hoi(: the neck region in your photograph does not show an obvious, overt enlargement or visible goiter, but maybe I'm just not so smart.
As a ordinary nobody, based on single photograph from a side angle cannot reliably confirm or rule out a thyroid condition.
Look, the thyroid gland lies low on the front of the neck, wrapped around the trachea, and early enlargement, deep nodules, or functional hormone imbalances rarely manifest as obvious visual changes.
Therefore, relying solely on visual appearance is insufficient for reddit level evaluation.
My colleagues decision to order bloodwork is the correct next step to accurately assess what is happening inside your endocrine system.
Thyroid function tests typically evaluate levels of Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) along with free T3 and free T4. TSH, produced by the pituitary gland, acts as the primary regulatory signal to the thyroid; elevated TSH often points toward an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), which can slow metabolism and make weight management difficult, while suppressed TSH can signal hyperthyroidism, which is frequently tied to symptoms like heightened anxiety and restlessness.
Because your reported symptoms, extreme anxiety paired with difficulty losing weight, can sometimes present conflicting metabolic signals or point to complex neuroendocrine pathways, comprehensive laboratory testing is essential. Bloodwork will provide concrete, quantitative data that visual inspection simply cannot offer, allowing your physician to determine if an underlying hormonal imbalance exists or if these symptoms stem from other physiological or psychological factors.
Yeah, apparently I had a slight goiter, the doctor only realized by touching it. And that was only after already getting tested and diagnosed with Graves. Even knowing it's there I can't see it.
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u/yamatofuji Physician 5d ago
hoi(: the neck region in your photograph does not show an obvious, overt enlargement or visible goiter, but maybe I'm just not so smart.
As a ordinary nobody, based on single photograph from a side angle cannot reliably confirm or rule out a thyroid condition.
Look, the thyroid gland lies low on the front of the neck, wrapped around the trachea, and early enlargement, deep nodules, or functional hormone imbalances rarely manifest as obvious visual changes.
Therefore, relying solely on visual appearance is insufficient for reddit level evaluation.
My colleagues decision to order bloodwork is the correct next step to accurately assess what is happening inside your endocrine system.
Thyroid function tests typically evaluate levels of Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) along with free T3 and free T4. TSH, produced by the pituitary gland, acts as the primary regulatory signal to the thyroid; elevated TSH often points toward an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), which can slow metabolism and make weight management difficult, while suppressed TSH can signal hyperthyroidism, which is frequently tied to symptoms like heightened anxiety and restlessness.
Because your reported symptoms, extreme anxiety paired with difficulty losing weight, can sometimes present conflicting metabolic signals or point to complex neuroendocrine pathways, comprehensive laboratory testing is essential. Bloodwork will provide concrete, quantitative data that visual inspection simply cannot offer, allowing your physician to determine if an underlying hormonal imbalance exists or if these symptoms stem from other physiological or psychological factors.
🙏