Thyroid conditions

• Can I talk to a doctor on Gotodoctor.ca about Thyroid diseases?

Yes, Gotodoctor.ca provides virtual care services for thyroid diseases. A doctor will take a comprehensive in-depth history and may provide you with prescriptions. Depending on the type of thyroid disease and the severity of symptoms further recommendations will be provided. If the patient’s thyroid hormone (T3/T4, TSH) levels in blood are dangerously high, the doctor will direct him/her to clinic treatment^{[1, 2]}.

• What are thyroid diseases?

Thyroid diseases result from either higher or lower than normal levels of thyroid hormones^[3]. T3 and T4 (thyroxine) are the two major hormones of the thyroid gland^[4]. Most common types of thyroid conditions are hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. In hypothyroidism, the body is dependent on thyroxine medicine to meet the daily requirement of the body, whereas in hyperthyroidism thyroid gland is overactive and produces an excess of the hormone which accelerates the body metabolism^[5]. Doctors diagnose thyroid conditions by their characteristic signs and symptoms^[6].

• What are the symptoms of thyroid conditions?

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism are rapid heartbeat, weight loss, and increase in metabolic activities, whereas in hypothyroidism the metabolism of the body slows down resulting in weight gain. These symptoms are seen in almost all the patients who suffer from thyroid conditions^[7]. Goiter is an enlargement of the thyroid gland which may cause painful swallowing^[8]. Constant fatigue reduces the quality of life of the patient in hypothyroidism. A patient who is on treatment for thyroid conditions can have other hormonal imbalances as well^[9].

• How are thyroid conditions treated?

Thyroxine is a prescription medicine for patients with hypothyroidism as their thyroid hormone production is low. A doctor initially manages a patient through lifestyle modifications, such as adhering to a healthy diet, regular physical activity and medications^[10]. Prescriptions for thyroxine and Iron supplements may be provided by doctors. Oral medications and supplements can reverse the associated signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism^[11][12].

• How can an online doctor on Gotodoctor.ca treat thyroid conditions?

Online doctors on Gotodoctor.ca treas thyroid conditions through virtual care services^{[13, 14]}. An appointment can be easily made with an online doctor. Thyroid conditions can be treated via telemedicine. An online doctor will take a comprehensive history of your signs and symptoms and may provide you with prescriptions. Laboratory thyroid hormone profile will be reviewed by the doctor. Prescriptions can be obtained by online doctors. Virtual care services provided by Gotodoctor.ca assure comfort, convenience and a higher level of care for the patient^[15-17].

References

1. Fernández-García, J.C., et al., Diagnostic and functional structure of a high-resolution thyroid nodule clinic. Endocrinología y Nutrición (English Edition), 2014. 61(6): p. 329-334.
2. Liel, Y. and N. Fraenkel, Brief report: use and misuse of thyroid ultrasound in the initial workup of patients with suspected thyroid problems referred by primary care physicians to an endocrine clinic. Journal of general internal medicine, 2005. 20(8): p. 766-768.
3. Kirsten, D., The thyroid gland: physiology and pathophysiology. Neonatal Network, 2000. 19(8): p. 11-26.
4. Staeheli, V., M. Vallotton, and A. Burger, Detection of human anti-thyroxine and anti-triiodothyronine antibodies in different thyroid conditions. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 1975. 41(4): p. 669-675.
5. Barbesino, G., Drugs affecting thyroid function. Thyroid, 2010. 20(7): p. 763-770.
6. Soh, S.-B. and T.-C. Aw, Laboratory testing in thyroid conditions-pitfalls and clinical utility. Annals of laboratory medicine, 2019. 39(1): p. 3.
7. Fekete, C. and R.M. Lechan, Central regulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis under physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Endocrine reviews, 2014. 35(2): p. 159-194.
8. Hegedus, L., S.J. Bonnema, and F.N. Bennedbaek, Management of simple nodular goiter: current status and future perspectives. Endocrine reviews, 2003. 24(1): p. 102-132.
9. Zimmermann, M.B., The influence of iron status on iodine utilization and thyroid function. Annu. Rev. Nutr., 2006. 26: p. 367-389.
10. Mak, P.H. and J.J. DiStefano III, Optimal control policies for the prescription of thyroid hormones. Mathematical Biosciences, 1978. 42(3-4): p. 159-186.
11. Long, S.M., et al., Prescription and usage pattern of opioids after thyroid and parathyroid surgery. Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, 2019. 160(3): p. 388-393.
12. Bonnema, S.J. and L. Hegedüs, Radioiodine therapy in benign thyroid diseases: effects, side effects, and factors affecting therapeutic outcome. Endocrine reviews, 2012. 33(6): p. 920-980.
13. Griffith, M.L., L.A. Bischoff, and H.B. Baum, Approach to the patient with thyrotoxicosis using telemedicine. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2020. 105(8): p. 2812-2818.
14. Zheng, F., et al., Financial implications of telemedicine visits in an academic endocrine surgery program. Surgery, 2019. 165(3): p. 617-621.
15. Lakhani, O.J., et al., “Telethyroidology”: Managing thyroid disorders through telemedicine. Thyroid Research and Practice, 2020. 17(2): p. 56.
16. Gibelli, G., B. Gibelli, and F. Nani, Thyroid cancer: possible role of telemedicine. Acta Otorhinolaryngologica Italica, 2008. 28(6): p. 281.
17. Haynes, S.C., et al., Impact of telemedicine on visit attendance for paediatric patients receiving endocrinology specialty care. Journal of telemedicine and telecare, 2020: p. 1357633X20972911.