Thyroid disorders affect millions of Americans, causing symptoms that disrupt daily life yet often go undiagnosed for years. At Millennium Park Medical Associates in Chicago, Dr. Farah Khan provides expert diagnosis and treatment for thyroid disorders, including hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Our healthcare providers understand how thyroid hormone imbalances affect every aspect of your well-being. We draw labs in house and send to universal, in network labs for faster testing and personalized treatment plans to help you feel like yourself again.
Up to 60% of people with thyroid disease remain unaware they have it. Thyroid disorder signs and symptoms can develop gradually, making them easy to dismiss as stress or aging. However, proper diagnosis and treatment with thyroid hormone replacement (for hypothyroidism) or medications that regulate thyroid function (for hyperthyroidism) can be remarkably effective.
Our team takes the time to listen to your concerns, conduct thorough evaluations, develop treatment plans tailored to your specific symptoms and health goals, and provide ongoing support throughout your treatment.
Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)
Hypothyroidism is the most common thyroid disorder, affecting nearly 1 in 20 Americans aged 12 and over when the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormones. Symptoms include unexplained weight gain, persistent fatigue, sensitivity to cold, dry skin, hair loss, memory problems, depression, constipation, muscle weakness, and slowed heart rate.
Many people experience these symptoms for years before identifying the cause. Hypothyroidism treatment with levothyroxine (synthetic thyroid hormone replacement) often provides significant improvement with proper thyroid hormone replacement.
Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)
Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces excess thyroid hormone, accelerating metabolism. Common symptoms include unexplained weight loss, rapid or irregular heartbeat, increased appetite, nervousness or anxiety, trembling hands, difficulty sleeping, heat intolerance, frequent bowel movements, fatigue, and muscle weakness.
Comprehensive Testing – Thyroid examination, including physical evaluation to check for enlargement, blood testing to measure TSH, T3, and T4 hormone levels, and additional testing for thyroid antibodies when indicated.
Accurate Diagnosis – Evaluation of thyroid disorder signs and symptoms, interpretation of lab results in context of your overall health, and clear explanation of your condition and treatment options.
Personalized Treatment – For hypothyroidism: daily thyroid hormone replacement medication with ongoing monitoring and dose adjustments to achieve optimal levels. For hyperthyroidism: anti-thyroid medications, beta-blockers for symptom relief, radioactive iodine therapy, or surgical options when appropriate.
Ongoing Management – Regular follow-up appointments, periodic lab testing to ensure optimal hormone levels, medication adjustments as needed, and monitoring for potential complications.
Additional Support – For patients experiencing hair loss, fatigue, weight changes, or other persistent symptoms despite treatment, we offer additional support and treatment options to address these concerns and restore your quality of life.
Patients throughout Chicago's Loop and surrounding neighborhoods choose our practice for personalized attention and quality care that fits their lives. Dr. Farah Khan combines over 20 years of internal medicine experience with a genuine commitment to listening, clear communication, and treatment plans that actually work.
Whether you need routine primary care, chronic disease management, or our aesthetic and wellness services, you'll experience thorough, unhurried care from a team that knows you by name, not just your chart number.
Untreated thyroid disorders significantly impact quality of life and pose serious health risks. Hypothyroidism can lead to heart problems, infertility, nerve damage, and serious depression. Hyperthyroidism can cause heart problems, brittle bones, eye problems, and thyroid storm (a life-threatening condition). Proper treatment restores normal metabolism, eliminates uncomfortable symptoms, and protects against long-term complications.
Hypothyroidism symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, cold sensitivity, dry skin, hair loss, constipation, depression, muscle weakness, and slowed heart rate. Hyperthyroidism symptoms include weight loss, rapid heartbeat, anxiety, tremors, heat intolerance, increased appetite, and frequent bowel movements. Many symptoms overlap with other conditions, which is why blood testing is essential for accurate diagnosis.
Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) can cause unexplained weight loss despite increased appetite, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, nervousness or anxiety, trembling hands, difficulty sleeping, heat intolerance, increased sweating, frequent bowel movements, fatigue, muscle weakness, and sometimes bulging eyes. If you experience these symptoms, schedule an evaluation. Hyperthyroidism requires treatment to prevent serious complications.
Hypothyroidism treatment involves daily thyroid hormone replacement medication (typically levothyroxine) taken on an empty stomach. We start with a low dose and adjust based on blood test results and symptoms. Most patients need periodic lab testing (initially every 6-8 weeks, then annually once stable) to ensure hormone levels remain optimal. With proper treatment, most people experience significant symptom improvement within weeks to months.
Most thyroid disorders require lifelong management rather than a cure. Hypothyroidism typically requires daily medication indefinitely. Some hyperthyroidism causes (like Graves' disease) may go into remission after treatment, but often require ongoing monitoring. The good news: thyroid disorders are highly manageable with proper treatment, and most patients live normal, healthy lives with appropriate medication and monitoring.