Dr. Jessica Kunadia, MD is an endocrinologist in New Brunswick, NJ specializing in endocrinology. She graduated from Drexel University College of Medicine. Dr. Jessica Kunadia, MD is affiliated with CLINICAL HEALTH CARE ASSOCIATES OF NEW JERSEY PC.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a common endocrine disorder that causes symptoms such as acne, facial hair, and weight gain. It is often diagnosed when patients experience problems getting pregnant, because PCOS can interfere with ovulation. There is no cure for PCOS, but there are effective treatments that can lessen the severity of the symptoms.
Despite the name, not everyone with polycystic ovarian syndrome develops cysts on their ovaries. It is also possible to have ovarian cysts without having PCOS. The symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome are actually related to insulin resistance, a condition where the insulin made by the body is not effectively recognized by the cells. This causes the pancreas to release higher levels of insulin in order to keep blood sugar levels stable, and the excess insulin interferes with hormone production in the pituitary and ovaries, causing the PCOS symptoms.
The symptoms of PCOS include:
PCOS is a syndrome, which means that if patients have PCOS, they might not have each and every symptom. Even a few of them might be enough to have physicians check for polycystic ovarian syndrome. A doctor might perform an exam and order blood tests to measure hormone levels.
Treatment for PCOS may include:
Polycystic ovarian syndrome is one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting women. Left untreated, it can increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. Fortunately there are many good treatment options available.
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. Jessica Kunadia, MD graduated from Drexel University College of Medicine. She completed residency at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. She is certified by the Board certifications: Internal Medicine.
Medical School: Drexel University College of Medicine
Residency: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital
Board Certification: Board certifications: Internal Medicine (2021)
Dr. Jessica Kunadia, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Jessica Kunadia, MD appears to accept the following insurance providers: CIGNA PPO, CIGNA POS, Aetna Signature Administrators, CIGNA HMO, CIGNA EPO, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna Savings Plus, WellCare, AmeriHealth, Medicare Advantage, Aetna Gold, AARP, First Health POS, First Health HMO, Geisinger Health Plan, First Health PPO, US Family Health Plan, Aetna POS, United Healthcare, Medicaid, Humana, Cigna, Oxford HMO, Oxford PPO, Community Care Network (CCN), TRICARE, Coventry, Aetna HMO, Qualcare PPO, Clover Health Choice, Clover Health Choice Value PPO, Clover Health Classic HMO, Aetna Premier, Aetna APCN Plus (Multi-Tier), Centivo EPO, Qualcare Workers Comp, Claim Watcher (Homestead/ INDECs) Open Access, Aetna Advantra Value, Highmark Wholecare (fka Gateway Health) Assured Ruby HMO SNP, Qualcare POS, Aetna Advantra Credit Value, BS of New Jersey Advantage - EPO, Aetna Advantra Eagle HMO, Aetna Freedom Core, Aetna Advantra Premier Plus PPO, Aetna Advantra Cares D-SNP, Medicare - New Jersey, Highmark Wholecare (fka Gateway Health) Payor Access Agreement, Clover Health Value, Aetna Upfront Advantage, Preferred Health Care/Eliance PPO, Imagine Health (Imagine Health 360) EPO, Aetna Philly Prime, Aetna PPO APCN, Aetna Advantra Eagle POS, Aetna Student Health Plan PPO, Aetna Premier Plus, Rail Road Medicare/Palmetto GBA, Highmark Wholecare (fka Gateway Health) Assured Diamond HMO SNP, Oxford Health Plan POS, Aetna Advantra Value Plus, Aetna Flexible Five, Qualcare HMO and Preferred Health Care/Eliance EPO.
According to our sources, Dr. Jessica Kunadia, MD accepts the following insurance providers:
Dr. Jessica Kunadia, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.94 out of 5 stars based on 1497 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Jessica Kunadia, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in New Brunswick, NJ.
Dr. Jessica Kunadia specializes in endocrinology. Dr. Kunadia's average patient rating is 5.0 stars (out of 5). Clinical interests for Dr. Kunadia include gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy), graves disease, and amenorrhea (missed periods). She seems to be an in-network provider for Blue California, Coventry, and Geisinger Health Plan, as well as other insurance carriers. According to Penn Medicine, Dr. Kunadia is currently accepting new patients at her office in Plainsboro, NJ. After completing medical school at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Drexel University College of Medicine, and UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, she performed her residency at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital.