At Your Appointment

Hypothyroidism Appointment Guide

Ask the right questions at your next doctor’s appointment. Answer two questions below to personalize your appointment guide.
  • Please describe the symptoms and issues you’re having that led you to schedule this online appointment. Start at the beginning of this current episode and tell me how and when things have changed and progressed.
  • Are you still experiencing hypothyroid symptoms, such as fatigue, dry skin, constipation, thinning hair, weight gain, memory problems, or muscle weakness?
  • Have you had any nervousness, heart palpitations, diarrhea, insomnia, sweating, or heat intolerance?
  • How many times, if at all, have you missed a dose of your thyroid medicine?
  • Have you had a bone density test?
  • For women, are you pregnant, do you use hormonal contraception, or take hormone replacement therapy?
  • Describe your symptoms. Are you having fatigue, dry skin, constipation, thinning hair, weight gain, memory problems, or muscle weakness?
  • When did you first notice your symptoms?
  • How severe are your symptoms?
  • Are your symptoms continuous or do they come and go?
  • What makes your symptoms better or worse?
  • Does anyone in your family have thyroid disease?
  • Have you started, stopped or changed medications recently for any other health conditions?
  • What is your main concern about hypothyroidism?
  • What new symptoms are you experiencing?
  • Do my symptoms mean I have hypothyroidism? If so, what could have caused my thyroid to not produce enough hormone?
  • Could another medical condition be causing or contributing to my symptoms?
  • How do you diagnose hypothyroidism?
  • What are the complications of hypothyroidism?
  • What treatments are available for hypothyroidism?
  • What should I do if my symptoms get worse?
  • What is the most likely cause of my hypothyroidism?
  • What are my treatment options for hypothyroidism? Are there other doctors I need to see, like a cardiologist?
  • How will we know if my dose of thyroid medicine is correct?
  • What are the side effects of my thyroid medicine?
  • What should I do if I miss a dose of my thyroid medicine?
  • How do my other medical conditions affect hypothyroidism and vice versa?
  • Are all versions of my thyroid medicines equivalent? Do you need to know if I switch drug manufacturers?
  • Are my new or different symptoms related to my thyroid or thyroid medicine?
  • What is the best treatment plan for my hypothyroidism?
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Last Review Date: 2018 Nov 1
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
  1. Hueston WJ. Treatment of hypothyroidism. Am Fam Physician. 2001 Nov 15;64(10):1717-1725.
  2. Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid). Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypothyroidism/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350289