The endocrinology team at White Plains Hospital provides exceptional clinical and surgical care for a wide range of endocrine disorders. Our board-certified, fellowship-trained team includes endocrinologists and endocrine surgeons, as well as specialists in fields such as radiology, oncology, urology, pathology and genetic counseling.
Together, the speech team provides an accurate diagnosis and helps our patients determine the best course of treatment for issues such as thyroid cancer, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, diabetes and osteoporosis.
The Adrenal Center at White Plains Hospital
The glands of the endocrine system produce hormones that regulate most bodily functions. Treating problems that affect these glands can require the care of a variety of experts—all of whom you have access to here at White Plains Hospital.
In most cases, you will meet first with a board-certified endocrinologist, who will coordinate your care and be there to guide you through your treatment. The endocrinologist may confirm a diagnosis, monitor your health over time or refer you to other specialists, if needed. Other members of your care team could include endocrine surgeons, cardiologists, body imagers, interventional radiologists, neurosurgeons, nuclear medicine physicians and geneticists.
Thyroid quiz
Reviewed 6/20/2021
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.
Sources: American Cancer Society; American College of Physicians; Hormone Health Network; National Institutes of Health
Our team treats all endocrine disorders including thyroid cancer, diabetes, hormonal imbalances, osteoporosis and thyroid abnormalities. Whatever your condition, our team will recommend a treatment plan that is centered on your individual needs.
Our team also meets every month to discuss the latest in approaches to endocrine care and to provide input on our patients' current treatment plans.
Endocrine surgery
Patients who need endocrine surgery are cared for in the Hospital's state-of-the-art surgical suites.
Procedures we commonly perform include:
- Thyroidectomy (removal of all or part of the thyroid gland)
- Parathyroidectomy (removal of one or more parathyroid glands)
- Adrenalectomy (removal of one or both adrenal glands)
During procedures, our surgeons are supported by board-certified anesthesiologists and specialty-trained nursing staff.
Our operating rooms also include unique and cutting-edge technologies, such as PTH monitoring, a real-time lab check that helps guide decision-making during surgery and monitor patients.
We understand that surgery of any kind can be scary. But the prognosis for the endocrine issues we treat is often good, and our patients typically do very well after surgery.