What tests reveal thyroid problem?
I have had symptoms of thyroid problem for a couple months now but when my dr. checked my blood I was told my thyroid funtion was normal. Is there additional tests that may show a problem or is the typicall blood test reliable?
User Comments
- T3 and T4 should be checked. If TSH is normal and T3 and T4 are low, you should still be on hypothyroid meds. Also, make sure the Dr. checks cortisol because of similar symptoms.
- A thyroid panel can be run to detect dysfunction or a single test or any combination of tests.
The tests used to diagnose problems with the thyroid are serum TA, TSH, T3, T3 uptake,free T3, free T4, T4, Thyroxine-binding globulin, plasma calcitonin, and ultrasound.
You seem convinced that you have a malfunction with your thyroid. What problem do you feel you have? And why? What exactly are the symptoms you've been having? You're very vague, you know. I have no idea what blood test your doctor ordered but most likely a TSH. It is reliable but if you don't have confidence in your doctor, see someone else.
- TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) test is what they use to see if you are hyperthyroid or hypothyroid. There is some controversy on what the normal range of values is.
TSH between the range of 0.3 and 3.0 is considered normal. High values indicated an underactive thyroid, low the opposite. Most people feel normal with a TSH close to 1.0. Many labs consider a value over 5.0 to indicate hypothyroidism.
Find out the exact results. The doctor can test for T3, T4 both total and free also. These are thyroid hormones, TSH is pituitary hormone.
Not sure what your symptoms are but you may want other hormones like your testosterone checked.
- I had all those test done.
They said my thyroid was normal. I ended up with thyroid cancer, both sides, had to have it totally removed.
I think it really depends on the doctor!
I knew mine was not right. You just know!