Thyroid disease: Using diagnostic tools effectively

Symptoms of thyroid disease are common, and patients often seek initial assessment from their general practitioners.

The aim of this article is to assist with identifying the appropriate sequence of investigations for thyroid disorders, and identify investigations with low diagnostic yield in certain clinical contexts.

Common thyroid disorders - such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and thyroid nodules - require different sequences of investigations to assist with formulating a diagnosis and plan. Thyroid disorders are frequent in women of childbearing age and require a specialised approach. Awareness of less common thyroid conditions allows for individualised workup in these cases.