Thyroid Specialist Singapore

Our thyroid specialist offers comprehensive care for patients with thyroid disorders and related endocrine conditions. We provide evidence-based diagnosis, treatment, and management plans tailored to each patient’s specific needs.

Dr Donovan Tay

Senior Consultant Endocrinologist

Dr Ben Ng

Senior Consultant Endocrinologist

Our Specialists

Dr Ben Ng and Dr Donovan Tay are senior consultant endocrinologists with over 20 years of clinical experience in managing thyroid and other endocrine conditions.

Dr Ben Ng holds dual accreditation in diabetes and endocrinology, and general internal medicine from the UK. He has expertise in autoimmune thyroid disease and thyroid issues during pregnancy and is trained in performing thyroid ultrasounds and fine needle aspiration biopsies of the thyroid gland.

Dr Donovan Tay is accredited in endocrinology by the Ministry of Health and the Singapore Medical Council. He completed advanced fellowship training at Columbia University Medical Centre, with extensive clinical experience in treating thyroid disorders along with other endocrine conditions.

Thyroid Conditions We Treat

Thyroid conditions can present in various forms, and our specialists manage a wide range of related disorders.

Hyperthyroidism

A condition where the thyroid gland becomes overactive and produces excessive thyroid hormones, disrupting the body’s metabolic balance.
Hypothyroidism

A condition where the thyroid gland becomes underactive and produces insufficient thyroid hormones, slowing down bodily functions.
Thyroid Nodules

Abnormal growths or lumps that form within the thyroid gland, which may be solid or fluid-filled and require evaluation to rule out malignancy.
Thyroid Cancer

Malignant growth in the thyroid tissue requiring specialist care, with various types including papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic thyroid cancers.
Thyroiditis

Inflammation of the thyroid gland, which can be caused by infection, autoimmune conditions, or other factors affecting thyroid function.
Autoimmune Thyroid Disorders

Conditions such as Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks thyroid tissue, affecting hormone production.
Thyroid Dysfunction During Pregnancy

Altered thyroid function that can develop during pregnancy, requiring careful monitoring and management to protect both maternal and foetal health.

Common Thyroid Disorder Symptoms

Thyroid disorders present with various symptoms depending on whether the gland is overactive, underactive, or structurally abnormal.

Unexplained Weight Changes

Weight loss may indicate hyperthyroidism, while weight gain despite unchanged diet and exercise habits may suggest hypothyroidism.
Energy Level Fluctuations

Excessive fatigue and weakness are common in hypothyroidism, while restlessness and difficulty sleeping often occur in hyperthyroidism.
Temperature Sensitivity

Increased sensitivity to cold temperatures in hypothyroidism or heat intolerance and excessive sweating in hyperthyroidism.
Neck Discomfort or Swelling

Visible enlargement (goitre) or nodules in the neck area, sometimes accompanied by difficulty swallowing or breathing.
Heart Rate Changes

Elevated heart rate or palpitations in hyperthyroidism, or slower heart rate in hypothyroidism.
Mood and Cognitive Changes

Anxiety, irritability, or nervousness in hyperthyroidism, or depression and cognitive slowing in hypothyroidism.
Menstrual Irregularities

Changes in menstrual patterns and potential fertility issues in women with thyroid dysfunction.

Diagnostic Methods

Physical Examination: Thorough assessment of the neck area to check for enlargement, nodules, or tenderness in the thyroid gland. The examination also includes checking for signs of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, such as skin changes, reflexes, and heart rate.

Blood Tests: We offer a variety of comprehensive thyroid function tests measuring levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free T4, free T3, and thyroid antibodies, reverse T3 and thyroglobulin. These tests help determine whether the thyroid is functioning properly and can identify autoimmune thyroid conditions.

Thyroid Ultrasound: Non-invasive imaging technique that provides detailed visualisation of the thyroid gland’s structure. Ultrasound helps detect nodules, cysts, or other abnormalities and guides further diagnostic procedures.

Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) Biopsy: A procedure where a thin needle is used to extract cells from suspicious thyroid nodules for microscopic examination. This test helps distinguish between benign and potentially malignant nodules.

