Dr. Kara Brenn Hawkins, MD is an endocrinologist in Charlottesville, VA specializing in adult endocrinology. She graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine in 2003 and has 22 years of experience. Dr. Kara Brenn Hawkins, MD is affiliated with Sentara Health and MARTHA JEFFERSON MEDICAL GROUP LLC.
500 Martha Jefferson Drive Floor 5
Charlottesville, VA 22911
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.
Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Kara Brenn Hawkins, MD for Medicare patients.
The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Kara Brenn Hawkins, MD treated as an endocrinologist in Charlottesville, VA were lab tests, preventive care, diabetes management and blood draw.
| 42 | |
| 157 | |
| 553 | |
| 157 | |
| 157 |
Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Kara Brenn Hawkins, MD.
| 54 | |
| 179 |
| 9 | |
| 207 | |
| 17 | |
| 71 | |
| 26 | |
| 117 |
The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Kara Brenn Hawkins, MD treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes and osteoperosis.
| 51 | |
| 45 | |
| 1 | |
| 16 | |
| 18 | |
| 24 | |
| 7 | |
| 28 | |
| 8 | |
| 9 | |
| 29 | |
| 6 | |
| 5 | |
| 7 |
Dr. Kara Brenn Hawkins, MD graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine in 2003. She completed residency at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). She has a state license in Virginia.
Medical School: Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine (2003)
Residency: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) (2006)
Licensed In: Virginia
Dr. Kara Brenn Hawkins, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Kara Brenn Hawkins, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 5.0 out of 5 stars based on 164 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Kara Brenn Hawkins, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Charlottesville, VA.
These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Kara Brenn Hawkins, MD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.
|
$8,374
Victoza $5,812 |
RYBELSUS $2,040 |
Xultophy 100/3.6 $115 |
$407 |
|
|
$1,024
Minimed 670G System $942 |
Minimed 530G $46 |
Minimed Paradigm Revel $36 |
||
|
$232
MINIMED 780G $167 |
MINIMED 770G $65 |
|||
|
$176
$176 |
||||
|
$116
INVOKANA $87 |
Blood Glucose Meters $14 |
$15 |
||
|
$319
JARDIANCE $113 |
Omnipod $92 |
Dexcom G5 Mobile CGM System $89 |
NATPARA $24 |
| $7,820 | |
| $1,441 | |
| $685 | |
| $295 |
Dr. Kara Hawkins is an adult endocrinology specialist. Her average patient rating is 5.0 stars (out of 5). Areas of expertise for Dr. Hawkins include diabetes, obesity, and thyroid problems. Dr. Hawkins is professionally affiliated with Sentara Health. She is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine. Dr. Hawkins's medical residency was performed at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC).
