Getting a diagnosis

It’s quite possible that you have been ill for some time and have visited your General Practitioner (GP) on many occasions regarding your symptoms.

If you have read our information on hypothyroidism (myxoedema/underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and you have a lot of the symptoms, make an appointment to visit your GP and discuss your options.

Your doctor will want all the information about your health that you can provide. 

• Try to be clear and precise when you speak to your doctor.
• Give your doctor copies of anything you have written down so that it can be read, and put in your records.
• Be specific about your symptoms or your doctor may miss something.

For instance, if you have to have the heating up high in your house all the time because you are cold and people make comments about this, tell your doctor. If you find yourself going to bed early, waking up late and sleeping all afternoon because you are so tired, tell your doctor. If you walk around all day in shorts and a t-shirt and have the windows open all the time, even in winter, because you are always very hot, tell your doctor.

How often have you come out of the doctor’s surgery and forgotten nearly everything that was said to you? Take someone with you if you can, not only for support but also so that they can remember what has been said. This person may also be able to confirm what you are telling the doctor.

Undiagnosed hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism can cause a great strain on the heart. It is therefore very important not to miss a diagnosis of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

Thyroid UK suggests a step by step approach to improving your health.  First of all, you need to gather as much information about your medical history as you can and then make an appointment with your doctor to discuss everything.

Date updated: 29/03/21 (V1.2)
Review date: 16/04/21