Thyroid Scan (Radioactive Iodine Uptake Test): Specialised imaging that measures how much iodine the thyroid collects from the bloodstream. This test helps determine whether nodules are functioning normally or are “hot” (overactive) or “cold” (underactive).

Treatment Options

Management of thyroid disorders requires a personalised approach based on the specific condition, its severity, and individual patient factors such as age, overall health, and pregnancy status.

Medication Therapy

Prescription of anti-thyroid drugs like methimazole or propylthiouracil to reduce excessive hormone production in hyperthyroidism. For hypothyroidism, synthetic thyroid hormone replacement (levothyroxine) helps restore normal hormone levels. Medication dosage requires regular monitoring and adjustment to maintain optimal thyroid function.

Radioactive Iodine Therapy

Oral administration of radioactive iodine to reduce thyroid activity in hyperthyroidism. The thyroid gland absorbs the radioactive iodine, which gradually destroys overactive thyroid cells without affecting other body tissues.

Monitoring

Regular monitoring of thyroid nodules that appear benign through periodic ultrasounds and blood tests. This approach is suitable for small, asymptomatic nodules with low-risk characteristics and involves follow-up examinations at regular intervals to track any changes.

Thyroid Hormone Suppression Therapy

Administration of thyroid hormone medication to suppress TSH production in patients with thyroid nodules or thyroid cancer. This therapy helps prevent growth or recurrence of nodules and is monitored through regular blood tests to maintain appropriate hormone levels.

Are your thyroid symptoms affecting your
energy levels and well-being?

Consult our MOH-accredited endocrinologist for an accurate diagnosis & personalised treatment plan today.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What causes thyroid disorders?

Thyroid disorders can result from autoimmune conditions, iodine deficiency or excess, genetic factors, certain medications, radiation exposure, and occasionally thyroid tumours. Environmental factors may also contribute to thyroid dysfunction in genetically susceptible individuals.

Can thyroid conditions be cured completely?

Some thyroid conditions, like temporary thyroiditis, may resolve without long-term effects. However, many thyroid disorders, such as autoimmune conditions, typically require lifelong management rather than providing a complete cure.

How often should thyroid function be monitored once treatment begins?

Initially, thyroid function tests may be needed every 4-8 weeks until stable levels are achieved. Once stabilised, testing typically occurs every 6-12 months, with more frequent monitoring during pregnancy or when medication changes occur.

Dr Ben Ng

Senior Consultant Endocrinologist

As a senior consultant endocrinologist with over 20 years of clinical experience, Dr Ben Ng provides comprehensive care for patients managing various endocrine conditions. His expertise includes the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes, thyroid disorders, obesity, and a range of other metabolic and endocrine conditions.

Adj Asst Professor Dr Ben Ng Jen Min graduated from the Queens University of Belfast Northern Ireland, United Kingdom (UK).
He completed his postgraduate training with the certificate of completion of training (CCT) from the Royal College of Physicians (UK) with dual accreditation in diabetes and endocrinology and in general internal medicine.
In 2010, he was awarded an MD with honours by the University of Hull, UK, in recognition for his research in diabetes mellitus

Dr Donovan Tay

Senior Consultant Endocrinologist

As a senior consultant endocrinologist with over 20 years of clinical experience, Dr. Donovan Tay provides comprehensive care for patients managing various endocrine conditions. His expertise includes the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes, thyroid disorders, osteoporosis, and a range of other metabolic and endocrine conditions.

Dr. Donovan Tay graduated from the National University of Singapore (NUS) and obtained his membership in the Royal College of Physicians (UK), Master of Medicine (NUS), and Master of Clinical Investigation (NUS).
After completing training in endocrinology, he was conferred as a Fellow of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore (FAMS).
He further specialised in endocrinology with a fellowship at the prestigious Columbia University Medical Centre in New York City.

billing & insurance

Payment Scheme, Health Insurance

We accept a wide selection of both local and international healthcare insurance to help you cover your medical treatment and follow-up care expenses. Rest assured, you can focus on your health & well-being with peace of mind. Kindly speak to our friendly clinic staff if you require any assistance for your healthcare insurance.