Thyroid

The thyroid gland is a small organ below the larynx and produces two vital hormones: triiodothyronine and tetraiodothyronine. In principle, these two messenger substances regulate the entire human metabolism. Diseases of the thyroid gland are extremely common and can occur at any age. Approximately every third adult in Germany is affected by a pathological thyroid change in the course of his or her life. The frequency increases with age. A distinction is made between hormonal dysfunctions (hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism) and changes in the size and condition (enlargements, nodules, tumors) of the thyroid gland. Overlaps and mixed forms often arise. The best-known clinical pictures include hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, goiter (visible protrusion of the thyroid gland), Graves’ disease and thyroid cancer.

Dr. Sirfy berät eine Frau zu medizinischen Fragen

Causes

Finding the cause of thyroid disease is not easy. In addition to iodine deficiency and a genetic predisposition, possible causes include disorders of the immune system or thyroid control.

The following risk factors can promote thyroid disease:

genetic predisposition
increasing age
Phases of hormonal changes (e.g. pregnancy, menopause)
Smoking
Stress
previous cancer treatment (chemotherapy, radiation treatment)
Surgery on the thyroid gland (e.g. for goiter)

Symptoms

In most cases, thyroid disease manifests itself through complaints that are closely related to metabolism. Thus, metabolic processes can be either excessively active (including restlessness, palpitations, diarrhea, hair loss) – or severely slowed (including exhaustion, increased sensation of cold, constipation).

Ein älterer Mann in Behandlung bei Dr. Sirfy in der Smartpraxis

Ein älterer Mann bei der Sprechstunde in der Smartpraxis

Treatment options

Radioiodine in thyroid autonomy
Long-term drug treatment for Graves’ disease. If there is no improvement, surgery or radioiodine therapy is recommended to restore thyroid function to normal.
Surgery is also usually advised for severely enlarged thyroid glands.
In principle, the thyroid gland plays a major role in the regulation of hormone balance, which is why close coordination with the doctor and constant monitoring are the most important factors for success.

Thyroid check

Why?

Define a change in the thyroid gland more precisely and treat it if necessary. Exclusion of potentially dangerous courses.

Diagnostics / Procedure

Physical examination. Sonography of the thyroid gland. Blood analysis.

Duration

20 minutes

Preparation

Appear sober and empty-stomached for the blood draw. When taking thyroxine preparations: Take the medication normally.

Afterwards

Follow-up appointments. Prescription for medication, if applicable. Infrequent: Referral to specialist colleagues.

Costs

Health insurance benefit, otherwise the current official regulation of charges for physicians (GOÄ) applies.
Optional: Micronutrient analysis in whole blood (costs from approx. 80€).

SmartPraxis

®

Ärztehaus Nymphenburg | 2nd floor
Rosa-Bavarese-Str. 1
80639 München

Consultation hours:
Mon–Wen: 08:00-12:00 | 15:00-18:00
Thu + Fri: 08:00-12:00
& by arrangement

Phone:
089 / 856 395 82

Ärztehaus am Stachus | 3rd floor
Neuhauserstraße 47
80331 München

Consultation hours:
Mon + Tue + Thu: 08:00-12:00 | 15:00-18:00
Wen + Fri: 07:30-12:00
& by arrangement

Phone:
089 / 201 4242

Overview