Our endocrinologists care for adults with the full range of thyroid conditions, from an underactive thyroid that needs a dose adjustment to a nodule that needs a biopsy or treatment. Ultrasound, biopsy and thyroid procedures are performed by our own physicians in the office, so evaluation and treatment stay in one place.
Thyroid conditions we treat
Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
Hypothyroidism means the thyroid is not making enough hormone. Common symptoms are fatigue, feeling cold, weight gain, constipation, dry skin and low mood, though symptoms are often vague. In the United States the most common cause is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Treatment with levothyroxine is simple in principle, but getting the dose right depends on weight, age, other medicines, absorption and pregnancy. We see many patients who still feel unwell despite treatment and look carefully at both thyroid and non-thyroid causes. Our physicians also maintain HashiExperts, a detailed guide to Hashimoto’s.
Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
Hyperthyroidism causes palpitations, weight loss, heat intolerance, tremor, anxiety and poor sleep. The main causes are Graves’ disease, toxic nodules and temporary inflammation of the thyroid (thyroiditis). Telling them apart matters because treatment differs: antithyroid medication, radioactive iodine, surgery, or for some hot nodules, radiofrequency ablation.
Thyroid nodules and goiter
Nodules are found in up to half of adults by age 60, and most are benign. We evaluate them with ultrasound in the office, biopsy only when the ultrasound features call for it, and follow the rest. For benign nodules that cause symptoms, our physicians perform thyroid radiofrequency ablation and ethanol ablation as alternatives to surgery, and have reported six-month outcomes in 118 consecutive RFA patients, presented at ENDO 2026. Nodule evaluation · Treatment options
Thyroid cancer follow-up
After surgery for differentiated thyroid cancer, we manage thyroid hormone replacement, monitor thyroglobulin and perform neck ultrasound to check for recurrence, adjusting the intensity of follow-up to each patient’s risk.
Thyroid disease in pregnancy
Thyroid hormone needs rise early in pregnancy. Women with hypothyroidism should have TSH checked before conception and increase their dose as soon as pregnancy is confirmed; hyperthyroidism in pregnancy requires careful choice of medication. We coordinate with obstetric care throughout.
Why see an endocrinologist for thyroid disease?
- The physician who examines you also performs and interprets the ultrasound
- Biopsy and thyroid procedures are done in our office rather than referred out
- Treatment is based on current American Thyroid Association guidance
- Continuity: the same physician follows you over time
Thyroid care is provided by Darius A. Schneider, MD, PhD and Mba Uzoma Mba, MD, PhD at our La Jolla, La Mesa and Poway offices. Ultrasound, biopsy and ablation are performed in La Jolla.
Schedule a thyroid evaluation
Call (858) 622-7200 or send a request. Physicians can refer directly.
Sources: Jonklaas J, et al. Guidelines for the Treatment of Hypothyroidism. Thyroid. 2014;24:1670–1751. Ross DS, et al. 2016 American Thyroid Association Guidelines for Diagnosis and Management of Hyperthyroidism and Other Causes of Thyrotoxicosis. Thyroid. 2016;26:1343–1421. Haugen BR, et al. 2015 ATA Guidelines for Thyroid Nodules and Differentiated Thyroid Cancer. Thyroid. 2016;26:1–133. Alexander EK, et al. 2017 ATA Guidelines for Thyroid Disease During Pregnancy and the Postpartum. Thyroid. 2017;27:315–389. Written by Darius A. Schneider, MD, PhD. Reviewed October 2026.
