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Dr. Jeena Mathew, MD is an endocrinologist in Fort Lee, NJ specializing in adult endocrinology. She graduated from Drexel University College of Medicine. Dr. Jeena Mathew, MD is affiliated with Englewood Health.
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.
Dr. Jeena Mathew, MD graduated from Drexel University College of Medicine. She completed residency at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. She is certified by the Internal Medicine (American Board of Internal Medicine) and has a state license in New York.
Medical School: Drexel University College of Medicine
Residency: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital
Board Certification: Internal Medicine (American Board of Internal Medicine)
Licensed In: New York
Dr. Jeena Mathew, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Jeena Mathew, MD appears to accept the following insurance providers: MultiPlan, MHBP, Oscar, United Healthcare PPO, United Healthcare POS, United Healthcare HMO, United Healthcare EPO, Humana National POS - Open Access, Aetna POS, MVP Health Care, MagnaCare, Great-West Healthcare, TRICARE, Community Care Network (CCN), Coventry, Trustmark , Aetna PPO, Aetna HMO, Oxford Medicare Advantage, Group Health Incorporated (GHI), CIGNA PPO, CIGNA HMO, CIGNA Open Access Plus, QualCare, AmeriHealth HMO, AmeriHealth PPO, AmeriHealth, WellCare, AARP, Medicaid Managed Care, Medicare Advantage, UnitedHealthcare, United Healthcare, GEHA, Oxford Health Plans, Medicare, Medicaid, Railroad Medicare, Humana, Cigna, 1199SEIU, Fidelis Care, HIP PPO, HIP HMO, MagnaCare PPO, First Health, Beech Street, WellPoint, Empire BlueCross BlueShield PPO, Empire BlueCross BlueShield, Humana ChoiceCare Network, Aetna, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, CHAMPVA, Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS), APWU Health Plan, Aetna Whole Health HMO, QualCare Worker's Comp, QualCare PPO, HIP PRIME HMO, Health Partners, Railroad Medicare NJ, Freedom, Local 825, Aetna Medicare Managed Care, Meritan Health, NALC, Garden State Network, Traditional, Aetna Whole Health PPO, Commercial and Marketplace, OMNIA Tier 1, HIP PRIME PPO, Metro, UMR, QualCare EPO, Aetna Assure Premier Plus, Blue Priority, Aetna FIDE-SNP, DVA, Clover Health, Aetna Better Health of New Jersey, QualCare FEHB, APWU, Value Network (Exchange Plan), MVP Health Care PPO, Empire Plan (NYSHIP), Medica, NALC Health Benefit Plan, Nippon Life Insurance Co of America, Compass Benefit (Exchange), Medsolutions, GEHA Health Plan, QualCare HMO, River Valley, Federal Employee Program, Nippon Life Benefits, NJ Carpenters Fund and Liberty.
According to our sources, Dr. Jeena Mathew, MD accepts the following insurance providers:
Dr. Jeena Mathew, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.99 out of 5 stars based on 32 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Jeena Mathew, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Fort Lee, NJ.
Dr. Jeena Mathew is a specialist in adult endocrinology. She works in Englewood, NJ, New Brunswick, NJ, and Northvale, NJ. Dr. Mathew has received a 5.0 out of 5 star rating by her patients. Her areas of expertise include the following: cushing's syndrome, gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy), and pituitary disorders. She is professionally affiliated with Englewood Health. Dr. Mathew accepts several insurance carriers, including Trustmark, Blue California, and Coventry. According to Doctor.com, she is currently accepting new patients at her office in Northvale, NJ. Before performing her residency at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Dr. Mathew attended Drexel University College of Medicine for medical school.
