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Dr. Dara Lee Eckerle Mize, MD, MS

(1 Rating)

Specializes in: Adult Endocrinology

University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine (2008)

Professional interests include: type 2 diabetes, type 1 diabetes (juvenile diabetes), thyroid problems, and more.

1215 21st Avenue South 8th Floor
Nashville, TN 37232

(615) 343-8332

Dr. Dara Lee Eckerle Mize, MD, MS is an endocrinologist in Nashville, TN specializing in adult endocrinology. She graduated from University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine in 2008 and has 16 years of experience. Dr. Dara Lee Eckerle Mize, MD, MS is affiliated with Vanderbilt Health and Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC).

Office Locations

Address:

1215 21st Avenue South 8th Floor
Nashville, TN 37232

Address:

3601 The Vanderbilt Clinic
Nashville, TN 37232

Some issues Dr. Dara Lee Eckerle Mize, MD, MS can help you with:

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 thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease that causes hypothyroidism
Graves' disease, an autoimmune disease that causes hyperthyroidism
Goiter
Thyroid nodule
Thyroid cancer

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.

doctor visit	15

**Gender**
Male	34
Female	28

**Age**
From 65 to 74	0
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	32

Hypertension	74
High Cholesterol	42
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	39
Depression	0
Chronic Kidney Disease	39
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	65
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

doctor visit	50
hospital care	29
inpatient care	29

**Gender**
Male	33
Female	26

**Age**
From 65 to 74	27
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	73
High Cholesterol	56
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	41
Depression	27
Chronic Kidney Disease	69
Asthma	27
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	24
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	19
Diabetes	75
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

doctor visit	35

**Gender**
Male	24
Female	29

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	40
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	27
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	62
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	40
Depression	26
Chronic Kidney Disease	75
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	32
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	75
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

doctor visit	47

**Gender**
Male	19
Female	33

**Age**
From 65 to 74	27
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	69
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	42
Depression	25
Chronic Kidney Disease	69
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	37
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	71
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

doctor visit	52

**Gender**
Male	23
Female	33

**Age**
From 65 to 74	35
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	45
Depression	23
Chronic Kidney Disease	68
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	34
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	75
Dementia	20
Cancer	0

doctor visit	21

**Gender**
Male	17
Female	32

**Age**
From 65 to 74	33
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	71
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	43
Depression	22
Chronic Kidney Disease	63
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	27
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	73
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

doctor visit	70

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2015 - 2021

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Dara Lee Eckerle Mize, MD, MS for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Dara Lee Eckerle Mize, MD, MS treated as an endocrinologist in Nashville, TN were hospital care and inpatient care.

doctor visit	42
hospital care	29
inpatient care	29

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2015 - 2021

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Dara Lee Eckerle Mize, MD, MS.

**Gender**
Male	15
Female	18

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	0
Asian / Pacific Islander	0
Non-Hispanic White	4
Native American / Alaskan Native	0
Hispanic	0
Other	0

**Age**
75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	3
65 to 74	14

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Dara Lee Eckerle Mize, MD, MS From 2015 - 2021

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Dara Lee Eckerle Mize, MD, MS treated were hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney disease and high cholesterol.

Hypertension	44
High Cholesterol	37
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	25
Depression	12
Chronic Kidney Disease	38
Asthma	2
Osteoporosis	0
Heart Failure	15
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	1
Diabetes	43
Atrial Fibrillation	0
Cancer	0
Dementia	2

Education & Training

Dr. Dara Lee Eckerle Mize, MD, MS graduated from University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine in 2008. She has a state license in Tennessee.

Medical School: University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine (2008)

Licensed In: Tennessee

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Dara Lee Eckerle Mize, MD, MS is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

Vanderbilt Health

Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC)

Ratings & Reviews

Dr. Dara Lee Eckerle Mize, MD, MS has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 1 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Dara Lee Eckerle Mize, MD, MS from all over the web to help you find the right in Nashville, TN.

4.9

Overall Rating

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Biography

Dr. Dara Eckerle Mize is a specialist in adult endocrinology in Nashville, TN. Dr. Eckerle Mize's areas of clinical interest consist of thyroid problems, type 2 diabetes, and type 1 diabetes (juvenile diabetes). She is professionally affiliated with Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC). She attended medical school at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine.