Your thyroid is a small but powerful gland that plays a vital role in regulating your metabolism, energy levels, weight, and even your skin and hair health. When issues arise, it’s important to seek care from a knowledgeable thyroid doctor. At Passion Health Primary Care, Shyamala Arani Purushotham, MD, FACP, CPHQ, Pooja Naik, MD, and their experienced team of thyroid specialists offer comprehensive thyroid treatment tailored to your specific needs.
Whether you’re experiencing fatigue, weight changes, or other symptoms of thyroid dysfunction, our thyroid specialists are here to help. We proudly serve patients across the Dallas Metroplex, including Irving, Plano, Frisco, Prosper, Aubrey, Kemp, Kaufman, Flower Mound, and Forney (Temporarily Closed).
Call today to schedule an appointment with our thyroid doctor or book your visit online.
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in your neck. It’s responsible for producing hormones essential for several of your body’s processes, including:
The thyroid also affects a woman’s menstrual cycle.
The most common thyroid problems are hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid gland) and hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland).
Hypothyroidism is most often caused by the autoimmune condition Hashimoto’s disease.
The symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
If you think you have hypothyroidism, contact Passion Health Primary Care for an evaluation.
When you have hyperthyroidism, your thyroid produces too much of certain thyroid hormones. Hyperthyroidism is often a result of a condition called Grave’s disease.
Hyperthyroidism can cause brittle bones, heart problems, and eye problems when left untreated.
The Passion Health Primary Care team regularly helps patients maintain the correct levels of thyroid hormones. Although the symptoms of thyroid problems can be uncomfortable, they can usually be successfully managed.
Patients with hypothyroidism are typically prescribed medication that supplements their thyroid hormone production, bringing them to normal levels.
For hyperthyroidism, your provider works to regulate the thyroid gland. You can be prescribed medication that blocks your thyroid from creating more thyroid hormones. Some patients with hyperthyroidism undergo procedures that permanently stunt the thyroid gland.
These include the application of radioactive iodine or surgical removal of part of the gland. If you undergo one of these procedures, you’ll need to take supplemental thyroid for the rest of your life.
Cancer can also develop in the thyroid gland. At first, you might not notice any symptoms, but the cancer grows and causes pain and swelling in your neck with time.
Your cancer could be aggressive or slow-growing. Most cases can be treated successfully.
If you suspect you have thyroid problems, contact Passion Health Primary Care. Call today or set up an appointment using the online tool. When should you worry about thyroid nodules? Can thyroid nodules cause mucus or throat irritation? Which lymph nodes swell with thyroid cancer? Is thyroid cancer hereditary? What percent of thyroid biopsies are cancerous? What does thyroid cancer feel like? What color is thyroid cancer on ultrasound? Can thyroid cancer spread? How long can you have thyroid cancer without knowing? How is thyroid cancer diagnosed? Thyroid Medication & Treatment Can you live without a thyroid? What happens if I miss one day of thyroid medication? How long does thyroid medication take to work? How should thyroid medication be taken? How long after taking thyroid medication can you eat? Can you stop thyroid medication naturally? What happens if you stop thyroid medication? Can the thyroid be removed? How long does thyroid surgery take? Is thyroid surgery dangerous? How long does it take to recover from thyroid surgery? Why would a doctor order a thyroid ultrasound? How long does a thyroid ultrasound take? Do you need to fast for a thyroid blood test? Does biotin affect thyroid tests? What does thyroid pain feel like? Can thyroid problems cause dizziness or headaches? Can thyroid affect sleep? Can thyroid problems cause tingling in hands and feet? Which vitamins are good for thyroid health? Can magnesium be taken with thyroid medication? Does alcohol affect the thyroid? Why is ashwagandha not recommended for some thyroid patients? What kind of doctor treats thyroid disease? Who should you see for thyroid issues? Medical Disclaimer – Thyroid FAQ Content The information provided on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Thyroid conditions vary based on individual medical history, genetics, and overall health. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before making changes to medications, supplements, diet, or treatment plans. This content does not establish a physician–patient relationship. Do not delay or disregard professional medical advice based on information found on this website. If you experience severe symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, or sudden neck swelling, seek emergency medical care immediately.
Thyroid – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Thyroid Nodules & Swelling
You should be concerned if a thyroid nodule grows quickly, causes pain or swallowing difficulty, or shows suspicious features on ultrasound.
Yes. Large nodules can cause a sensation of pressure, throat clearing, or mucus buildup.
Lymph nodes in the neck are most commonly affected.Thyroid Cancer
Some forms may run in families, but most thyroid cancers are not inherited.
Approximately 5–15% of thyroid biopsies show cancer.
Often painless, but symptoms may include a neck lump, hoarseness, or trouble swallowing.
Suspicious nodules often appear darker than normal thyroid tissue.
Yes. In advanced cases, it may spread to lymph nodes, lungs, or bones.
Months to years, as many thyroid cancers grow slowly.
Through ultrasound imaging, biopsy, and sometimes additional scans.
Yes, with lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy.
Usually nothing serious, but do not double the next dose.
Symptoms often improve within 2–6 weeks.
On an empty stomach with water, usually in the morning.
Wait at least 30–60 minutes for best absorption.
Only under medical supervision. Most permanent thyroid conditions require lifelong treatment.
Symptoms typically return, and health risks increase.Thyroid Surgery
Yes. Partial or total thyroidectomy may be recommended when needed.
Usually between 1–3 hours.
It is generally safe when performed by experienced surgeons.
Most patients recover within 2–4 weeks.Thyroid Testing & Ultrasound
To evaluate nodules, swelling, or abnormal blood test results.
Typically 15–30 minutes.
Fasting is usually not required.
Yes. Biotin can interfere with lab results and should be stopped before testing.Symptoms & Daily Life
Neck discomfort, pressure, or pain when swallowing or turning the head.
Yes. Hormone imbalances can cause lightheadedness, headaches, or fatigue.
Yes. Overactive thyroid may cause insomnia, while underactive thyroid may cause fatigue.
Yes, due to nerve effects from hormone imbalance.Diet, Supplements & Lifestyle
Iodine, selenium, vitamin D, and zinc support thyroid function.
Yes, but not at the same time—separate by several hours.
Excess alcohol can disrupt thyroid function; moderate intake is usually acceptable.
It may overstimulate thyroid hormone production.Thyroid Specialists
An endocrinologist specializes in thyroid disorders.
A primary care physician or endocrinologist can evaluate and manage thyroid conditions.Medical Disclaimer
