There are simple blood tests to find out if you have a thyroid problem. Based on these values, you can tell if you are hypothyroid, or hyperthyroid, or have autoimmune thyroid disease etc.
The tests consist of analysing your blood for levels of various hormones, T3, T4, and TSH. A comprehensive test will also test for something called Free T3 and Free T4.
We reproduce below , courtesy this, the meaning of the values in your blood test :
- Find out your thyroid test results from your doctor's office.
- If you can, get a hard copy printout for your own review and home medical files.
- If "normal" or "reference" ranges are not indicated on the lab results, ask your doctor's office to tell you what these ranges are.
- Note the level of your Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH). At most labs in the U.S., up until late 2002, the normal range is from around 0.5 to 5.5. That range changed to .3 to 3 as of early 2003.
- If the TSH level is below normal, your doctor may determine that you are hyperthyroid (overactive thyroid.)
- If the TSH level is above normal, your doctor may determine that you are hypothyroid (underactive thyroid.)
- If your doctor ran a test called Total T4 or Total Thyroxine, normal range is approximately 4.5 to 12.5. If you had a low reading, and a high TSH, your doctor might consider that indicative of hypothyroidism.
- If your doctor ran a test called Total T4 or Total Thyroxine, normal range is approximately 4.5 to 12.5. If you had a low reading, and a low TSH, your doctor might look into a pituitary problem.
- If your doctor ran a test called Free T4, or Free Thyroxine, normal range is approximately 0.7 to 2.0. If your result was less than 0.7, your doctor might consider that indicative of hypothyroidism.
- If your doctor ran a test called Total T3, normal range is approximately 80 to 220. If your result was less than 80, your doctor might consider that indicative of hypothyroidism.
- If your doctor ran a test called Free T3, normal range is approximately 2.3 to 4.2. If your result was less than 2.3, your doctor might consider that indicative of hypothyroidism
- If your test results come back "normal" but you have many of the symptoms or risk factors for thyroid disease, make sure you ask for an antibodies test. Some doctors believe in treating thyroid symptoms in the presence of elevated antibodies and normal TSH levels.
- If your test results come back "normal" but you have many of the symptoms or risk factors for thyroid disease, consider going to a reputable holistic M.D. or alternative physician for further interpretation and diagnosis.
If your TSH(Thyroid stimulating Hormone) values are normal, but you test positive for thyroid antibodies, it means your thyroid is failing, and you need treatment .
If you are a woman of child bearing age, this has serious repercussions on pregnancy issues.
For a discussion, see this .
