Affordable Endocrinologist in East Chicago, Indiana

The thyroid regulates practically every critical activity in your body through the hormone it produces, including body temperature, pulse rate, respiration rate, and digestion. These processes change in response to the amount of thyroid hormone released. Problems arise when the thyroid produces too many hormones (also called overactive thyroid or “hyperthyroidism”) or too few hormones (underactive thyroid or “hypothyroidism”). When the thyroid is not functioning like it should, it can cause a wide range of health complications, including unexplained weight changes, energy fluctuations, bowel irregularities, or mood changes.

Have you recently been diagnosed with a thyroid disorder? If so, you’ve come to the right place. This endocrinologist in East Chicago, Indiana is going to discuss everything you’ll need to know below.

When Should You Visit an Endocrinologist?

When you are first diagnosed with a thyroid disorder or “abnormal thyroid,” you should schedule an appointment with an experienced endocrinologist in East Chicago, Indiana to better understand your condition, diagnostic test results, and treatment plan. You can benefit from an endocrinology visit to ensure that your diagnosis is correct, and that the treatment plan achieves maximum symptom resolution. At 219 Health Network, we provide quick access to our licensed endocrinologists so that people can take advantage of our innovative treatment technologies. We believe that listening to the patient is critical to the success of a thyroid treatment plan.

What If Your Symptoms Persist?

You should also see an endocrinologist in East Chicago if your symptoms persist despite treatment. If you have been taking thyroid replacement hormones — like levothyroxine sodium (Levothroid, Levoxyl, Synthroid, Tirosint, Unithroid) — for more than a year and your symptoms have not subsided, it is time to see an expert. Some patients can have a more difficult time determining the best combination or concentration of medications that restore adequate hormone levels — an endocrinology specialist can help in these cases.

Other Reasons to Visit an Endocrinologist

Additionally, you should see a licensed endocrinologist in East Chicago if:

You have a new growth (solid or fluid-filled lumps or nodules) in your thyroid. You should have a specialist examine the area as early as possible.
Your thyroid gland has expanded far beyond its standard size, resulting in a prominent bulge in the neck, also known as a “goiter.”
Your pituitary gland is not doing its job right. Located at the base of the brain, this gland oversees your body’s thyroid hormone production. It often fails to stimulate hormone-producing organs to produce the hormone that has been assigned to them. This could cause some severe complications. You should consult a licensed East Chicago endocrinologist right away to determine your next course of action.
You have an abnormal thyroid and are trying to get pregnant. Your thyroid hormone replacement therapy should be closely monitored by a licensed East Chicago endocrinologist. During pregnancy, many women require up to 50% extra thyroid hormone. Untreated hypothyroidism raises the risk of miscarriage. Working with an endocrinologist throughout your pregnancy helps protect your and your baby’s health.

Common symptoms that might persist if your thyroid disorder is left untreated or improperly treated include:

Anxiety or depression
Rapid mood swings
Extreme fatigue and exhaustion
Difficulty regulating your body temperature
Difficulty swallowing or “dysphagia” due to thyroid enlargement
Unexplained weight changes
Irritable bowel syndrome
Difficulty falling asleep or “insomnia”
Shaking in hands and fingers
Irregular menstruation
Dry skin, hair loss, and bald spots
Irregular heartbeat or “arrhythmia”

Looking for an Affordable Endocrinologist in East Chicago, Indiana?

Are you looking to schedule an appointment with the most trusted endocrinologists in East Chicago, Indiana? If so, look no further than the medical professionals at 219 Health Network. We have licensed endocrinologists on staff who specialize in the treatment of thyroid disorders and other endocrine disorders such as diabetes, infertility, obesity, and osteoporosis, to name a few.