We're all different—and our hormones are too. That's what makes endocrinology so complex. At University Health, our team of endocrinologists understands. We offer personalized care. We're your partners. We'll find the treatment that's right for you.
Reviewed 5/25/2022
Thyroid gland: True or false?
The thyroid gland has important work to do—but what happens when it doesn't work right? This small, butterfly-shaped gland at the front of the neck is a common source of trouble. Test your knowledge about thyroid health.
True or false: The thyroid gland affects every tissue in the body.
True. The thyroid gland produces two hormones that travel through the blood to all tissues of the body. They help regulate things as diverse as digestion, heart rate and body temperature. If the thyroid makes too much hormone (overactive thyroid) or too little hormone (underactive thyroid), these body functions can speed up or slow down, causing a variety of problems. Other names for these thyroid disorders are hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
True or false: An underactive thyroid can cause you to feel run down.
True. Fatigue is one of many possible symptoms. Others depend on whether you have a thyroid that is underactive or overactive. Warning signs can include feeling unusually cold or hot, constipation or diarrhea, gaining or losing weight, dry skin, a low mood, trouble sleeping, and menstrual period changes. If your doctor suspects a thyroid problem, a blood test can help find out.
True or false: Surgery is the main treatment for an underactive thyroid.
False. People with this conditions may take artificial hormones that replace the real hormone their bodies no longer make. These drugs are often taken for life. An overactive thyroid is often treated with medicines that lower hormone levels. In some cases, surgery may be a treatment option for an overactive thyroid.
True or false: Thyroid disorders affect more women than men.
True. Women and other people older than 60 are more likely to develop thyroid disorders than are men and younger adults. Having a family history of thyroid disorders also may raise your risk. However, anyone can be diagnosed with a thyroid disorder. Often, the cause is an autoimmune disorder, such as Hashimoto's or Grave's disease.
True or false: Most thyroid lumps are not cancerous.
True. Lumps (also called nodules) on the thyroid gland are very common. But they're usually harmless. In fact, only about 10 percent of these thyroid nodules turn out to be cancerous. If you do notice a lump, bump or swelling in your neck, ask your doctor to examine it.
Thyroid disorders are common—and treatable. It often takes careful management and monitoring with the help of a specialist. Learn more about thyroid problems and their treatments in our health information library.
Visit the Thyroid health topic center
Sources: American Cancer Society; American College of Physicians; Hormone Health Network; National Institutes of Health
Conditions we treat
Endocrinology covers a variety of concerns. Our specialists help with issues like:
- Diabetes management and education.
- Thyroid and parathyroid disease.
- Thyroid cancer.
- Adrenal disease.
- Pituitary disease.
- Bone disease.
Our endocrinologists
Our team includes physicians who are board-certified in endocrinology and internal medicine. We also have doctors who are specialists in specific areas like osteoporosis, weight management, thyroid disease and transgender medicine.
Many of our endocrinologists speak multiple languages, including Spanish, Russian, Armenian, Arabic and Hindi. Translation services are also available.
Our endocrinologists often collaborate with other specialists. We work with podiatry because people with diabetes can be prone to foot problems. We partner with nuclear medicine, since radioactive iodine can treat thyroid cancer. And we work with interventional radiology. This allows us to do adrenal gland sampling.
In cases where surgery is necessary, our endocrinologists partner with general surgeons and ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeons. We work together often, so we're able to perform a variety of procedures with ease. Whether you need a biopsy or the aspiration of thyroid nodules, you are in good hands.
University Health also educates other experts. We are a fully accredited endocrinology teaching facility. Our Endocrine Fellowship Program welcomes new physicians regularly. That means our team’s experience and expertise are always growing.
Our endocrinology locations
We offer endocrinology care at several convenient locations:
- University Health Truman Medical Center. The Diabetes and Endocrinology Center downtown is our main location. We provide state-of-the-art care in a warm and welcoming space five days a week. We also provide inpatient endocrinology services.
- University Health Lakewood Medical Center. Our specialists treat patients at the clinics where they are used to receiving care.
No matter which facility you visit, you can expect individualized care. We focus on you. And we work closely with other physicians to ensure you get the best care.
Our providers are welcoming new patients. Your physician can provide a referral to our services. No referral? No problem. Call the Diabetes and Endocrinology Center at 816.404.4070. We'll help you get the care you need at the location that works for you.