|
Main Page | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Screening | Reducing Your Risk | Talking to Your Doctor | Resource Guide Diagnosis of HypothyroidismThe doctor will perform a physical exam and ask about your symptoms and medical history. The exam may reveal a goiter (enlarged thyroid), slow reflexes, and/or a large tongue. Your doctor may also do the following tests: Blood tests � blood tests measure the level of thyroid hormone and thyroid antibodies. The diagnosis of hypothyroidism is made if the serum level of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is elevated and the level of serum T4 is in the low or normal range. These results mean that the thyroid gland is not active enough. The presence of thyroid antibodies may also signal hypothyroidism. In some cases, thyroid antibodies attacking the thyroid gland cause hypothyroidism. Some blood tests performed for other reasons may raise suspicions about hypothyroidism and should be followed up, for example, blood tests that show high cholesterol, anemia, or low sodium. Needle biopsy � a sample of thyroid tissue is removed with a needle under local anesthesia by a surgeon, tested for disease, and examined microscopically. This is done to rule out cancer, infection, or other possible causes of the hypothyroidism. A needle biopsy is not commonly done. SOURCES:American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 15th edition. McGraw-Hill;2001. Thyroid Foundation of Canada Last reviewed September 2004 by Kimberly Rask, MD, PhD All EBSCO Publishing consumer health and medical information found on this site is accredited by URAC. URAC's Health Web Site Accreditation Program requires compliance with 53 rigorous standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audits. � |
|
