Screening for Hypothyroidism

June 10, 2008 - 7:30am

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Screening for Hypothyroidism

by ]]>Editorial Staff and Contributors]]>

The purpose of screening is early diagnosis and treatment. Screening tests are usually administered to people without current symptoms, but who may be at high risk for certain diseases or conditions.

Screening Tests

A physical examination by your healthcare provider may reveal signs of hypothyroidism, such as a slow pulse, large tongue, or slowed reflexes.

The best screening test is a blood test that measures thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). A high level of TSH suggests hypothyroidism. Other blood tests include T4, T3, and TBG (thyroid binding globulin).

Screening Guidelines

Routine screening for thyroid disease with thyroid function tests is not recommended for children or nonpregnant women without symptoms, as per the US Preventive Services Task Force. However, screening is appropriate in the following :

All newborn infants (mandatory in many states)
Pregnant women with or without goiter
If you:
- Have a strong family history of thyroid disease
- Have an autoimmune disease, such as ]]>type 1 diabetes]]>
- Are over 60 years
- Are taking lithium
- Have ]]>depression]]>
- Have elevated lipid levels

References:

American Academy of Pediatrics. Update of newborn screening and therapy for congenital hypothyroidism. Pediatrics. 2006;117:2290-2303.

American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists website. Available at: http://www.aace.com/ .

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists website. Available at: http://www.acog.org/ .

The American College of Physicians website. Available at: http://www.acponline.org/ .

National Guideline Clearinghouse website. Available at: http://www.guideline.gov/ .

The United States Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for thyroid disease: recommendation statement. Ann Intern Med. 2004;140:125-127

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.