Feeling exhausted no matter how much you rest, struggling with weight changes, or noticing shifts in your mood or heart rate can be frustrating and unsettling. Thyroid disorders often affect multiple systems at once, making symptoms easy to dismiss or misattribute. At Prima Medicine, thyroid care is grounded in deep endocrinology expertise, careful evaluation, and a highly personalized approach.
Thyroid disorder care at Prima Medicine is led by Dr. Janice E. McMillan, MD, a board-certified endocrinologist with extensive academic and clinical experience. As part of a physician-directed, multispecialty practice, Prima Medicine provides coordinated endocrine care across all locations, allowing patients throughout Northern Virginia to access consistent, high-level thyroid management.
What Are Thyroid Disorders?
The thyroid gland plays a central role in regulating metabolism, energy levels, heart rate, and temperature. Thyroid disorders occur when the gland produces too much or too little hormone, or when structural changes interfere with normal function. Endocrinology-focused care is essential because even small hormone imbalances can affect multiple organ systems.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid does not produce enough hormone. This condition slows metabolic processes and often develops gradually, which can delay diagnosis. Patients may experience persistent fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, or cognitive changes that worsen over time without proper endocrine management.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism results from excess thyroid hormone production. It can place strain on the heart, bones, and nervous system, leading to symptoms such as palpitations, anxiety, heat intolerance, and unintended weight loss. Early endocrinology care helps stabilize hormone levels and reduce complications.
Graves’ Disease
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune condition and one of the most common causes of hyperthyroidism. The immune system stimulates the thyroid to produce excess hormone, often leading to persistent symptoms and, in some cases, eye-related changes. Endocrinology management focuses on controlling hormone levels, monitoring eye involvement, and reducing long-term risks.
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition that gradually damages the thyroid gland and is a leading cause of hypothyroidism. Symptoms often develop slowly and may fluctuate early on. Endocrinology care includes antibody testing, hormone monitoring, and long-term management to support stable thyroid function.
Thyroiditis
Thyroiditis refers to inflammation of the thyroid gland and may be temporary or recurrent. It can cause fluctuating hormone levels that alternate between hyperthyroid and hypothyroid states. Careful endocrine monitoring helps guide treatment and recovery.
Thyroid Nodules
Thyroid nodules are growths within the thyroid gland and become more common with age. Most nodules are benign, but endocrinologists evaluate hormone activity, size, and ultrasound characteristics to determine whether observation, biopsy, or additional testing is needed.
Symptoms of Thyroid Disorders
Symptoms vary depending on whether hormone levels are high or low and may include fatigue, weight gain or loss, hair thinning, sensitivity to heat or cold, heart rhythm changes, mood shifts, or menstrual irregularities. Because these symptoms overlap with many conditions, endocrinology expertise plays a key role in accurate diagnosis.
Thyroid Disorder Evaluation and Treatment
Thyroid evaluation involves more than a single lab result. Dr. McMillan may review comprehensive thyroid hormone panels, antibody testing, imaging when indicated, and symptom patterns over time. Treatment may include medication management, dose adjustments, ongoing monitoring, or coordination with additional specialists when needed. The focus is long-term hormone stability and symptom relief, not short-term fixes.
Why Choose Prima Medicine for Thyroid Disorder Treatment?
Dr. Janice E. McMillan brings deep endocrinology expertise to Prima Medicine, shaped by years of academic medicine and complex patient care. She previously served as an Assistant Professor and Clinical Endocrinologist at West Virginia University, where she managed diverse thyroid and metabolic disorders while mentoring medical trainees. Her fellowship training in Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism at the University of Virginia, where she served as Chief Fellow, reflects advanced specialization and leadership in endocrine care. As a published author in peer-reviewed endocrinology journals, Dr. McMillan combines evidence-based medicine with a thoughtful, patient-focused approach that prioritizes clarity, continuity, and trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Thyroid disorders can develop due to autoimmune disease, genetic factors, inflammation, medications, or structural changes within the gland. In many cases, several factors contribute at once, which is why endocrinologists generally evaluate the full clinical picture rather than relying on isolated lab values.
Some thyroid disorders require long-term management, while others are temporary or fluctuate over time. Ongoing endocrinology follow-up helps determine whether treatment should continue, change, or eventually stop based on hormone trends and symptoms.
Some thyroid disorders require long-term management, while others are temporary or fluctuate over time. Ongoing endocrinology follow-up helps determine whether treatment should continue, change, or eventually stop based on hormone trends and symptoms.
Symptom improvement often takes weeks to months. Hormone levels adjust gradually, and the body needs time to respond, which is why follow-up visits and lab monitoring are an important part of endocrine care.
Yes, thyroid hormone imbalance can influence heart health, bone density, fertility, mood, metabolism, and more. Endocrinology care addresses these connections to reduce long-term health risks and support overall wellness.
Comprehensive Thyroid Care With Endocrinology Expertise
Thyroid disorders require careful evaluation and ongoing specialist care. Dr. McMillan provides endocrinology-focused thyroid management at Prima Medicine. To discuss symptoms, referrals, or next steps, contact Prima Medicine at (703) 870-3750 or book an appointment online at one of our four locations: Fairfax, South Riding, Merrifield, or Tysons.
