Hypothyroidism tests

Hypothyroidism tests

Hypothyroidism testsThese include a TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Panel), T4 (Thyroxine) and aT3 (Triiodothyronine). A thyroid palpation exam also includes feeling or palpating the thyroid to check the size of the thyroid, its regularity, and to determine whether nodules are present. A sonogram may also be performed for diagnostic purposes, such as detecting nodules that may not have been felt during physical examination.

The regulation of the thyroid occurs via a feedback system with three regulatory mechanisms.

Hypothalamus-Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH)

TRH →stimulates the release of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)

Pituitary gland →produces TSH, which is sent to the thyroid

Thyroid →produces T3 and T4, which provide “negative feedback” to the pituitary gland to either increase or decrease the production of TSH.

So, increased levels of free T3 and T4 hormones decrease TSH secretion, and decreased levels of free T3 and T4 in turn cause increased secretion of thyroid-stimulating hormone.

Three types of hypothyroidism

1.Primary– Failure of the thyroid to secrete hormone – occurs in 95% of cases

2.Secondary– TSH secretion fails by the pituitary gland

3.Tertiary– TRH secretion deficiency by the hypothalamus

Primary Hypothyroidism Thyroid Testing Laboratory

Serum-free T4 normal→4-12 mg/dl – this level is reduced in primary hypothyroidism.

TSH normal→0.5-5.0 mg/dl – this level is increased in primary hypothyroidism.

T3 recording normal→25-35% – this value is less than 25% of primary hypothyroidism.

Other tests

Serum cholesterol level (200 or less mg/dL) is elevated

Triglyceride levels (150 or less mg/dL) are also elevated

Hemoglobin primary hypothyroidism can cause anemia, which is a decrease in red blood cells and/or hemoglobin in the blood. Anemia in hypothyroidism often occurs due to chronic disease due to reduced stimulation of erythropoietin secretion.

Thyroid ultrasound

The butterfly-shaped gland is about 5 cm long and 3 cm wide. The thyroid ultrasound test is non-invasive and differentiates between a cyst and a solid tumor.

Cysts have a smooth edge and tumors (adenomas/carcinomas) are solid or well-defined areas. If a tumor is suspected, a biopsy is performed.

Hashimoto's thyroid

Hashimoto's is an autoimmune disease and inflammatory process that causes goiter and eventually hypothyroidism. The antibodies that are elevated in Hashimoto's thyroiditis are antithyroglubin and antimicrosomal antibodies. Both antibodies do not need to be elevated to detect Hashimoto's

The doctor may perform various tests to get an accurate picture of how hypothyroidism affects the body.

Inspired by Jennifer W Matthews