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Medical history for hypothyroidism

Healthwise
By Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS

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During a medical history to find out whether you have hypothyroidism, your health professional may ask:

  • Whether you have had any thyroid problems in the past or any other medical conditions (such as diabetes or anemia).
  • About previous thyroid treatments (especially radioactive iodine treatment, radiation therapy, or thyroid surgery) and whether you have ever had previous exposure to radiation (therapy for cancer, facial acne, or a thyroid condition).
  • Whether you are taking any medications.
  • What your usual weight is and whether you have noticed any changes in your weight, particularly an increase in weight; also, whether your eating habits have changed.
  • How regular your bowel movements are and whether you have noticed any changes, particularly whether you are constipated.
  • Whether you have felt more tired than usual, felt weak, or had problems sleeping; whether you have had any problems concentrating or felt excited or moody; and whether you have an intolerance to cold.
  • Whether there have been any changes in your menstrual cycles and whether you have infertility problems.

Credits

Author Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Matthew I. Kim, MD - Endocrinology & Metabolism
Last Updated August 25, 2008
Last Updated: 08/25/2008

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