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Dr. Ashley Ember Bray Hantman, MD is an endocrinologist in Commack, NY specializing in endocrinology diabetes & metabolism. Dr. Ashley Ember Bray Hantman, MD is affiliated with New York University and NYU Langone Ambulatory Care Commack.
Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are mental and physical illnesses that impact behavior, emotions, and thoughts about eating, food, body appearance, and weight. These disorders are characterized by preoccupations with food and physical size, resulting in dramatic lifestyle changes and adverse health effects. In the past, eating disorders were often diagnosed using BMI (body mass index), or by assessing someone's weight. Eating disorders specialists now recognize that eating disorders may occur in people of all sizes. The most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder (BED).
Anorexia nervosa, frequently referred to as anorexia, is a disorder where people severely restrict the types and quantity of food they eat. Those with anorexia have an extreme fear of eating and gaining weight and may repeatedly weigh themselves or engage in harmful behaviors such as excessive exercise or starvation. Those with anorexia often find themselves preoccupied with food, but unable to consume a healthy amount of it. This results in symptoms such as abnormally low BMI, vitamin deficiency, fatigue, fainting, and amenorrhea (lack of menstruation in women). Anorexia may cause bluish discoloration of the hands, brittle and falling out hair, yellowish skin, and lanugo (fine, downy hair). Left untreated, anorexia can lead to organ failure, brain damage, and even death.
Bulimia nervosa, typically called bulimia, is a disorder where people binge (eat large quantities of food) and purge the food that they just consumed by vomiting, laxative abuse, fasting, or excessive exercise. This behavior is usually motivated by a feeling of powerlessness over eating and a fear of weight gain or desire for weight loss. Bulimia can occur in underweight, normal weight, and overweight people. Symptoms of bulimia include acid reflux, intestinal distress, dehydration from purging, amenorrhea, and dental erosion from vomiting. Some people with bulimia have swollen parotid glands (salivary glands near the cheeks) and red scars and marks on the backs of their knuckles. Electrolyte imbalance from bulimia can be particularly severe and may lead to heart attack or stroke.
Binge eating disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder. People with BED feel that they are unable to control the amount of food they eat and may continue to binge after reaching a point of fullness. BED binges (consuming large amounts of food) are often accompanied by feelings of sadness, guilt, and shame. Symptoms of BED include obesity, acid reflux, weight gain, and dissatisfaction with one's body. People with BED tend to experience cycles of negative emotions and binges. Binges or BED episodes can be provoked by stress, boredom, restrictive dieting, depression, and other triggers.
Other common eating disorders include:
Many people with eating disorders do not consciously develop them, and have difficulty seeking treatment. For this reason, it's important to detect and treat eating disorders as early as possible. Treatment for eating disorders can vary from therapy visits to inpatient treatment, depending on the disorder and its severity. Treatment aims to not only restore physical health and correct negative behaviors, but to also promote psychological well-being and self-confidence.
Thyroid Problems
Thyroid problems are a group of conditions that alter hormone regulation and metabolism. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the lower neck, just below the Adam's apple (laryngeal prominence) and larynx (voice box). Despite its small size, the thyroid has an outsized effect on the body by regulating hormones that control metabolism. Metabolism is the body's process of converting consumed food into fuel to power the entire body. Heart rate, weight, cholesterol, body temperature, and even physical growth and development are all affected by the metabolism.
When the thyroid malfunctions, the body is unable to properly process and allocate energy. Thyroid problems, such as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), cause irregular metabolism. In some cases, the body produces antibodies that attack the thyroid cells for unknown reasons. The damaged thyroid responds by releasing either too little or too much T3 and T4 thyroid hormones. Thyroid malfunctions may also arise from genetic causes or iodine deficiency. Thyroid problems may include:
Hashimoto's is the leading cause of hypothyroidism, which is when the thyroid does not produce enough hormones to stimulate adequate metabolism. The condition is diagnosed by blood tests that measure TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) and detect Hashimoto's antibodies. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include sluggish metabolism, inflammation, fatigue, weight gain, brittle hair, dry skin, and sensitivity to cold. To supplement impaired thyroid function, patients with Hashimoto's are typically prescribed synthetic thyroid hormone pills. Such patients may need to consume synthetic thyroids for the rest of their lives. Other treatments may include dietary changes, such as the avoidance of certain foods and medication to reduce inflammation. Frequent blood tests can inform patients if their TSH levels are within a normal range.
Grave's disease is most frequently the cause of hyperthyroidism, which is when the thyroid produces too many hormones, overstimulating one's metabolism. The condition is also diagnosed by blood tests that measure TSH and detect Grave's antibodies. Elevated heart rate, high blood pressure, sweating, bulging eyes, and weight loss are common symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Treatments for hyperthyroidism include oral radioactive iodine, which slowly shrinks the thyroid, slowing the production of excess thyroid hormone. Other anti-thyroid medications such as methimazole (Tapazole) also reduce the production of thyroid hormones. Blood pressure medications known as beta blockers can ease the increased heart rate caused by hyperthyroidism. If treatments are unsuccessful, patients may be prescribed a thyroidectomy, or surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid. Some patients with hyperthyroidism may require ophthalmological (eye medicine) treatments such as eye drops, prednisone, and surgery to reduce eye swelling and bulging.
