thyroid disorders Post

Detection of Thyroid Dysfunction

Diagnosis is based on symptoms and lab results. Most often lab results will display high TSH, low T3, T3. Symptoms  of thyroid disorders will include weight gain, fatigue, hair loss, brittle nails, muscle aches, slow heart rate, cold intolerance, constipation, brain fog, difficulty concentrating, depression, dry skin Thyroid panel blood work includes the following: TSH (normal 0.5-5 mIU/L) High TSH with low T3, T4 Hypothyroidism. The pituitary gland detects the amount of thyroid hormone is low and producing more TSH in an attempt to stimulate the thyroid to produce more T3 and T4. Normal TSH with low thyroid hormones (T3, T4) Pituitary gland dysfunction Free T4 (normal 0.8-2.4 ng/dl) Low T4 suggest hypothyroidism Other causes of low T4: low albumin (protein in the blood stream), pituitary gland disorder, hypothalamic failure T3 (normal 100-200 mIU/L) Decreased suggests hypothyroidism Thyroid Antibodies TPO Antibodies (0-34) Elevated suggests Hashimoto’s Testing for anti-Tg and anti- THO antibodies in the blood. Circulation antibodies to thyroperoxidase are the best markers for the detection of HT while the antibodies to thyroglobulin are less sensitive and less specific. The frequency of ‘Thyroid Panel’ Blood Work: New diagnosis: Most will have thyroid hormones tested every 3 months when first starting treatment and while hormone levels are reaching target level Change in medication dose: Once the dose is changed, levels should be checked in 3 months.