Talking to Your Doctor About Hyperthyroidism
- Bring someone else with you. It helps to have another person hear what is said and think of questions to ask.
- Write out your questions ahead of time, so you don't forget them.
- Write down the answers you get, and make sure you understand what you are hearing. Ask for clarification, if necessary.
- Don't be afraid to ask your questions or ask where you can find more information about what you are discussing. You have a right to know.
- How will hyperthyroidism and its treatment affect other medications I am taking, including over-the-counter medications and herbs?
- How will hyperthyroidism and its treatment affect pregnancy and breastfeeding?
- What are the chances that my children will get this condition?
- What is the risk of developing hypothyroidism with each of the treatment options?
- Will I gain weight?
- What are the pros and cons of antithyroid medications, radioactive iodine treatment, and surgery?
- What are the cure rates associated with each of these treatments?
- What are the benefits and side effects?
- How soon after I begin treatment can I expect to have a normal level of thyroid hormone?
- What is the possibility of my thyroid returning to normal function and then becoming overactive again with each of the treatment options?
- How often do I need to be seen for follow-up care after my thyroid hormone level is normal?
American Thyroid Association website. Available at: http://www.thyroid.org .
Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine 10th ed. McGraw-Hill; 2001.
MyThyroid.com. accessed November 2009.
Pearce EN. Diagnosis and management of thyrotoxicosis. Brit Med J . 2006;332:1369-1373.
- Reviewer: Kim A. Carmichael, MD, FACP
- Review Date: 12/2014 -
- Update Date: 12/20/2014 -
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
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