — provides comprehensive thyroid evaluation and long-term management for patients in Phoenix, North Phoenix, Paradise Valley, and Scottsdale, AZ. Whether you’re newly concerned about thyroid symptoms, need ongoing management of a known thyroid condition, or are due for routine screening, our team is here to help.
Schedule your appointment at yarkhanmd.com/appointments or call (623) 256-4160 today.
