When you want to discuss hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s Disease

• My mother and grandmother were both diagnosed with a thyroid disorder – Hashimoto’s Disease.  Knowing I have a family history, what tests do I need to determine if I also have a thyroid disorder or Hashimoto’s Disease?
• I have been experiencing hypothyroid symptoms, I am cold, putting on weight, my hair is falling out and I am constipated and now I am getting depressed. I would like to determine or eliminate if my symptoms are because I have a thyroid disorder. 
• What tests do I need to ensure my symptoms are not thyroid symptoms?
• What treatments are available if I do have hypothyroidism?
• As my blood tests show my thyroid function levels are low, what treatment will I be prescribed?
• Why is this medication prescribed for me?
• How long do I need to stay on this medication?
• Is this medication safe to take with other medications, vitamins and supplements and over the counter medications?
• How often will I need to have a pathology test to check if I am taking enough medication?
• Do I need to be reviewed or treated by a specialist?
• What specialist treats thyroid disorders?
• What side effects do I need to be aware of whilst taking this medication?
• If I experience side effects what should I do and who should I contact?
• What do I need to know, if I want to consider pregnancy whilst taking this medication?

When you want to discuss hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease

• Many members of my family have thyroid disorders and I think I may also
• I sweat a lot, can’t sleep, am experiencing heart palpitations, losing weight and have diarrhea, could this be due to an overact thyroid condition, as I don’t feel well?
• My eyes are starry and starting to protrude and they water a lot, is that thyroid as well?
• What tests do I need to know if it is a thyroid condition?
• What thyroid condition could it be?
• What treatment would I need?
• How long would I need to be on the treatment?
• Can this condition be fixed with treatment?
• If the treatment doesn’t work is there any other permanent treatment that will fix it?
• Do I need to be treated by a specialist?
• What specialist would I see?
• Will I get well when I have treatment?
• Is there any other ongoing treatment I will need if I have a permanent treatment?
• Will my eye symptoms fix itself if my thyroid is treated?
• Do I need to have regular check-ups and blood tests?

When you have lumps, pain, swelling etc. in your neck around your thyroid gland

• I have trouble breathing and swallowing and my neck feels sore and lumpy, can I please have a Thyroid Ultrasound to see if it is caused due to my thyroid gland?
• I wake up coughing and have pain in my neck
• After I have a Thyroid Ultrasound what happens next if there is something wrong with my thyroid gland?
• Do I need to see a specialist?
• What specialist would I see?
• Can this be fixed or do I need surgery?
• How do surgeons operate on the thyroid gland?
• What type of surgeon should I see?
• If the lumps are thyroid cancer, what type of treatment will I need?
• Do I need to take medication after the surgery?
• How long would I need to take medication?
• Do I need regular blood tests if I am taking medication?
• Will I be OK if I have surgery and is there anything I need to know about managing my condition?

Remember if you have any questions you would like to discuss with the ATF Team, please email:  info@thyroidfoundation.org.au and we can provide information which can also assist when you discuss symptoms, changes with your thyroid gland, medications and treatment options with your doctor.