Thyroid Gland Care in Grand Rapids, MI

The thyroid gland plays a major role in your metabolism, energy, and overall health. In Grand Rapids, Michigan, thyroid problems are commonly diagnosed and treated by local endocrinologists and primary care providers at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health, and community clinics across Kent County.

Cold West Michigan winters, changing daylight hours, and regional nutrition patterns can all influence how thyroid conditions show up and are managed. Understanding how your thyroid works is the first step to getting the right care.

What Is the Thyroid Gland?

The thyroid gland is part of your endocrine system—a network of glands that release hormones directly into the bloodstream. Working together with your nervous and immune systems, the endocrine system helps your body respond to stress, illness, and daily demands.

Location and Function

  • The thyroid sits at the front of your neck, just below the larynx (Adam’s apple), wrapped around your windpipe.
  • It has two lobes (right and left) connected by a thin bridge of tissue.
  • The thyroid produces hormones that:
    • Control how your body uses energy (metabolism)
    • Support normal growth and development
    • Influence heart rate, body temperature, and weight

When the thyroid is overactive or underactive, your metabolism is disrupted, leading to symptoms that are sometimes mistaken for stress, depression, menopause, or just “Michigan winter fatigue.”

About 1 in 20 people will experience some form of thyroid dysfunction in their lifetime.

Thyroid Hormones: T3, T4, and Iodine

The thyroid produces two main hormones:

  • Thyroxine (T4)
  • Tri-iodothyronine (T3)

The numbers 3 and 4 refer to how many iodine atoms each hormone contains. Iodine is essential for making thyroid hormones.

Iodine and Your Diet

  • Most adults need about 150 mcg (micrograms) of iodine per day.
  • Iodine is found in:
    • Iodized table salt
    • Seafood and seaweed
    • Dairy products
    • Eggs
  • While Michigan is not considered a severe iodine-deficient region, people who avoid iodized salt or follow very restricted diets may still be at risk.

Too little iodine can lead to thyroid enlargement (goiter). Too much iodine—especially from supplements—can worsen certain thyroid conditions, such as Graves’ disease or “hot” thyroid nodules. Always talk with a Grand Rapids healthcare provider before starting iodine supplements.

How T3 and T4 Work

  • T3 is the more active hormone but is produced in smaller amounts.
  • T4 is produced in larger amounts and is converted to T3 in the body.
  • Higher levels of T3 and T4 speed up your metabolism.
  • Lower levels of T3 and T4 slow your metabolism.

How the Thyroid Is Controlled: Pituitary and Hypothalamus

The thyroid is regulated by:

  • Pituitary gland (at the base of the brain) – often called the “master gland”
  • Hypothalamus (part of the brain that controls the pituitary)

The pituitary produces thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH):

  • If T4 in the blood is too low, the pituitary releases more TSH to stimulate the thyroid.
  • If T4 is too high, the pituitary releases less TSH, slowing thyroid activity.

This feedback loop keeps thyroid hormone levels relatively stable in most people.

Goiter: Enlargement of the Thyroid Gland

An enlarged thyroid is called a goiter. It may be visible as a swelling in the front of the neck or found on exam or imaging.

Causes of Goiter

  • Iodine deficiency (less common in the U.S. but still possible)
  • Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
  • Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
  • Autoimmune thyroid diseases (Graves’ disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis)
  • Thyroid nodules
  • Certain medications

In Grand Rapids, goiters are more often related to autoimmune thyroid disease than to severe iodine deficiency.

Overactive Thyroid (Hyperthyroidism)

An overactive thyroid releases too much T4 and T3, causing the metabolism to speed up.

Most Common Cause: Graves’ Disease

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system produces antibodies that act like TSH and overstimulate the thyroid.

If left untreated, hyperthyroidism can cause serious complications, including:

  • Heart rhythm problems
  • Heart failure
  • Bone loss
  • Liver damage

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

Common symptoms include:

  • Goiter (enlarged thyroid)
  • Rapid pulse or heart palpitations
  • Tremor (shaking) of the hands
  • Excessive sweating and heat intolerance (feeling too hot even in a Michigan winter)
  • Unexplained weight loss despite increased appetite
  • Nervousness, agitation, and anxiety
  • Fatigue or muscle weakness
  • More frequent bowel movements or diarrhea
  • Bulging or prominent eyes (especially in Graves’ disease)

If you notice these symptoms, especially a rapid heart rate or new anxiety with weight loss, contact your Grand Rapids primary care provider or an endocrinologist at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health.

Underactive Thyroid (Hypothyroidism)

An underactive thyroid releases too little T4 and T3, slowing the metabolism.

Most Common Cause: Hashimoto’s Disease

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition where white blood cells and antibodies attack the thyroid gland over time, reducing its function.

Without treatment, hypothyroidism can progressively worsen over years, affecting heart health, mental function, and overall quality of life.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Common symptoms include:

  • Goiter (thyroid enlargement)
  • Lethargy and persistent fatigue
  • Feeling cold—even on relatively mild Michigan days or indoors
  • Unexplained weight gain
  • Depression or low mood
  • Reduced concentration or “brain fog”
  • Puffiness of the face
  • Hair loss or thinning hair
  • Dry, rough skin
  • Constipation
  • Heavy or irregular menstrual periods

Severe, long-standing hypothyroidism may be called myxedema and can be life-threatening if untreated.

