HomeServices › Thyroid Disorders

Thyroid Disorders: Diagnosis and Treatment

The thyroid is a small gland in the neck that sets the pace for your whole body: energy, weight, mood, heart rate, skin and hair. When it works too slowly or too fast, the symptoms are easy to mistake for stress or aging. Dr. Marina Gafanovich diagnoses and treats thyroid conditions on the Upper East Side.

  • Board-certified internist
  • Affiliated with NewYork-Presbyterian / Weill Cornell
  • On the Upper East Side since 2008
  • Blood work & ECG in the office
Dr. Marina Gafanovich, MD, board-certified internist on the Upper East Side, Manhattan

Conditions we treat

  • Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid): tiredness, weight gain, feeling cold, dry skin, constipation, low mood
  • Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, the most common cause of hypothyroidism
  • Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid): weight loss, fast heartbeat, anxiety, tremor, trouble sleeping, heat intolerance
  • Thyroid nodules and an enlarged thyroid (goiter)
  • Thyroid changes during and after pregnancy

Testing

  • TSH, free T4 and, when needed, T3
  • Thyroid antibodies (TPO) to look for Hashimoto’s
  • Thyroid ultrasound, arranged when a nodule or enlargement is found

A thyroid panel is part of our annual physical.

Treatment

Hypothyroidism is treated with a daily thyroid hormone pill (levothyroxine). We adjust the dose with blood tests every 6–8 weeks until your levels and symptoms settle, then check once or twice a year.

Hyperthyroidism may be treated with medication to calm the thyroid, and we work with an endocrinologist when radioactive iodine or surgery is considered.

Nodules are evaluated with ultrasound. Most are benign; some need a biopsy by a specialist.

Why patients choose Dr. Gafanovich

Board-certified internist

Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM), with more than 20 years in practice.

Hospital affiliation

Affiliated with NewYork-Presbyterian / Weill Cornell Medical Center.

A practice with history

Dr. Gafanovich has led this Upper East Side practice since 2008; the practice was founded in 1961.

Tests on site

ECG, spirometry, urinalysis and blood draw in the same office, often during the same visit.

Time to listen

Unhurried visits, and every result is explained.

Languages

English, Russian, Spanish

Insurance and payment

We accept many plans from Aetna, Cigna, Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield (Anthem), MultiPlan and Coresource. Self-pay patients are welcome. Call 212-249-6218 for self-pay pricing.

See our Insurance page for the full list of plans, or call 212-249-6218 and we’ll check your coverage.

Frequently asked questions

An underactive thyroid can cause modest weight gain and make weight loss harder. Treatment usually helps.

Levothyroxine works best on an empty stomach, 30–60 minutes before breakfast, and away from calcium or iron supplements.

Most thyroid conditions can be managed by an internist. We refer you when a specialist is needed.

Related services

Medically reviewed by Dr. Marina Gafanovich, MD, board-certified internist · Last reviewed: September 21, 2026

Book a visit

  • Book online in about a minute
  • Most major insurance plans accepted
  • English, Russian & Spanish spoken

My NYC Doctor — Dr. Marina Gafanovich, MD
1550 York Ave, Suite A
New York, NY 10028

Mon–Fri: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sat–Sun: closed

Book your appointment online

Choose a convenient time below — it takes about a minute. Prefer to talk to us? Call 212-249-6218, Mon–Fri 9 am – 5 pm.

Ready to see Dr. Gafanovich?

1550 York Ave, Suite A, Upper East Side · Mon–Fri 9 am – 5 pm