Thyroid care in Trinity and Hudson, FL

Thyroid care is the diagnosis and ongoing management of conditions that affect the thyroid, a small gland in the front of the neck that helps control energy, heart rate, body temperature, and metabolism. Our internal medicine providers care for adults with an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), and abnormal thyroid blood tests as part of primary care, and coordinate with endocrinology specialists for more complex cases. Thyroid care is available at our Trinity and Hudson offices, and you can request an appointment online or call the Trinity office at (727) 997-1635.

What thyroid care includes

Thyroid problems often develop slowly, and the symptoms can be easy to mistake for other things. A simple blood test is usually the first step.

• Thyroid blood tests drawn in office, such as TSH and free T4, with other tests when needed
• A review of symptoms, medical history, family history, and current medications
• Treatment planning based on your results and how you feel
• Regular lab monitoring and dose adjustment
• Evaluation of a neck lump or enlarged thyroid, including thyroid ultrasound when clinically appropriate
• Coordination with endocrinology for more complex cases

Not every patient needs an ultrasound. Your provider decides whether imaging is useful based on your exam, symptoms, and blood test results.

Hypothyroidism means the thyroid makes too little hormone. Common signs include tiredness, feeling cold, weight gain, dry skin, constipation, and low mood. It is usually treated with a daily thyroid hormone replacement pill, and the dose is adjusted based on follow up blood tests.

Hyperthyroidism means the thyroid makes too much hormone. Common signs include a fast or pounding heartbeat, weight loss, shakiness, feeling hot, trouble sleeping, and anxiety. Treatment may include medication to calm symptoms and to lower hormone levels. Some people are referred to an endocrinologist to discuss other treatment options.

Thyroid testing in the office

Thyroid testing usually starts with a blood draw done right in the office. TSH is often the first test, and free T4, T3, or thyroid antibody tests may be added depending on the results and your symptoms. Most thyroid tests do not require fasting unless other labs are drawn at the same time, and biotin supplements can interfere with some results, so tell your provider if you take them. For a neck lump or enlarged thyroid, thyroid ultrasound is available through our Trinity and Hudson offices when clinically appropriate. Call to confirm the location and scheduling for your visit.

When to talk with your provider

Consider a visit if you notice symptoms like those above that last for weeks, have an abnormal thyroid result from another office, find a lump in your neck, or have a family history of thyroid disease. Weight changes you can't explain are also worth discussing, since thyroid levels are one of several factors your provider may check alongside medical weight management.

What to expect at your visit

Your provider will ask about your symptoms, energy, weight, sleep, heart rate, and any family history of thyroid disease. Bring a list of every medication and supplement you take. Some supplements, including biotin, can affect thyroid lab results, so tell your provider if you use them.

Blood can be drawn during the visit through our in office blood draw and lab services. Once results are back, your provider explains what they mean and what comes next.

How ongoing care works

If you start thyroid medication, you will usually have repeat blood tests after several weeks to check the dose. Once your levels are stable, testing is often spaced out to once or twice a year as part of your regular primary care. Thyroid follow up visits and result reviews can often be done by telehealth.

Thyroid hormone replacement works best when taken the same way each day. Many people take it on an empty stomach, apart from calcium, iron, and some other supplements. Your provider will give you instructions that fit your routine.

Thyroid care in Trinity, FL

Thyroid visits are available at our Trinity primary care office at 3633 Little Rd, Suite 103, with blood drawn in the office. Thyroid ultrasound is available through our Trinity and Hudson offices when your provider finds it clinically appropriate. The Trinity care team includes Amanda Durrett, APRN, FNP-BC, and Dr. John Hanna, MD, an internal medicine physician board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine who alternates weeks between our two offices.

Thyroid care in Hudson, FL

Thyroid visits are also available at our Hudson office at 14153 Yosemite Dr., Suite 104. The Hudson care team includes Miranda McWhirter, APRN, AGACNP-BC, and Dr. Hanna on alternating weeks.

Insurance and coverage

Coverage for thyroid visits and lab testing depends on your plan. Please call the Trinity office at (727) 997-1635 or the Hudson office at (727) 605-3000 to verify your coverage before your visit.

Call 911 for a very fast or irregular heartbeat with chest pain, fainting, severe confusion, high fever with agitation, or trouble breathing.

Frequently asked questions

This content is provided for general educational information and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Medical needs and treatment options vary from person to person. If you have questions about your health or whether a service may be appropriate for you, contact Internal Medicine MD to speak with a member of the care team or schedule an appointment with a qualified medical provider. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek emergency medical care.