Thyroid disorders are the most-common endocrine conditions managed within primary care. Such disorders can present insidiously, but are associated with significant morbidity, and therefore, a high index of clinical suspicion is required for diagnosis. GPs need to be able to interpret the results of thyroid function tests, manage thyroid dysfunction and refer appropriately to secondary care. This article aims to provide an overview of disorders of thyroid hormone production including hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism and thyroid emergencies, and to consider problems of thyroid anatomy including goitres and nodules.
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