If you begin experiencing symptoms of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, or if you notice the development or a bump or goiter in your neck region, consider setting up a consultation with an endocrine specialist. If this is your first visit with an endocrine specialist, you probably don’t know what to expect, or what questions you should ask. We are going to cover all that and more in today’s blog.
What The Doctor Will Say
When you meet with the doctor, they will begin by conducting a physical exam of the thyroid, looking for the obvious presence of a goiter. They’ll also check for signs of swelling and pain in the area, and then they may ask you to do some swallowing and breathing exercises so they can see how the gland looks when it’s in action. From there, they’ll conduct a full physical exam to get an overall understanding of what might be going on with your thyroid.
Next, you can expect the doctor to ask about your symptoms. Are you experiencing any changes in your voice, feelings of lethargy, excessive sweating or rapid weight loss or weight gain? Let your doctor know of any symptoms you might be experiencing because your thyroid can have an impact on a wide variety of bodily functions.
Finally, you can also expect to be asked about your family history. If thyroid conditions run in your family, this may give the doctor a better idea of what might be going on. They’ll also review your total medical history, including your history of surgeries. All of this information allows them to have a comprehensive understanding of what you’re dealing with, which can guide them to the next step in the diagnostic process, which is typically a blood test or clinical imaging.
What To Ask Your Thyroid Specialist
After you’ve received your diagnosis, you’re probably going to have a number of questions racing around in your head. The first question you’ll probably have is about treatment, including whether or not surgery is needed. Your doctor will be able to explain if surgery is needed, and if not, what type of conservative care options are available to you.
If surgery is needed, expect your doctor to let you know about the specific type of operation, and you should ask them how many of these operations they perform each year. You want to find a surgeon who is not only confident in their abilities but experienced and up to date on the latest surgical techniques. Ask them what to expect assuming the surgery goes as planned, and what life might be like after the operation.
If you don’t need surgery, you’ll still have some questions you want to get answered. How likely is it that non-operative methods will take care of the issue, and how long will I need to take medications are common questions when starting a conservative care plan. Finally, a good question to end on is, “What else do I need to know about my treatment?” This will allow the doctor to cover any key points that might not have already been addressed, and provide you with a plan moving forward.
For more information about a thyroid consultation, or what to expect during the doctor’s visit, reach out to Dr. Koeplin’s office today.
