12 Questions You Should Ask Your Endocrinologist

This article discusses 12 key questions thyroid patients should ask their endocrinologist during their appointment.

What caused or is causing my thyroid issue?

There are be many factors that trigger a thyroid issue like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

Do you have an autoimmune condition like Hashimoto’s?
Do thyroid issues run in your family?
Are you lacking in any specific nutrients (iodine, selenium, zinc, magnesium etc)

What are my next steps and treatment options?

Doctors will tend to treat thyroid issues with medication. It is important to work with your doctor to find which medications work best for you and your thyroid condition. There is no one-size-fits-all solution.

Your doctor may also refer you to a dietitian if you are lacking in any specific nutrients in your diet. Though fixing your diet is not going to treat your thyroid condition, having a well-balanced diet that promotes thyroid health will be beneficial along with any thyroid medication you may have to take.

How often and for how long do I need to take this medication for?

Each person is made differently and therefore has different sensitivities. Your doctor will determine the type of medication, the dosage, and the length of time you need to take your medication. Most thyroid patients take their thyroid hormone medication daily for the rest of their lives.

Finding the right treatment can take time which is why working with both your primary care physician and an endocrine specialist will give you the best healthcare experience.

What kinds of food or other medication will affect my thyroid medication?

Some foods and/or medication can interfere with your body fully absorbing the thyroid medication. Make sure to ask your doctor what interferes and if so, how long you should wait before taking your medication. Some things that can interfere may be:

Vitamins or supplements that contain iron or calcium
Birth control pills
Antidepressants

What are some side effects that I will experience?

Each medication will affect each person differently. Ask your doctor about what side effects you should expect and to what severity should you schedule a visit with them again.

What diet and lifestyle changes should I make?

Aside from taking medication, there are also changes that you can make to your diet and lifestyle that can benefit your thyroid health. Talk to your doctor about diet changes and everyday habits like weight management, exercise routines, etc.

How will my condition affect my (potential) pregnancy?

Early diagnosis and treatment of a thyroid condition are vital during pregnancy. Undiagnosed thyroid conditions may have lasting consequences for both mother and baby. If you have become aware of your pregnancy or are trying to conceive; consult your doctor for what steps to take next.

Is there a way to track my thyroid condition?

ThyForLife offers a free app for Android and iOS to better understand and track your thyroid condition all in one place. Our app allows you to:

Track and log all your bloodwork
Note and understand your thyroid symptoms overtime
Customize medication and supplement reminders
Use our easy-to-understand dashboard to compare all your charts on 1 screen
Get advice that’s backed by experts
Join a safe thyroid community to ask questions

What thyroid communities exist?

ThyForLife is proud to have a global thyroid community coming soon! Our News & Community section allows patients to not only access information that’s backed by experts but also safely as anonymous questions through our private community. Our community allows thyroid patients around the world to get the support they need.

Should my family get tested for thyroid conditions?

Knowing your family history can help you stay a step ahead of complications from thyroid diseases. It’s best to inform your healthcare provider if you know of someone in your family that has a history of autoimmune conditions or thyroid conditions. Your healthcare provider will be able to determine what tests to perform and next steps to take.

Should I be getting an ultrasound?

The primary purpose of an ultrasound is to detect thyroid cancer. Other reasons may be due to difficulty breathing or swallowing. Your healthcare provider maybe suspect bloodwork is not enough and they may order an ultrasound.

What should be target thyroid hormone levels be? (TSH, FT4, FT3)

Thyroid hormone levels can vary by age, gender, and other health factors. Every person is different. Always ask your healthcare provider what your specific target thyroid hormone levels should be.

The amount of information and medical terms can sometimes be overwhelming. From bloodwork, new medication, adding supplements to your diet, and experiencing new symptoms can all seem like a lot to keep track of. With ThyForLife, our all-in-one app allows you to store all your thyroid health information securely. Track and log your bloodwork, monitor and understand your symptoms over time, never miss your medication or supplements again, and get information backed by experts.

Here at ThyForLife, we do our utmost to provide accurate information. If you require more detailed information regarding medical terms, conditions, and practices please consult your healthcare professional. Always listen to the advice of your healthcare provider.

Disclaimer

At ThyForLife, we do our utmost to provide accurate information. For detailed medical information regarding diagnosis, treatment, and general practices please consult your healthcare professional. Always listen to the advice of your healthcare provider.