Author: Leslie Branon

thyroid nodules
National Thyroid Awareness Month: What you Need to Know about Thyroid Nodules
Posted on by Leslie Branon

A thyroid nodule is a growth of thyroid tissue that can sometimes present as a lump in the thyroid gland. According to the National Library of Medicine, thyroid nodules are detected by physical examination in approximately 5-7% of adults. Thyroid nodules are fairly common, and most nodules are benign or non-cancerous. In fact, it is estimated that nearly 90% of nodules are benign. However, although less common, some nodules do contain cancer. 

This National Thyroid Awareness Month, we’re sharing what you need to know about thyroid nodules.

Unfortunately, there is no known cause for most thyroid nodules, even though they are common. There are a few risk factors for developing thyroid nodules, including:

Causes and Risk Factors

  • Increasing age
  • Living in areas of iodine deficiency
  • Exposure to radiation
  • Smoking

Thyroid Nodule Symptoms

Generally, thyroid nodules do not cause symptoms and blood tests like thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) are normal. Though rare, some patients have described symptoms such as:

  • Pain in the neck, jaw, or ear
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Hoarseness
  • A feeling of fullness in the neck

Because symptoms do not usually occur, it’s important to get regular checkups and that you make sure your doctor checks your neck.

Diagnosis and Treatment

It is not possible to differentiate benign from cancerous nodules by symptoms or clinical exams alone. Once a nodule is discovered specialized tests, such as an ultrasound and fine needle biopsy, may be recommended. If you have been diagnosed with a nodule, we offer a Thyroid Nodule Fast Track Program which guarantees you an appointment within two weeks.

Our thyroid ultrasounds and biopsies are done on-site in the comfort of an outpatient setting for your convenience. If you have a thyroid nodule that requires a biopsy, this procedure will be performed in our office with ultrasound-guided technology. In some cases, benign nodules may need to be removed surgically. If surgery is not recommended, your doctor will monitor the nodule for changes. 

Thyroid patients can expect to see their endocrinologist in addition to a physician extender in developing and maintaining a treatment plan for their condition. We don’t believe in a “one size fits all” treatment plan. Our providers take the time to get to know their patients and work diligently to find a plan that is based upon the patient’s needs.

Contact Texas Diabetes Thyroid Specialists Today

To schedule an appointment with an endocrinologist at our Central Austin, South Austin or Round Rock location, call 512-458-8400 or request an appointment online.

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram and check back with us each month as we provide you helpful wellness and health information.

polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
FAQs with Dr. Jean Chen: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Posted on by Leslie Branon

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age. While the exact cause is unknown, PCOS is one of the most common causes of female infertility, and women with PCOS also have an increased risk for type 2 diabetes. 

The condition has a range of symptoms, including irregular periods, excessive hair growth, and polycystic ovaries.

PCOS is one of the most common diseases in females that is diagnosed and treated by endocrinologists. In this blog, Dr. Jean Chen answers some frequently asked questions about polycystic ovary syndrome and provides her expert insights on the condition.

What is an endocrinologist’s role in diagnosing and treating PCOS?

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a disorder that can involve dysfunction of multiple endocrine glands, such as the ovaries, adrenal glands, and pituitary gland. This can, unfortunately, produce a hormone imbalance. PCOS is considered a diagnosis of exclusion and, therefore, a complete endocrine work up by an endocrinologist is often needed before a diagnosis of PCOS can be made.

Do you work with other physicians to help manage PCOS patients?

There are multiple complications of PCOS, and it does take a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive care. Our team of endocrinologists frequently need to work with primary care physicians, psychiatrists, and OB/gynecologists.

Why is diagnosing PCOS challenging? 

​The symptoms of PCOS can sometimes be nonspecific, and there are other endocrine disorders that can mimic PCOS, such as Cushing’s syndrome or congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Also, PCOS presents on a spectrum. Therefore, for some patients that do not necessarily have all the classical symptoms of PCOS or mild symptoms, the diagnosis can be missed.

When should you see a doctor for PCOS?

Patients should seek care from a medical provider when they are having symptoms of irregular periods and/or excess body/facial hair, weight gain, or acne.

