Skip to main content
Dr. Golian logo

Patient Education

Hypothyroidism

Thoughtful diagnosis and precisely tuned thyroid hormone replacement to help you feel like yourself again.

Hypothyroidism means your thyroid gland isn't producing enough hormone to keep your metabolism running at its normal pace, which can leave you feeling tired, foggy, and unlike yourself. With straightforward thyroid function testing and carefully titrated thyroid hormone replacement, Dr. Golian helps Los Angeles patients restore their energy and metabolic balance.

Symptoms & Warning Signs

  • Persistent fatigue and low energy, even after adequate sleep
  • Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight
  • Feeling unusually cold or sensitive to cold temperatures
  • Dry skin, thinning hair, and brittle nails
  • Constipation and slowed digestion
  • Low mood, mental fog, or trouble concentrating

Causes & Risk Factors

  • Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition and the most common cause
  • A personal or family history of thyroid or autoimmune disease
  • Being female and over the age of 40
  • Prior thyroid surgery, radiation, or certain medications
  • Pregnancy or the postpartum period
  • Iodine imbalance or longstanding nutritional deficiencies

How Dr. Golian Manages Hypothyroidism

Diagnosis begins with a clear conversation about your symptoms followed by thyroid blood work measuring TSH and T4, often alongside a complete metabolic panel to view the broader picture. If your thyroid is underactive, Dr. Golian prescribes and fine-tunes levothyroxine to your individual needs, rechecking labs until your levels and your energy settle into a comfortable range.

Because hypothyroidism often travels with related concerns such as high cholesterol, anemia, or low mood, she screens thoughtfully and, when a complex or autoimmune picture calls for it, coordinates endocrinology care including specialists at Cedars-Sinai.

Living Well With a Thyroid Condition

Once your dose is right, hypothyroidism is highly manageable and most patients feel like themselves again. Taking your medication consistently, keeping regular lab checks, and supporting your overall health with a sensible diet and exercise plan help keep your thyroid and your energy steady for the long term.

Frequently Asked Questions

1What are the first signs of an underactive thyroid?
The earliest signs are often subtle: lingering fatigue, feeling cold, unexplained weight gain, dry skin, and mental fogginess. Because these symptoms overlap with many other conditions, a simple blood test is the most reliable way to know.
2How is hypothyroidism diagnosed?
It's diagnosed with a blood test that measures your TSH and, when needed, T4 levels. Dr. Golian reviews these results alongside your symptoms to confirm the diagnosis and rule out related conditions.
3Will I have to take thyroid medication forever?
In most cases, yes. Thyroid hormone replacement like levothyroxine replaces what your body can no longer make, so it is typically taken daily for life, with periodic lab checks to keep your dose precise.
4How soon will I feel better after starting treatment?
Many patients begin noticing more energy within a few weeks, though it can take a couple of months to find your ideal dose. Dr. Golian rechecks your labs and adjusts as needed until you feel well.
5Can hypothyroidism cause weight gain or high cholesterol?
Yes. A sluggish thyroid slows your metabolism, which can contribute to weight gain and elevated cholesterol. Treating the thyroid often improves both, and Dr. Golian monitors them together as part of your care.

Explore

Related Conditions

Feeling Tired and Wondering If It's Your Thyroid?

Let Dr. Golian evaluate your symptoms and create a clear, personalized plan to restore your energy and balance.

Schedule a Consultation

Medical Disclaimer

The information on this site is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reading this site does not create a doctor–patient relationship. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal guidance. If this is an emergency, call 911. Mentions of medications, devices, or procedures are informational and not endorsements. Full medical disclaimer.

†Some listed indications involve investigational/off-label use. Learn more.