Feeling Off Lately? Why More People in Shreveport Are Discovering It's Their Thyroid

Thyroid

Fatigue, unexplained weight changes, and feeling too hot or too cold are not just signs of aging or stress.

They're signs of a thyroid disorder.

At CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic, Dr. Sirisha Thambuluru, a board-certified endocrinologist, helps individuals get to the root of their symptoms and feel like themselves again—with personalized, non-surgical thyroid care.

"Thyroid conditions have always been common," says Dr. Thambuluru. "But now, with increased awareness and more frequent imaging, we're catching problems earlier—especially nodules that would have gone unnoticed in the past."

Thanks to more people in Shreveport getting lab tests and abdominal imaging, thyroid nodules and hormonal imbalances are showing up more often in primary care. That's when Dr. Thambuluru steps in.

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The Two Most Common Thyroid Conditions—and Their Signs

1. Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)

This condition affects your energy, metabolism, and mood. It's one of the most common reasons people are referred to Dr. Thambuluru. Symptoms include:

  • Unexplained weight gain
  • Cold intolerance
  • Fatigue or low energy
  • Constipation
  • Puffiness or swelling
  • Irregular menstrual cycles

"Many patients just feel 'slowed down'—and they don't realize it's hormonal," Dr. Thambuluru explains.

2. Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)

The opposite problem—when your thyroid produces too much hormone—can make your body feel like it's running in overdrive:

  • Weight loss despite normal eating
  • Rapid heart rate or palpitations
  • Anxiety or restlessness
  • Heat intolerance
  • Tremors
  • Difficulty sleeping

What About Thyroid Nodules?

In the Shreveport area, Dr. Thambuluru said thyroid nodules are being found more often—not because more people have them, but because more people are getting CT scans and ultrasounds for unrelated issues.

"Most nodules are harmless," she explains. "But about 5% may be cancerous, and others may overproduce hormone, causing symptoms that feel like anxiety or high blood pressure."

Dr. Thambuluru evaluates each case to determine whether:

  • The nodule needs to be monitored
  • A biopsy is recommended
  • Hormone levels are being affected
  • Further imaging or treatment is needed

Care that Goes Beyond the Numbers

At CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic, thyroid care isn't one-size-fits-all.

It's about how you feel—and what's happening behind the scenes.

"Two people can have the same lab result but very different symptoms. That's why we treat the person, not just the numbers," says Dr. Thambuluru.

She works closely with Shreveport-area primary care physicians to:

  • Interpret complex lab results
  • Order additional imaging or testing
  • Adjust medications to match each individual's biology
  • Refer for biopsy or specialized treatment if needed

Why It Matters to Catch Thyroid Issues Early

Untreated thyroid conditions can affect more than your energy:

  • Heart health – especially with overactive thyroid
  • Bone density – increased risk of osteoporosis
  • Fertility and menstrual health
  • Cholesterol and weight regulation
  • In rare cases, thyroid storm, a serious medical emergency

But the good news? Most thyroid disorders can be managed successfully—without surgery—when caught early.

Take the Next Step: Local Help Is Here

If you live in Shreveport and are experiencing fatigue, mood swings, weight changes, or any of the symptoms listed above, ask your primary care doctor about getting your thyroid tested.

A simple blood test could uncover an issue that's been holding you back for months—or even years.

If your thyroid levels are off, Dr. Sirisha Thambuluru at CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic is here to help you regain your normal self-image.