Checklists You Can Take To Your Doctor

An important part of getting properly diagnosed or treated is maintaing clear communication with your practitioner. If you suspect that you might have a thyroid or related health problem, your first step should be to schedule an appointment with your practitioner. A risks and symptoms checklist can be an important tool to help communicate your concerns. Even if you've been diagnosed and are receiving treatment, a risks and symptoms checklist can be useful in discussing unresolved symptoms and concerns that need to be addressed.

• Hypothyroidism Risks and Symptoms Checklist -- An underactive thyroid is the most common thyroid condition. This checklist helps you identify the many risk factors and symptoms that can be associated with hypothyroidism.

• Hyperthyroidism Risks and Symptoms Checklist -- An overactive thyroid frequently results from the autoimmune condition known as Graves' disease. This checklist points out the various risks and symptoms that are typical when the thyroid becomes overactive.

• Autoimmune Disease Risks and Symptoms Checklist -- Thyroid conditions such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease are among the most common autoimmune diseases. And having one autoimmune condition means you and your family members are at greater risk of other autoimmune diseases. This checklist provides an overview of frequently seen symptoms of autoimmune disease, along with risk factors.

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia Risks and Symptoms Checklist -- Chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia are thought by some practitioners to be related to hypothyroidism and autoimmune thyroid disease. This checklist helps identify some of the unique symptoms of these two conditions.

Mary Shomon, About.com's Thyroid Guide since 1997, is a nationally-known patient advocate and best-selling author of 10 books on health, including "The Thyroid Hormone Breakthrough: Overcoming Sexual and Hormonal Problems at Every Age," "The Thyroid Diet: Manage Your Metabolism for Lasting Weight Loss," "Living Well With Hypothyroidism: What Your Doctor Doesn't Tell You...That You Need to Know," "Living Well With Graves' Disease and Hyperthyroidism," "Living Well With Autoimmune Disease," and "Living Well With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia." Click here for more information on Mary Shomon.