Hypothyroidism Treatment Clinic in Irving, TX

At Internists of North Dallas, our experienced physicians frequently diagnose and manage hypothyroidism, a common condition that occurs when your thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. These hormones are crucial for regulating the body’s metabolism, energy production, and overall functioning. When the thyroid is underactive, the body’s processes slow down, leading to various symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, sensitivity to cold, and dry skin.

The condition can be caused by several factors, including autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, iodine deficiency, certain medications, or damage to the thyroid gland. Without proper treatment, hypothyroidism can lead to serious health issues such as heart disease, high cholesterol, and in severe cases, myxedema coma, which is a life-threatening condition.

If you are experiencing symptoms of hypothyroidism or need ongoing management of your thyroid condition, the skilled team at Internists of North Dallas is here to help. We specialize in diagnosing and treating thyroid issues to support your overall health and well-being.

Hypothyroidism occurs when your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones, leading to a slowdown in metabolism and a range of symptoms that can be easy to overlook. Common symptoms include:

• Persistent fatigue and tiredness, even after a good night’s rest.

• Unexplained weight gain, despite no significant changes in diet or activity.

• Increased sensitivity to cold, often feeling chilly when others do not.

• Dry skin, coarse hair, and hair loss—sometimes noticed as brittle nails as well.

• Constipation is due to slowed digestive processes.

• Muscle weakness, aches, joint stiffness, or pain.

• “Brain fog”—difficulty with memory or concentration.

• Low mood or depression.

• Changes in menstrual patterns for women, such as heavier or irregular periods.

• Facial puffiness (especially around the eyes) and a hoarse voice.

Because these symptoms can develop slowly and mimic other conditions, they are sometimes mistaken for normal aging or other health problems. At Internists of North Dallas, our team is dedicated to helping patients identify and manage health conditions that can impact their quality of life.

At Internists of North Dallas, we frequently diagnose and manage hypothyroidism, a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland—a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck—does not produce enough thyroid hormones. These hormones are crucial for regulating your metabolism and supporting your overall health.

The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, gradually impairing its function. Other causes include:

• Medical treatments: Some patients may develop hypothyroidism after surgical removal of the thyroid gland, or following radioactive iodine therapy used to treat hyperthyroidism or thyroid cancer.

• Medications: Certain medications, such as lithium, may interfere with thyroid hormone production.

• Iodine deficiency: While rare in North Dallas due to the widespread use of iodized salt, a lack of iodine can also cause hypothyroidism, since iodine is essential for thyroid hormone production.

• Congenital hypothyroidism: Some individuals are born with a missing or underdeveloped thyroid gland.

• Pituitary or hypothalamic disorders: These parts of the brain control thyroid function. If they fail to signal the thyroid properly, secondary hypothyroidism may occur.

• Other causes: In rare cases, viral illnesses or other forms of thyroiditis can temporarily reduce thyroid hormone output.

At Internists of North Dallas, Dr. Nabila Aslam, MD, is experienced in identifying the underlying cause of hypothyroidism and providing personalized treatment to restore healthy thyroid function. If you are experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, sensitivity to cold, or changes in your skin and hair, we encourage you to seek a comprehensive evaluation.

Our priority is your long-term health and well-being. Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, is a common condition we diagnose and manage in our practice.

Early symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as persistent fatigue, unexplained weight gain, sensitivity to cold, constipation, dry skin, and hair loss, can be subtle at first. However, without treatment, these symptoms often worsen over time. As the metabolism continues to slow down, individuals may experience muscle weakness, joint pain, and swelling in the face and extremities.

Untreated hypothyroidism can also have serious implications for cardiovascular health, raising cholesterol levels and increasing the risk of heart disease and heart failure. It may also lead to a slower heart rate and fluid retention. Additionally, hypothyroidism can affect mental health, contributing to depression, memory issues, and cognitive decline. In rare cases, untreated hypothyroidism can lead to myxedema coma, a life-threatening emergency. The good news is that with early diagnosis and proper management, most complications associated with hypothyroidism are preventable, ensuring a better quality of life.

Our team at Internists of North Dallas is committed to providing timely, accurate diagnoses and ongoing support. If you are experiencing symptoms of hypothyroidism or have concerns about your thyroid health, contact us or schedule an appointment today. We are conveniently located at 4500 N MacArthur Blvd #130, Irving, TX 75038. We serve patients from Irving TX, Coppell TX, Euless TX, Las Colinas TX, Farmers Branch TX, Valley Ranch TX, and surrounding areas.