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Dr. Safiya Elahi, DO, MD is an endocrinologist in Sandy Springs, GA specializing in adult endocrinology. She graduated from Midwestern University, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2018 and has 6 years of experience. Dr. Safiya Elahi, DO, MD is affiliated with Edward-Elmhurst Health, Advocate Health Care, Endeavor Health Medical Group and EDWARD HEALTH VENTURES.
100 Spalding Suite 202
Sandy Springs, GA 60540
1620 W Harrison Street
Chicago, IL 60612
4220 West 95th Street Suite 200
Oak Lawn, IL 60453
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. Safiya Elahi, DO, MD graduated from Midwestern University, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2018. She completed residency at Advocate Christ Medical Center, Oak Lawn. She has a state license in Illinois.
Medical School: Midwestern University, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (2018)
Residency: Advocate Christ Medical Center, Oak Lawn (2021)
Licensed In: Illinois
Dr. Safiya Elahi, DO, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Safiya Elahi, DO, MD appears to accept the following insurance providers: CIGNA Choice Fund PPO, United Healthcare Select Plus POS, Magellan Health Services, United Healthcare POS, United Healthcare Options PPO, United Healthcare Indemnity, Humana POS, Humana National POS - Open Access, Humana Platinum HMO, Humana HMO, Unicare PPO, Blue Choice, Aetna POS, Aetna QPOS, TRICARE Prime, Aetna Open Choice PPO, Aetna Open Access HMO, Aetna Medicare HMO, Golden Rule, Great-West Healthcare, TRICARE, Community Care Network (CCN), Aetna Open Access Aetna Select, Aetna Select, Humana Premier HMO, Aetna EPO, Humana National HMO, Humana National EPO, Aetna HMO, CIGNA Open Access POS, Humana ChoiceCare PPO, CIGNA PPO, Aetna Medicare PPO, United Healthcare Choice Plus PPO, WellCare, AARP, Medicare Advantage, Humana Medicare Choice PPO, Blue Advantage HMO, Blue Cross Medicare Advantage PPO, United Healthcare, Medicare, Medicaid, Humana, Cigna, United Healthcare Navigate HMO, First Health, Beech Street, HealthLink PPO, HealthSmart, Humana PPO, Aetna, CIGNA Open Access Plus POS, PHCS PPO, CHAMPVA, MultiPlan PPO, SEIU - Local 4 PPO, Union Medical Care PPO, AAH UMR Select - Team Member Plan, HST Care Connect EPO, Blue Cross HMO Illinois, Union Health Services, Inc., Blue Cross Med Select PPO, Benefits Services and Systems, Inc, FirstHealth, Blue Medicare Advocate Health HMO, BCBS Commercial PPO, Blue Precision HMO, Provider Network of America (PNOA), AAH UMR Preferred - Team Member Plan, UFCW Local 1546 Health and Welfare Fund (UMC), SEIU - Local 4 HMO, Meridian MMAI, Meridian, HST Care Connect PPO, Zing Health, Blue Cross Community FHP (Not Accepted at AMG West Locations), Blue Cross Community MMAI, BlueCare Direct HMO, Benefit Plan Administrators (BPA), SIHO PPO and Blue Cross Medicare Supplement PPO.
According to our sources, Dr. Safiya Elahi, DO, MD accepts the following insurance providers:
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Dr. Safiya Elahi practices adult endocrinology. Her clinical interests include diabetes, thyroid problems, and pituitary disorders. She accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield EPO, Blue Cross Blue Shield HMO, and United Healthcare Plans, in addition to other insurance carriers. For her professional training, Dr. Elahi completed residency programs at Advocate Christ Medical Center, Oak Lawn and a hospital affiliated with the University of Illinois at Chicago. Her professional affiliations include Edward-Elmhurst Health and Advocate Health Care.