Internal Medicine at Chinook Medical Centre — by physician referral
What This Covers
The thyroid regulates metabolism and energy; the parathyroid glands (four small glands near the thyroid) regulate calcium levels. This page covers both thyroid disorders — underactive (hypothyroidism) or overactive (hyperthyroidism) — and parathyroid disorders, which affect calcium balance and bone health.
Common Reasons for Referral
- Abnormal thyroid blood test results
- Thyroid disease that’s difficult to manage or keeps fluctuating
- Suspected or confirmed parathyroid disorder
- Abnormal calcium levels
- A thyroid nodule or structural change needing monitoring
Symptoms and Risk Factors
Underactive thyroid: fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, dry skin, low mood, constipation.
Overactive thyroid: unexplained weight loss, rapid heartbeat, heat intolerance, anxiety, tremor, sleep difficulty.
Parathyroid disorders: can cause fatigue, bone pain, kidney stones, or abnormal calcium levels found incidentally on blood work — often with few specific symptoms early on.
Risk factors: family history, being female, autoimmune conditions, prior neck radiation, certain medications, and pregnancy or recent pregnancy.
When Urgent Medical Attention May Be Needed
A very rapid or irregular heartbeat, severe confusion, or a thyroid/calcium crisis (rare but serious) warrants emergency assessment rather than a scheduled referral.
What Dr. Srini May Assess
Thyroid hormone and calcium levels, related symptoms, and how thyroid or parathyroid function may be interacting with your broader health picture — heart rhythm, bone health, weight, and mood can all be affected.
Tests That May Be Considered
Blood tests for thyroid hormones and/or calcium and parathyroid hormone, with imaging (such as ultrasound) if a nodule or structural change is suspected.
General Treatment and Monitoring Approach
May include hormone replacement or other medication, regular blood work to track levels, and monitoring of any nodules or structural findings — long-term management rather than a single fix.
Preparing for Your Appointment
Bring a current medication list and any prior thyroid/calcium blood work or imaging reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is thyroid disease permanent?
Usually long-term and managed with ongoing treatment, though most people do well once properly treated and monitored.
What does the parathyroid do?
It regulates calcium levels in the blood and bones — separate from the thyroid’s role in metabolism, though the two glands sit close together in the neck.
Can thyroid problems affect my weight?
Yes, both underactive and overactive thyroid can affect weight, among other symptoms.
Do I need a referral?
Yes — a referral from a family physician or nurse practitioner is required.
How to Obtain a Referral
Already a Chinook Medical Centre patient? Ask your doctor whether a referral to Dr. Srini is right for you.
Don’t have a family doctor? Become a patient at Chinook Medical Centre — once established with one of our family physicians, they can assess whether a specialist referral is needed.
For referring physicians and nurse practitioners: Download the referral form below, complete it, and fax it to us at 403-384-9798. For questions, call 403-384-9799.
Manage Your Prescriptions
If your treatment plan includes medication, Chinook Guardian Pharmacy is located on-site, right in the same building — making it easy to fill prescriptions, ask questions, and stay on track with refills.
Sources
Thyroid Foundation of Canada | MyHealth.Alberta.ca (Thyroid Gland)
Medically reviewed by Dr. Srinivasan Narasimhalu, MD, FRCPC
Last reviewed: September 6, 2026
This page is for general education and does not replace individual medical advice. If you have symptoms that concern you, contact your healthcare provider or, for urgent symptoms, seek immediate care.
Referral fax: 403-384-9798 (fax only — do not call)
Questions: 403-384-9799
