Tests for Hypothyroid

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland in the neck area is underactive and you are not producing enough of the thyroid hormone. If you suspect you have this problem, you can get a diagnosis by taking thyroid function tests. This is a very common and easily treated problem in most.

History

• The main purpose of the thyroid hormone is to regulate the body's metabolism; when too little is produced, more of this hormone must be provided artificially to increase the body's metabolism. Women are more likely to suffer from this condition, especially if they are 50 years old and over. In the past it was difficult to diagnose hypothyroidism, but more accurate thyroid function tests are now available.

Causes

• There are two causes for hypothyroidism. First, is an inflammation of the thyroid, which can leave many thyroid cells damaged and incapable of producing the thyroid hormone. The second cause is total or partial surgical removal of the thyroid gland. This is usually done to eliminate goiters, an enlargement of the thyroid gland, or to eliminate nodules which have formed on the thyroid. If too much of the thyroid is removed, hypothyroidism may occur due to the lack of hormone production.

Symptoms

• Symptoms vary with the intensity of the condition and you may suffer from several. Symptoms include fatigue, sensitivity to cold, sluggishness, unexpected weight gain or difficulty losing weight, depression, brittle hair and nails, pain, stiffness or swelling of the joints, muscle weakness, muscle cramps, memory loss, heavier periods in women, hoarse voice, loss of libido, puffy face, pale and dry skin and constipation.

Testing

• No single test is 100 percent accurate. A combination of two or more blood tests are performed. Tests include measuring the serum thyroid hormones, or T4, which is the most common test.

  To ensure proper diagnosis, a doctor may perform a battery of tests, including measuring T3, or thyroxine; measuring the levels of thyroid binding globulin (TBG), which is a protein that the thyroid hormone attaches itself to; and measuring pituitary production of TSH, or thyroid stimulating hormone. An iodine uptake scan measures the amount of iodine taken up by the thyroid and a thyroid scan shows how the thyroid gland is functioning. A thyroid ultrasound detects nodules. A thyroid antibodies test checks for bacteria or antibodies working against thyroid tissue. A thyroid needle biopsy tests for nodules that may be cancerous.

Treatments

• The thyroid hormone medication, levothyroxine, is the easiest and most common form of treating hypothyroidism. It is a pure, synthetic form of T4, created in a laboratory. It can be taken safely with most other medications.

Danger

• If left untreated, the pituitary will begin producing excessive amounts of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), causing the thyroid to enlarge and forming a goiter, also known as a "compensatory goiter."