Untreated thyroid disorders frequently lead to goiters or thyroid nodules. A thyroid goiter is a large lump that can be felt near the base of the neck and is made of swollen thyroid tissue or nodules (excess cell growth). Nodules and goiters are diagnosed by CT scan or ultrasound. Obstructive goiters can cause pain, coughing, and abnormal breathing. The most common cause of goiters is hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). However, Hashimoto's is also known to cause goiters or nodules. Goiters develop from continued damage from antibodies to the thyroid over time. At times, a goiter can result from a cancerous thyroid tumor. Most goiters and nodules are themselves benign.
The exact causes of thyroid cancer are unknown. People who develop thyroid cancer may or may not have another thyroid problem such as Hashimoto's or Grave's disease. Symptoms of thyroid cancer include a nodule that can be felt on the neck, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, swelling in the neck, and neck and throat pain. CT and MRI scans are used to diagnose thyroid cancer. There are four types of thyroid cancer which vary in intensity. Thyroidectomy (thyroid removal surgery) is usually prescribed to treat thyroid cancer.
Thyroid problems are often long-term conditions that require some form of treatment. With regular monitoring and medication, many people with thyroid problems are able to lead active and fulfilling lives.
Thyroid Surgery
Thyroid surgery is a procedure to remove all or part of the thyroid gland. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the lower neck that regulates the hormones that manage metabolism. Thyroid surgery, also known as thyroidectomy, treats thyroid disorders such as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), goiters (noncancerous thyroid inflammation), and thyroid cancer. It may also be used to remove thyroid nodules or cysts that have a risk of becoming cancerous.
Both hypothyroidism and goiters are caused by an autoimmune reaction where the body produces antibodies that attack the thyroid cells for unknown reasons. The thyroid reacts by releasing too little or too much T3 and T4 thyroid hormones, impairing thyroid function and causing irregular metabolism. Goiters develop from the autoimmune reaction causing continued antibody damage to the thyroid over time. Thyroid goiters are large, swollen lumps that can be felt near the base of the neck. Obstructive goiters can cause pain, coughing, and abnormal breathing. Hypothyroidism may also be caused by iodine deficiency, as iodine is needed to produce thyroid hormones.
The exact cause of thyroid cancer and thyroid nodules or cysts is unknown. While thyroid cancer and thyroid nodules or cysts can occur in individuals with thyroid disorders, they are not associated with a malfunctioning thyroid.
Physicians may prescribe thyroid surgery if blood tests reveal patients' thyroid stimulating hormones (TSA) are outside of the acceptable range, indicating a malfunctioning thyroid. Thyroid biopsies (tissue samples) and tests for thyroid-attacking antibodies are also criteria for surgery.
An ENT or general surgeon performs thyroid surgery. While a patient is placed under anesthesia, the surgeon makes an incision at the center of the neck and removes the thyroid gland. Two alternative methods of thyroid surgery are transoral (incision through the mouth) and endoscopic, where a surgeon operates a video camera for live footage to help guide the removal process.
Thyroid surgery requires minimal aftercare. Most patients recover quickly and resume normal activities within a few days of surgery. However, thyroid surgery patients must take daily synthetic thyroid medication (levothyroxine) for life to replace their removed thyroid.
She completed residency at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (Elmhurst), Internal Medicine. She is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine - Internal Medicine and has a state license in New York.
