Thyroid Disorders in Troy, MI

Exhausted no matter how much you sleep. Gaining weight when nothing has changed. Feeling cold when everyone else is comfortable. Brain fog that will not lift. These are not things you simply have to push through, and they are not just stress or aging. Your thyroid may be the reason, and a simple blood test can often tell us.

At Phase Medical Group, Dr. Alex Christofis provides thorough evaluation and ongoing management for thyroid disorders, helping patients in Troy and the surrounding communities feel like themselves again.

Common Thyroid Conditions We Manage

Thyroid disorders come in several forms, and each requires a tailored approach. Conditions we commonly evaluate and manage include:

• Hypothyroidism - An underactive thyroid that does not produce enough thyroid hormone. This is the most common thyroid disorder and often causes fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, dry skin, and brain fog.
• Hyperthyroidism - An overactive thyroid that produces too much thyroid hormone. Symptoms can include unexplained weight loss, rapid heartbeat, anxiety, tremors, and heat intolerance.
• Hashimoto's thyroiditis - An autoimmune condition that gradually destroys thyroid tissue, leading to hypothyroidism over time. It is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States.
• Graves' disease - An autoimmune condition that causes the thyroid to become overactive. It is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism.

We handle routine thyroid evaluation and management in primary care. For nodules, cancer workup, or complex cases requiring radioactive iodine or surgery, we coordinate referrals to endocrinology.

Symptoms - When Should You Get Tested?

Thyroid disorders often develop gradually. Many patients attribute their symptoms to stress, aging, or other causes before being properly evaluated. Consider a thyroid evaluation if you are experiencing:

• Persistent fatigue or low energy despite adequate sleep
• Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight
• Unexplained weight loss or increased appetite
• Feeling unusually cold or unusually warm
• Hair thinning or hair loss
• Mood changes, including depression or increased anxiety
• Difficulty concentrating or brain fog
• Changes in heart rate or irregular heartbeat
• Neck swelling or a feeling of fullness in the throat

A simple blood test can often clarify whether your thyroid is the source of your symptoms.

Testing and Monitoring

Your physician will use a combination of clinical evaluation and lab testing to assess your thyroid function. Testing typically includes:

• TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) - The primary screening test for thyroid function. Elevated TSH suggests hypothyroidism, while low TSH may indicate hyperthyroidism.
• Free T4 and Free T3 - Direct measurements of thyroid hormones in your blood, which help confirm a diagnosis and guide treatment.
• Thyroid antibodies - When an autoimmune condition like Hashimoto's or Graves' disease is suspected, antibody testing can confirm the diagnosis.

Once you are on a treatment plan, regular lab monitoring ensures your medication dosage remains appropriate. Most patients need their thyroid levels checked every six to twelve weeks after a medication change and at least annually once stable.

Medication Management

Treatment depends on the specific thyroid condition and its severity. Common approaches include:

• Levothyroxine - The standard treatment for hypothyroidism. This synthetic thyroid hormone replacement is taken daily and requires periodic dose adjustments based on lab results and how you feel.
• Methimazole - Used to treat hyperthyroidism by reducing thyroid hormone production. Your physician will monitor your levels closely to ensure proper dosing.
• Beta-blockers - Sometimes used short-term to manage symptoms of hyperthyroidism such as rapid heart rate and tremors while the underlying condition is being treated.

Your physician will discuss the timing and proper way to take your medication, as thyroid medications can be affected by food, supplements, and other medications.

Thyroid and Pregnancy

Thyroid health is especially important during pregnancy. Both untreated hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can affect maternal health and fetal development. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or have recently given birth, let your physician know so your thyroid levels can be monitored appropriately. Medication adjustments are often needed during pregnancy, and close follow-up ensures the best outcomes for both mother and baby.

Insurance and Lab Work

Phase Medical Group accepts most major insurance plans. Office visits for thyroid management are billed as standard medical visits. Lab work is billed separately through your insurance. Our team can help answer questions about your specific coverage.

Why Choose Phase Medical Group

Thyroid disorders require careful, ongoing attention. Dr. Alex Christofis listens to your symptoms, reviews your labs in context, and makes sure your treatment plan actually reflects how you feel, not just what the numbers say.

• Board-certified family medicine physician, not a walk-in clinic
• Same physician at every visit for true continuity of care
• Symptoms treated as seriously as lab numbers
• Clear explanations of TSH, T4, and antibody results
• Thoughtful medication dosing and consistent follow-up
• Coordinated referrals to endocrinology when your care calls for it

Areas We Serve

Conveniently located at 6905 Rochester Road in Troy, MI. Serving Troy, Rochester Hills, Sterling Heights, Shelby Township, Oakland County, Macomb County, and the greater Metro Detroit area.

Schedule Your Appointment

Taking the first step is the hardest part - we are here to help you feel like yourself again. Call us at 248-847-0626 or request an appointment online.