Congenital Hypothyroidism in Newborns

Some babies are born with an underactive thyroid (congenital hypothyroidism). Without early treatment, this can cause serious, permanent brain damage.

  • All newborns in Michigan, including those born in Grand Rapids hospitals, are routinely screened for congenital hypothyroidism with a heel-prick blood test.
  • Early detection and thyroid hormone replacement allow normal growth and development.

Thyroid Nodules and Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid nodules are lumps in the thyroid gland. They are common and often discovered during routine exams or imaging done for other reasons.

Types of Nodules

  • “Hot” nodules
    • Groups of overactive thyroid cells
    • Produce excess hormone and can cause hyperthyroidism
  • “Cold” nodules
    • Do not produce thyroid hormone
    • Most are benign, but about 20% may be cancerous

Thyroid Cancer

  • Thyroid cancer is uncommon but is usually highly treatable, especially when detected early.
  • Treatment often includes:
    • Surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid
    • Radioactive iodine therapy to destroy any remaining thyroid cells

Grand Rapids patients with thyroid nodules or thyroid cancer are often evaluated and treated by multidisciplinary teams at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health, with access to advanced imaging and surgical care.

How Thyroid Problems Are Diagnosed in Grand Rapids

Thyroid disorders are usually diagnosed with:

Blood Tests

  • TSH – main screening test
  • Free T4 and T3 – measure thyroid hormone levels
  • Thyroid antibodies – help diagnose Graves’ disease or Hashimoto’s disease

These tests are widely available through local labs and hospital systems in Grand Rapids.

Imaging and Procedures

  • Thyroid ultrasound – to evaluate nodules or enlargement
  • Radioactive iodine uptake scan – to assess nodule activity (“hot” vs “cold”)
  • Fine-needle aspiration biopsy – to check nodules for cancer

Treatment Options for Thyroid Disorders

Treatment for Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)

  • Thyroxine (T4) tablets – a form of hormone replacement
  • Taken once daily, usually in the morning on an empty stomach
  • Doses are adjusted based on blood tests and symptoms

This is typically a lifelong treatment and is well-managed by primary care providers and endocrinologists across Grand Rapids.

Treatment for Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)

Options include:

  • Antithyroid medications – drugs that slow thyroid hormone production
  • Radioactive iodine therapy – destroys overactive thyroid cells
  • Surgery – partial or complete removal of the thyroid, especially for large goiters, nodules, or when other treatments are not appropriate

After treatment, some patients may develop hypothyroidism and will need lifelong thyroid hormone replacement.

Treatment for Nodules and Cancer

  • Hot nodules – often treated with radioactive iodine or surgery
  • Cold nodules – many are monitored; suspicious nodules may be biopsied or removed
  • Thyroid cancer – usually treated with surgery followed by radioactive iodine

Autoimmune Thyroid Disease and Family History

Most thyroid conditions—especially Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis—are autoimmune and have a genetic link.

You may have a higher risk if:

  • You have a family history of thyroid disease
  • You have other autoimmune conditions (such as type 1 diabetes, celiac disease, or rheumatoid arthritis)
  • You are a woman (thyroid disorders are significantly more common in women)

If thyroid disease runs in your family, ask your Grand Rapids healthcare provider about periodic thyroid function testing.

Local Considerations in Grand Rapids, MI

  • Seasonal health: Fatigue, low mood, and weight changes are common during long, dark Michigan winters and can be mistaken for seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or “winter blues.” If symptoms are persistent, a thyroid evaluation may be appropriate.
  • Access to care:
    • Major health systems: Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health
    • Public health resources: Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health can help connect residents to low-cost clinics and screening.
  • Primary care first: For most people, evaluation starts with a primary care provider, who can then refer to an endocrinologist if needed.

When to See a Doctor in Grand Rapids

Contact a healthcare provider if you notice:

  • Unexplained weight gain or loss
  • Ongoing fatigue or weakness
  • Feeling unusually cold or hot compared to others
  • Neck swelling or a visible lump at the front of your neck
  • New anxiety, palpitations, or tremors
  • Persistent constipation or diarrhea
  • Changes in hair, skin, or menstrual cycles
  • Family history of thyroid disease with new symptoms

Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent serious complications and help you maintain energy and quality of life through every West Michigan season.

Key Points About the Thyroid Gland

  • The thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system and regulates metabolism, growth, and energy use.
  • About 1 in 20 people will experience a thyroid disorder at some point.
  • Iodine is essential for thyroid hormone production, but too much iodine can be harmful, especially in Graves’ disease or hot nodules.
  • Goiter (thyroid enlargement) can result from iodine deficiency, underactive or overactive thyroid, or autoimmune disease.
  • Graves’ disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).
  • Hashimoto’s disease is the most common cause of hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).
  • Most thyroid conditions are autoimmune and often run in families.
  • Thyroid problems are diagnosed with simple blood tests and, when needed, imaging and biopsy.
  • Effective treatments are available in Grand Rapids through local hospitals, clinics, and specialist practices.

If you live in the Grand Rapids, MI area and are concerned about your thyroid health, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider or ask for a referral to an endocrinologist. Early evaluation is the best way to protect your long-term health.