Residency: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (Elmhurst), Internal Medicine (2022)
Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine - Internal Medicine (2022)
Licensed In: New York
Dr. Ashley Ember Bray Hantman, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Ashley Ember Bray Hantman, MD appears to accept the following insurance providers: Aetna HMO, Local 1199 - NYU Hospital Member Choice, Aetna Medicare, Aetna Indemnity, Local 1199 PPO, HIP EPO, HIP Access II, HIP Access I, MagnaCare PPO, Humana Medicare Advantage, Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS), BlueCross BlueShield of Florida, CIGNA Open Access, United Healthcare PPO, United Healthcare POS, United Healthcare Indemnity, United Healthcare HMO, United Healthcare EPO, United Healthcare Choice, Aetna Open Access HMO, Vytra HMO, Healthfirst Medicaid, Anthem, Aetna PPO, Healthfirst Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare HMO, Aetna Open Access EPO, AARP, WellCare Medicare, WellCare, Medicare Part B, United Healthcare Medicare, Medicare Advantage, United Healthcare, Medicaid, Humana, Cigna, Guardian, Fidelis Care, HIP PPO, HIP POS, HIP HMO, HIP Child Health Plus, MultiPlan PPO, MultiPlan, GHI Medicare Supplement, United Healthcare Navigate, Aetna POS, First Health PPO, Great-West Healthcare HMO, Great-West Healthcare, Golden Rule, Community Care Network (CCN), Trustmark , Beech Street PPO, Kaiser Permanente, GHI HMO, Group Health Incorporated (GHI), CIGNA PPO, EmblemHealth, CIGNA HMO, CIGNA Indemnity, Healthfirst Child Health Plus, Elderplan, Medicaid Managed Care, Blue Cross Blue Shield HMO, Blue Cross Blue Shield POS, Blue Cross Blue Shield EPO, Blue Cross Blue Shield Indemnity, UnitedHealthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, Railroad Medicare, GEHA, BCBS PPO (NYU Langone Suffolk Employees), BCBS Healthplus Special Needs, BCBS PPO/EPO Small Group, Teamsters Allied Benefits, Healthfirst Green Leaf Exchange, Apwu Health Plan, Christian Brothers Services, Qualcare Inc, Oscar Platinum Edge Exchange, HIP Prime Silver Exchange, Healthfirst Essential Plan 1 & 2, Insurance Design Administrators, Health Net of California, Oscar Bronze Edge Exchange, Global Excel, Healthfirst Silver Leaf Exchange, BCBS Healthplus Essential Plan 4, BCBS Healthplus Essential Plan 3, BCBS Healthplus Essential Plan 2, BCBS Healthplus Essential Plan 1, American Plan Administrators, HIP Prime Platinum Exchange, BCBS Local 32BJ Employees, Healthfirst Platinum Leaf Exchange, HIP Prime Gold Exchange, Healthfirst Gold Total, Pro, Plus EPO, AXA Assistance USA, Nippon Life-Aetna, UMR GEHA, Fiserv Health, Mutual of Omaha, UMR, BCBS Mediblue Medicare PPO, BCBS Healthplus Gatekeeper exchange, Screen Actors Guild, HIP Prime Silver, HIP Prime Bronze Exchange, Partners Health Plan FIDA, Meritain Health, CenterLight Healthcare DIRECT, HIP VIP Medicare Bold, Administrative Concepts, HIP Bridge, Healthfirst Silver Total, Pro, Plus EPO, Oscar Gold Edge Exchange, Connecticare Bridge, BCBS Healthplus NY Child Health Plus NY, BCBS EPO (NYU Langone Suffolk Employees), NY Fire Department - WTC, HIP Prime Bronze, Aetna POS (American Express Employer), Healthfirst Personal Wellness Plan, BCBS Blue Access EPO Small Group, AETNA EPO (NYULH Employees), BCBS Healthplus Mediblue Advantage, Connecticare Commercial, Aetna Signature Administrators PPO, HIP Prime Gold, Healthfirst Platinum Total, Pro, Plus EPO, Health Republic of New Jersey, Nippon Life Ins Co, Healthfirst Essential Plan 3 & 4, HIP VIP Medicare Prime, New York Hotel Trades, HIP Prime Basic Exchange, Global Health, Healthfirst Bronze Leaf Exchange, HIP Prime Platinum, Nippon Life of America-Aetna, Partners Health Plan Medicare, World Trade Center - Sedgwick, NYS Health Insurance Plan - The Empire Plan, Excelsior Plan, NY Student Employee Health Plan, US Life Insurance Company, BCBS Blue Access PPO Large Group, Oxford Health Plans Liberty, Wlny-TV Inc., CenterLight Healthcare PACE, Oscar Silver Edge Exchange, Aetna International, Hamaspik Choice Medicare DSNP, Medicare Part A and B, Healthfirst Gold Leaf Exchange, BCBS PPO (BlackRock Employees), BCBS Out of State or Region, Healthfirst Bronze Total, Pro, Plus EPO, BCBS Mediblue Select HMO/Extra HMO, IUOE Local 14-14B, Chesterfield Resources Inc, HIP Medicare Supplement, Diversified Administration Corporation, VNS NY Choice Select Health, WellNet, Aetna Student Plan, Bind Benefits inc, BCBS EPO (BlackRock Employees), Health And Recovery Plan (Harp), Centerlight Pace Medicare HMO, HIP Prime Catastrophic Exchange, Allied, Oxford Metro, Empire Mediblue Healthplus Dual, Aetna Medicare Value Select HMO, Qualcare Direct, Oxford Health Plans Freedom, Professional Benefit Admin, BCBS Blue Access GEPO Small Group, Wellfleet-NYU Student, Starmark, AETNA EPO (Sunset Park Employees), BCBS Blue Access EPO Large Group, WTC Health Program, CenterLight Healthcare Select and BCBS Federal Program.
According to our sources, Dr. Ashley Ember Bray Hantman, MD accepts the following insurance providers:
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Dr. Ashley Hantman specializes in endocrinology and practices in North Babylon, NY and Commack, NY. These areas are among her clinical interests: menopause, gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy), and metabolic bone diseases. She most likely takes Trustmark, Anthem, and Blue California, as well as other insurance carriers. Dr. Hantman is professionally affiliated with NYU Langone Health.
