The thyroid gland may be small, but it plays a major role in regulating many of the body’s essential functions—from energy and metabolism to mood, heart rate, and temperature control. When the thyroid isn’t working properly, it can have wide-ranging effects on how you feel every day.

As a board-certified endocrinologist with nearly 25 years of experience, I’ve helped thousands of patients manage thyroid conditions, including hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Graves’ disease, thyroid nodules, and thyroid-related fatigue or weight changes. Today, I also incorporate a functional medicine perspective for patients who are seeking a deeper, root-cause approach to their thyroid health.

My practice offers comprehensive thyroid evaluation and management, including on-site thyroid ultrasound and ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) of thyroid nodules when indicated. This allows for faster diagnosis, greater convenience, and continuity of care—all in one place.

Understanding the Thyroid

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck. It produces hormones—mainly T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine)—that influence nearly every cell in your body. These hormones regulate your metabolism, support energy production, help maintain body temperature, and affect heart, digestive, and brain function.

When thyroid hormone levels are out of balance, symptoms can develop. These may include:

• Fatigue
• Weight gain or loss
• Cold or heat intolerance
• Hair thinning or dry skin
• Mood changes, anxiety, or depression
• Irregular periods or fertility issues
• Brain fog or memory trouble
• Heart palpitations

Many of these symptoms can be subtle or overlap with other conditions, so accurate diagnosis is key.

Thyroid Conditions I Commonly Treat

In my practice, I evaluate and manage a full spectrum of thyroid disorders, including:

Hypothyroidism

When the thyroid gland underproduces hormones, this is often caused by Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the thyroid.

Hyperthyroidism

When the thyroid is overactive, it is often due to Graves’ disease or nodular thyroid disease. This can lead to anxiety, weight loss, and heart rhythm issues.

Thyroid nodules

Lumps in the thyroid may be benign or, in rare cases, cancerous. Most nodules are found incidentally during exams or imaging tests.

Goiter

An enlarged thyroid may or may not affect hormone levels.

Thyroid cancer

While relatively uncommon, it often presents as a painless nodule. Early diagnosis is important.

In-Office Thyroid Ultrasound and Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA)

One of the advantages of my practice is that I perform thyroid ultrasound evaluations right in the office. This non-invasive imaging test allows us to:

• Assess the size and shape of the thyroid gland
• Detect and characterize thyroid nodules
• Monitor known nodules over time
• Evaluate inflammation in autoimmune thyroiditis

If a nodule meets certain size or appearance criteria, I can also perform an ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) in the office. This is a minimally invasive procedure where a small needle is used to collect cells from the nodule for cytologic analysis.

Because this is done under real-time ultrasound guidance, it is precise, quick, and well-tolerated. Having these tools in the same office where we manage your thyroid condition allows for seamless care and faster results, reducing the need for multiple appointments at different facilities.

Treatment Options: Personalized and Evidence-Based

Treatment for thyroid conditions depends on the specific diagnosis. Options may include:

• Thyroid hormone replacement therapy for hypothyroidism (commonly using levothyroxine, and in some cases a combination of T4 and T3)
• Antithyroid medications, radioactive iodine, or surgery for hyperthyroidism
• Monitoring or surgical referral for suspicious or enlarging nodules
• Supportive lifestyle and nutritional strategies for autoimmune thyroiditis

I tailor each treatment plan to the individual, taking into account not only lab values and imaging but also symptoms, personal health history, and preferences.

A Functional Medicine Perspective on Thyroid Health

For patients seeking a broader, root-cause approach, I also offer care through my functional endocrinology practice, where we explore additional factors that may impact thyroid health, such as:

• Gut health and microbiome imbalances
• Chronic inflammation
• Nutrient deficiencies (such as selenium, iodine, zinc, and vitamin D)
• Adrenal stress and cortisol dysregulation
• Environmental toxin exposures
• Autoimmune triggers

This model of care includes more time for each visit—90 minutes for the initial consultation and 30 minutes for follow-ups—to allow for deep exploration of your health story, labs, lifestyle, and goals.

The functional medicine arm of my practice is available on a fee-for-service basis, while my traditional endocrinology services remain available through standard insurance-based referrals. Patients are welcome to choose whichever model suits their needs and preferences best.

Who Should Consider a Thyroid Evaluation?

If you’re experiencing fatigue, unexplained weight changes, anxiety, menstrual irregularities, or simply don’t feel like yourself, it may be worth investigating your thyroid function. Early detection and treatment of thyroid conditions can prevent more serious complications and help restore your energy and well-being.

You should also consider evaluation if you:

• Have a family history of thyroid disease or autoimmune conditions
• Have been told you have a thyroid nodule or an enlarged thyroid
• Are you trying to conceive, or have you experienced fertility issues
• Have already been diagnosed with a thyroid condition, but still feel unwell despite treatment

Comprehensive Thyroid Care Under One Roof

Whether you’re newly diagnosed or seeking a second opinion, I offer a full spectrum of thyroid services—from lab testing and ultrasound to biopsy, treatment, and long-term management. With nearly 25 years of clinical experience and the ability to provide in-depth, integrative care when desired, my goal is to deliver thyroid care that is both expert and personalized.

To schedule an appointment, please call 203-760-5544. I look forward to helping you better understand and take control of your thyroid health.