The thyroid helps regulate many body functions, earning it the nickname “second master gland.” Thyroid problems can affect weight, temperature tolerance, hair, nails, and energy. Nearby parathyroids control calcium to support muscles, nerves, and bones.
Signs of Thyroid Trouble
Thyroid symptoms often depend on whether the gland is overactive or underactive.
Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroid) may cause:
Underactive thyroid (hypothyroid) may cause:
Some people may also notice a lump in the neck, which can be a thyroid nodule.
How Thyroid Problems are Tested
Thyroid evaluation often starts with blood work. Your primary care provider may check:
- TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), a signal from the pituitary gland that tells the thyroid to work
- Free T4, an active thyroid hormone that helps confirm overactive vs. underactive thyroid function
These labs help guide treatment and follow-up, especially after surgery or when thyroid replacement medication is needed.
Parathyroid Problems and High Calcium
Parathyroid issues are often found during routine blood work when calcium levels are high. Your provider may repeat the test to confirm it is not a false reading.
If calcium stays elevated, a parathormone (PTH) test can show whether the parathyroid gland is overactive. Too much parathyroid hormone can pull calcium out of bones, raising risk for osteopenia or osteoporosis.
Imaging and Treatment Options
If an overactive parathyroid gland is suspected, your provider may order imaging such as:
- Ultrasound
- A specialized nuclear scan called a sestamibi test
When a gland is clearly hyperactive, the best treatment is often surgical removal.
For thyroid nodules, ultrasound features may guide next steps. A fine needle biopsy can collect cells to look for cancer risk. If results are unclear, genetic testing may help clarify whether cancer risk is low or significant. If risk is significant, surgery may be recommended.
What Life Looks Like After Surgery
After thyroid surgery, many patients take thyroid replacement medication, most commonly levothyroxine (Synthroid). Some people only need part of the thyroid removed, but others may need full removal.
Once the dose is adjusted to the right level, most patients feel well and return to normal daily function.
Thyroid and parathyroid disorders can feel overwhelming, but they are treatable with the right evaluation and plan. Valley Health ENT clinicians can coordinate testing, review results, and discuss whether medication, monitoring, or surgery is the best next step.