Living with thyroid conditions is quite challenging. Whether you are recently diagnosed or have been diagnosed with the disease for some time, regularly consulting a doctor you trust is a must. We all know thyroid conditions won't get better with a single pill; it takes time. Having a good doctor take you through this process makes it easy.
The butterfly-shaped thyroid gland produces thyroid hormones responsible for regulating the metabolic rate, controlling the heart, and other vital body functions. When it fails to do so, patients are at an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, and infertility. Therefore, it is necessary to diagnose and treat thyroid conditions on time.
If you are newly diagnosed with a thyroid condition, you must be pondering "how to find the best thyroid doctors for treatment?"
Types of thyroid specialists for thyroid treatment
Endocrinologists are the primary carers of this small but potent organ. However, different specialists also have a role to play in the management of thyroid conditions.
Endocrinologists
Endocrinologists are doctors who are specialized in treating the ailments related to the endocrine system. The endocrine system includes hormone-producing glands, for instance, the thyroid, pancreas, pituitary gland, adrenal glands, ovaries, testes, etc.
Endocrinologists are the best-qualified doctors to administer thyroid medication. They can advise the necessary investigations and interpret the results. It is recommended to have regular follow-ups to ensure that you are taking the medication correctly.
General Physicians
General Physicians (GPs), internal medicine doctors, or family medicine doctors can manage medical conditions related to whole-body care.
GPs are usually the first point of contact between a patient and a doctor. They perform a basic assessment and decide what course of treatment is necessary. In case further specialist care is required, your family doctor may refer you to an endocrinologist.
Your GP should be someone who you are comfortable talking to and whose judgement you trust. It is very important to be open about your medical history in detail to ensure that you get the best care.
OB / GYNs (Obstetrician / Gynecologists)
Did you know that women are mostly diagnosed with a thyroid disorder by their OB/GYN? Obstetricians / Gynecologists have a specialization in women's health care. Obstetricians / Gynecologists usually check thyroid hormone levels if a woman is pregnant or has menstrual issues because the thyroid can cause pregnancy complications or irregular periods.
When you should visit a thyroid doctor
You must see the thyroid specialist if:
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You experience changes in your weight, energy levels, menstrual cycle, or mood. These are symptoms commonly associated with thyroid disease.
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You have been recently diagnosed with thyroid disorders like hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, Goiter or thyroid nodules, Graves' disease, and Hashimoto's disease.
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You have any swelling in the front of the neck.
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You have been on thyroid medication for some time, but the symptoms haven't gone yet.
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You have been suffering from an endocrine condition that disturbs your thyroid hormone production, such as a pituitary gland problem.
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You are a pregnant lady or trying to conceive.
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You are diagnosed with thyroid eye disease, i.e., a condition in thyroid patients that develops an eye ailment. In thyroid eye disease, the immune system attacks the muscles around the eyes.
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You have ailments like diabetes, cancer, Lyme disease, etc.
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You have been diagnosed with subclinical or borderline hypothyroidism.
Evaluate your current thyroid doctor
If you think the doctor who asked you for the thyroid lab test is perfect for managing your thyroid illness, you are mistaken. Once you receive your thyroid test report, take a deep breath and think if this health provider is the right choice to tackle your situation or if you need to find another thyroid specialist near you.
Evaluation is vital before starting your thyroid treatment, so go through the following questions and find how good your thyroid doctor is
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Does your thyroid doctor like to listen to you and answer your queries?
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Do you feel they are empathetic towards you?
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Are they going beyond levothyroxine to manage your thyroid condition in a personalized way?
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Does your doctor address your symptoms and give solutions instead of only relying on test reports to administer medication?
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Does your doctor look for alternatives in case your current treatment is not effective?
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Does your doctor keep themselves updated with the latest research?
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Does your doctor encourage you to live your best, healthiest life?
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Do you feel respected?
If you find yourself agreeing with all of these questions, good news! You are working with a conscientious and qualified professional to improve your health. In case you find yourself in doubt, it may be time to find a new doctor.
How do I find a thyroid doctor near me?
Various thyroid conditions like hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's thyroiditis are chronic. A person suffering from any of these needs lifetime care and treatment. So it is crucial to choose a doctor who not only analyses your test reports but also listens to your concerns. A good thyroid doctor should be skilled and compassionate and help you reach your health goals.
Finding a new thyroid specialist can be troublesome, but no worries. There are various methods to find the best thyroid specialist near you. You can ask your general physicians if they can recommend any thyroid specialists they have ever worked with. If it doesn't go well with your expectation, you can ask for the personal recommendation of your family members or friend with thyroid diseases. Their experience can help you in finding a good thyroid specialist for you. Besides this, join various online thyroid communities. These online communities are more enthusiastic and keen to help thyroid patients.
Advances in modern health technology have made online thyroid care easily accessible. So you can search online "thyroid doctor who experts in managing thyroid illness" from the comfort of your room.
The bottom line:
Finding a good thyroid specialist is crucial for the long-term improvement of your health. Thyroid problems take time to resolve and are accompanied by several symptoms that affect the quality of life. To ensure that you feel active and energised even with your thyroid illness, find a doctor who is committed to making you feel healthy.
Jeevam Health uses the concepts of functional medicine to combine medical management with a holistic lifestyle to give you the perfect recipe for good health.
