(No ratings)
Dr. Deborah Michelle Mitchell, MD is a pediatrician in Boston, MA specializing in general pediatrics and pediatric endocrinology. She graduated from Harvard Medical School. Dr. Deborah Michelle Mitchell, MD is affiliated with Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital and Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA).
55 Fruit Street <::before Docspotcdpnodeid="127415">
Boston, MA 02114
LGBT Issues
LGBT stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender, and is indicative of a greater spectrum of different sexualities and genders that some people may identify with. LGBT issues are issues that LGBT people may face in their daily life, affecting children, adolescents, and adults. Adverse experiences and stigmas may contribute to depression, anxiety, and undue stress in LGBT people. Common LGBT issues may include:
Healthcare providers are working to provide more inclusive care for people of all sexual orientations and identities. Some choose to address LGBT issues through procedures such as chest reconstruction, facial feminization surgery, masculinization surgery, and glottoplasty (surgery to raise the pitch of one's voice). Sensitive OB-GYN care and hormone therapy may also be options for people with LGBT issues.
LGBT therapy can also help people navigate LGBT issues and mental health problems. LGBT affirmative therapy specializes in creating "affirmative" spaces for people who are LGBT. LGBT affirmative therapists use patients' preferred pronouns, address homophobia and social biases, and act as LGBT advocates in their talk therapy sessions.
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. Deborah Michelle Mitchell, MD graduated from Harvard Medical School. She completed residency at Massachusetts General Hospital. She is certified by the Pediatric Endocrinology, American Board of Pediatrics and has a state license in Massachusetts.
Medical School: Harvard Medical School
Residency: Massachusetts General Hospital
Board Certification: Pediatric Endocrinology, American Board of Pediatrics
Licensed In: Massachusetts
Dr. Deborah Michelle Mitchell, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Deborah Michelle Mitchell, MD appears to accept the following insurance providers: Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, MultiPlan, Tufts Health Plan, United Healthcare, Aetna, Unicare, TRICARE, Medicare, Medicaid, Humana, Coventry, Cigna, Blue California, Beech Street, Medicare ACO, WellSense, Senior Whole Health, Fallon Health, Commonwealth Care Alliance, Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare, Maine Community Health Options, Mass General Brigham Health Plan, MassHealth and WellSense NH.
According to our sources, Dr. Deborah Michelle Mitchell, MD accepts the following insurance providers:
Dr. Deborah Michelle Mitchell, MD does not have any reviews yet, be the first to leave a review of Dr. Deborah Michelle Mitchell, MD here: Leave a Review
(No ratings)
Dr. Deborah Mitchell's areas of specialization are pediatric endocrinology and general pediatrics; she sees patients in Boston, MA. She has indicated that her clinical interests include thyroid problems, type 1 diabetes (juvenile diabetes), and adrenal disorders. Dr. Mitchell is affiliated with Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA), Massachusetts General Hospital, and Newton-Wellesley Hospital. She studied medicine at Harvard Medical School. She completed her residency training at Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Mitchell usually honors Blue California, Coventry, and Viant, in addition to other insurance carriers.