Thyroid disease: Using diagnostic tools effectively.

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