Clinical Investigation of the Thyroid

Abstract

The medical history taken at the first consultation should comprise information about thyroid disease in the family, smoking habits, iodine intake (including for X-ray investigations), external radiation and consumption of herbal medicines (e.g. algae preparations).

The assessment should also include general toxic symptoms and eye symptoms, which indicate thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy. Descriptions of these symptoms are found in their respective dedicated chapters. For female patients, information should also be obtained about their menstrual cycle, use of contraceptive pills, pregnancy plans, pregnancy, giving birth or having an abortion within the last year.