Consult with an Austin Endocrinologist Today

Dr. Chen says that PCOS is a complex endocrine disease that is associated with several other comorbidities, such as insulin resistance, weight gain, infertility, and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, getting diagnosed as early as possible and having an endocrinologist on your care team is important.

To schedule an appointment with a PCOS specialist in Central Austin, South Austin or Round Rock, call 512-458-8400 or request an appointment online.

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram and check back with us each month as we provide you helpful wellness and health information.

holiday diabetes tips
Managing Diabetes this Holiday Season
Posted on by Leslie Branon

The holiday season is in full swing, which means there are a lot of food-filled festivities coming up! Navigating parties, meals, and much anticipated holiday sweet treats can be a challenge, especially if you are managing diabetes. The increased temptations and busy schedules make it difficult to stay mindful of your diabetes management, but we’re here to help. 

Here are some tips for managing diabetes this holiday season:

Plan Ahead

During the holidays it’s not always possible to know exactly what food options you’ll have at your next gathering, but you can still take a few minutes to ensure you’ve got a plan. Eat close to your normal times and don’t skip meals to keep your blood sugar levels stable. If you’ll be going somewhere that will require you to eat outside of your regular mealtime, prepare a snack. And if you’ll be attending a gathering, offer to bring along a healthy dish for everyone to share. 

Stay on Top of your Blood Sugar

Your normal schedule and routines will often be disrupted during the holidays. As you are likely to consume an increase of carbohydrates, check your blood sugar more frequently and make changes to your routine and diet as needed.

Remain Active

You might be feeling tired after a big meal and family gathering, but it’s important to make physical activity a top priority. Will you be spending some extra time with family and friends this holiday season? Ask them if they’d like to join you for a walk! 

Don’t Forget your Favorite Holiday Treats

The holidays come around once a year, and you don’t want to miss out on your family member’s famous pie recipe! Make sure you track your treats in your meal plan and consume them in moderation.

Talk with a NextStepMD Health and Wellness Coach

We can help you decrease your stress about diabetes management this holiday season! Our NextStepMD Weight Loss Program is designed to help you lose weight, maintain weight loss, and gain better control of your health. In our one-on-one sessions, we work closely with our patients to recommend the methods that offer the greatest opportunities of success. We’ll educate, motivate and support you throughout this holiday season!

Despite the challenges brought during the holiday season, with a little planning, you’ll be able to stay on track with your diabetes management and enjoy all the celebrations. Our team here at Texas Diabetes and Endocrinology wishes you a happy and healthy holiday season!

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram and check back with us each month as we provide you helpful wellness and health information. 

Welcome Dr. Kajal Shah
Posted on by Leslie Branon

Texas Diabetes and Endocrinology is thrilled to welcome Dr. Kajal Shah to our team of experts in endocrinology. Dr. Shah’s major areas of interests are thyroid and adrenal gland pathology. 

Born and raised in India, she went to Medical College, Baroda and then moved to the United States for her residency. She completed her Internal Medicine Residency at Northwell Health in New York, where she was in the brunt of COVID-19 pandemic and responsible for independently managing several critical patients. During her training, Dr. Shah became interested in endocrinology and moved to Long Island, New York to complete her endocrinology fellowship at SUNY Stony Brook University. 

“The best part about endocrinology is being able to maintain long term relationships with patients and helping not just the patient, but sometimes their entire family with small lifestyle changes,” Dr. Shah says. “It is a constantly evolving field that requires analytical thinking and decision making, which is quite evidence-based.”

When describing why she joined Texas Diabetes and Endocrinology, Dr. Shah says she was impressed by the like-minded doctors and staff and felt she would fit right in. 

“Texas Diabetes is a large group practice with ample opportunities for robust clinical experience, clinical trial-based research and leadership,” explains Dr. Shah.

Dr. Shah is a member of the Endocrine Society, American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, and the American College of Physicians. Outside of work, Dr. Shah enjoys traveling, swimming, and cooking. She moved to Austin to be closer to her family and is excited to explore the greater Austin area!

To make an appointment with Dr. Shah, please call Texas Diabetes and Endocrinology at (512) 458-8400 or request an appointment online.

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram and check back with us each month as we provide you with helpful wellness and health information.

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