How to Test for Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a condition where the thyroid, the gland responsible for regulating the body's metabolism, goes into overdrive and produces too much thyroid hormone. As a result, heart and respiration rate may increase, and pronounced sweating may ensue. Thankfully, diagnosing hyperthyroidism is a matter of a simple test. Further, hyperthyroidism is easily treatable. If you exhibit one or more symptoms of this metabolic disorder, then you should learn how to test for hyperthyroidism.

Things You'll Need

• Doctor's appointment
• List of symptoms

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Instructions

Learn How to Test for Hyperthyroidism

• 1

  Be familiar with the common symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as unexplained weight loss accompanied by extreme hunger, increased sweating and/or an intolerance to heat, irritability, rapid heart beat or breathing, general hyperactivity and mild tremoring of the hands or fingers.

• 2

  About 95 percent of hyperthyroidism cases are due to Grave's Disease, an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system launches an attack against the thyroid gland and stimulates it to endlessly produce thyroxine (T4) and its byproduct, triiodothyronine (T3).

• 3

  Expect to have a blood test to check for thyroid function. This simple test will measure the amount of T4 and T3 levels. If the amounts are found to be high, then hyperthyroidism is indicated.

• 4

  Have your doctor check your blood levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Lower-than-normal ranges suggest hyperthyroidism.

• 5

  Discuss the usefulness of having a radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU) test with your doctor. By assessing the amount of radioactive iodine uptake by the thyroid, your doctor can determine if the entire gland is overactive or only parts of it.

• 6

  Follow up with a consultation with a endocrinologist if you receive a confirmed diagnosis of hyperthyroidism.