Invited Speaker at the 7th International World Congress of Diabetes and Endocrinology Lisbon, Portugal. July 17, 2023

Thyroid Evaluation Specialist

Burlington Medical Center/Carolina Nuclear Medicine

Internal Medicine Specialist & Endocrinologist located in Burlington, NC

Your thyroid produces various hormones that play a major role in managing many important body systems. If your thyroid is producing too many or not enough hormones, you may benefit from a thyroid evaluation to fully understand the cause. Board-certified physician Sam Morayati, MD, of Burlington Medical Center/Carolina Nuclear Medicine in Burlington, North Carolina, uses advanced diagnostic tools and techniques to perform your thyroid evaluation. To schedule an appointment with the internal medicine specialist, call the office or book online today.

Thyroid Evaluation Q&A

What is the thyroid?

Your thyroid is a small gland found in your neck. Part of your endocrine system, your thyroid produces and secretes various hormones that control:

  • Metabolism
  • Heart rate
  • Digestion
  • Mood
  • Body temperature

Though your body needs only small amounts of thyroid hormones to maintain control of these various body functions, any increase or decrease in levels may affect your overall health and wellness. 

Dr. Morayati specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid conditions and offers comprehensive thyroid evaluations to fully examine your thyroid and find the root cause of your symptoms. 

Why would I need a thyroid evaluation?

Dr. Morayati may recommend a thyroid evaluation if you’re exhibiting symptoms of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

Hypothyroidism

With hypothyroidism, your thyroid isn’t producing enough thyroid hormones. Symptoms of hypothyroidism may include weight gain, poor tolerance to cold temperatures, mood changes, or a decrease in heart rate.

Many conditions lead to hypothyroidism, including Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or overexposure to radiation for the treatment of thyroid cancer.

Hyperthyroidism

If your thyroid is producing excessive amounts of thyroid hormones, you have hyperthyroidism. Symptoms may include unexplained weight loss, nervousness, an increase in heart rate, and intolerance to heat.

Graves’ disease or thyroid cancer may lead to hyperthyroidism.

What happens during a thyroid evaluation?

The specifics of your thyroid evaluation may depend on your symptoms and the preliminary findings. Dr. Morayati reviews what you can expect during your initial consultation so you know how to plan.

Burlington Medical Center/Carolina Nuclear Medicine is a fully accredited nuclear medicine facility and your thyroid evaluation may include an ultrasound of your thyroid or an ultrasound-guided examination and biopsy of your thyroid if you have a goiter or nodules.

Dr. Morayati may also request lab work to assess hormone levels and conduct a comprehensive history and physical to fully understand your health and wellness needs.

What happens after a thyroid evaluation?

After your thyroid evaluation, Dr. Morayati develops your individualized treatment plan. Your treatment may depend on the diagnosis. For hypothyroidism, Dr. Morayati may prescribe thyroid hormone medication to restore hormone balance. 

For thyroid cancer and Graves’ disease, Dr. Morayati performs radioactive iodine therapy. 

Dr. Morayati schedules regular follow-up appointments to monitor you, your thyroid, and your response to treatment. He adjusts your treatment plan as needed to minimize symptoms and optimize your health and wellness. 

For comprehensive thyroid evaluation and treatment, call Burlington Medical Center/Carolina Nuclear Medicine or book an appointment online today.