Ten Questions to Ask About Your Thyroid Health


January is Thyroid Awareness Month.  The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the base of the neck just below the Adam’s apple. Although relatively small, the thyroid gland plays a huge role in our body, influencing the function of many of the body’s most important organs, including the heart, brain, liver, kidneys and skin. Ensuring that the thyroid gland is healthy and functioning properly is vitally important to the body’s overall well-being. We’d like to offer you some information to help you be more informed about thyroid health.

What to ask your Physician:

  • Where is the thyroid located, and what does it do?
  • What are the differences between hypothyroid and hyperthyroid patients and what are the symptoms of each?
  • What is Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), how is it measured, and what should my target number be?
  • What else besides TSH levels are important for making sure my thyroid condition is under control?
  • Why are more people than ever being diagnosed with thyroid cancer and should I be checked for it?


What to ask your Pharmacist:

  • What is the difference between a generic thyroid hormone pill and a brand name thyroid hormone pill?
  • Will you notify me in advance if you switch my thyroid medicine from the brand name I normally use to a generic?
  • What time of day is best to take my thyroid hormone pill?
  • May I take my thyroid medication with food, other medications, vitamins or supplements?
  • Can any of my other medications affect my thyroid?

If you have more questions, you can see Dr. Christopher Miller, MD, who is board certified in Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism. Dr. Miller has been practicing at Bond Clinic since 2003. You can make an appointment with Dr. Miller by calling (863) 293-1191 x3511.