Diagnosis of Hypothyroidism
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The doctor will perform a physical exam and ask about your symptoms and medical/family history. The exam may reveal a goiter (enlarged thyroid), slow reflexes, dry skin, slow and hoarse speech, 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 levels of serum free T4 and free T3 are 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 autoimmune hypothyroidism, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis . 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.
References:
American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists website. Available at: http://www.aace.com/ .
Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 15th ed. McGraw-Hill; 2001.
Surks MI, Ortiz E, Daniels GH, et al. Subclinical thyroid disease: scientific review and guidelines for diagnosis and management. JAMA. 2004;291:228-38.
Thyroid Foundation of Canada website. Available at: http://www.thyroid.ca/ .
Last reviewed November 2008 by David Juan, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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