Should i see an endocrinologist for my hypothyroidism

The treatment for high thyroid depends on the cause, but our options include medications, surgery and the use of radioactive iodine I to destroy the thyroid gland. What steps should someone take if they think they have a thyroid condition? They should either see their primary care physician or an endocrinologist and discuss their symptoms in detail.

If they have had any previous tests done on the thyroid, it would be helpful to bring those to the visit. Screening for thyroid problems is done with a thyroid stimulating hormone TSH level, which can be obtained at any time of the day with a blood draw and can help direct further need for testing.

Her office is located at Lomita Blvd. She can be reached at Patients will benefit from a specialized practice with five physicians who treat conditions including adrenal disorders, diabetes, osteoporosis, pituitary diseases and thyroid conditions. The office provides treatments, therapies and services that include assessment for hormone deficiencies and excess syndromes, insulin pump therapy, nutrition counseling, testing for adrenal tumors and ultrasound of thyroid.

I also like to remind patients that it can take four to six weeks before thyroid hormone levels normalize after starting therapy or changing a thyroid hormone dose. Patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis need to be aware that they're at higher risk for other autoimmune disorders like type 1 diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis or adrenal insufficiency.

Q: When should a primary care physician refer a thyroid patient to an endocrinologist? A: Most patients with thyroid disease can be handled very well by a primary care physician. If the PCP notices that the blood tests are atypical and don't fit a regular pattern, or if a patient is refractory to treatment with thyroid function tests all over the board, or if the PCP finds an anatomic abnormality like an enlarged or lumpy thyroid gland , they should refer the patient to an endocrinologist.

Q: Is there anything that you wish PCPs would do before referring patients to you? A: It's best to have a specific question for the endocrinologist. Also, if thyroid function tests are mildly abnormal, you may wish to repeat them after a short interval to make sure it's not a lab error or a variation due to illness before referring the patient to an endocrinologist.

If the patient has a couple of abnormal TSH levels and a family history of autoimmune thyroid disease, it'd be appropriate to order an anti-thyroid antibody panel TPOAb before referring the patient to the endocrinologist. We also like to see a CBC, Chem 20, and lipid panel because they all can be impacted by hypothyroidism depending on how severe it is. Q: How do you find the right balance between allowing the PCP to manage the patient versus providing specialty help and input?

A: I think there should be one cook in the kitchen when you're trying to negotiate changes in thyroid function tests and adjust medication dosing. The endocrinologist should communicate to the PCP what the TSH goal is and why they're taking the therapeutic approach they've chosen, and manage the patient during the period of time in which the medication is being adjusted.

Once the TSH is in a good therapeutic window, the endocrinologist may well transfer management back to the PCP until there's a new problem or concern. The information included herein should never be used as a substitute for clinical judgment and does not represent an official position of ACP.

Also from ACP, read new content every week from the most highly cited internal medicine journal. Visit Annals. Colloid nodule with a cluster of normal follicular cells. Papanicolaou, x60 B. Papanicolaou, x60 C. Subacute granulomatous thyroiditis illustrated by inflammatory cells, giant cells, and lack of colloid.

How do I take thyroid hormone? What if I miss a dose? Can I switch to another thyroid drug? For how long will I need to be on thyroid hormone? What side effects can thyroid hormone cause? For which side effects should I call you? Which drugs or foods can interact with my medicine?

What changes should I make to my diet? What health problems can hypothyroidism cause? Is it safe for me to exercise? What happens if I get pregnant? Read this next. Primary Hypothyroidism. Medically reviewed by Kelly Wood, MD. Recognizing the Symptoms of Myxedema. Medically reviewed by Marina Basina, M. Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.

What Is Subclinical Hypothyroidism? Five percent of thyroid nodules are cancerous, according to the Cleveland Clinic. You have an enlarged thyroid gland, or goiter. A goiter is an enlargement of part or all of your thyroid gland. If you have one, see an endocrinologist to help you figure out why it has developed, and what treatment will help.

Wexler says. A pituitary gland disorder is causing hypothyroidism. This is a complicated condition, so if possible, see an endocrinologist to help you with next steps.