Hashimoto S Thyroiditis Diet Hypothyroidism Tests - How To Test For Thyroid Disease.
Hypothyroidism is a disease that affects the thyroid gland, which is a small gland located at the base of the neck. Hypothyroid disease means the gland is under active, meaning it is not working as hard as is required for many functions throughout the body.
In the case of hypothyroidism, testing involves finding out which hormones are not being produced in sufficient amounts. There are two diseases that actually affect the thyroid gland most commonly; these include hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism results in too much thyroid hormone being produced; hypothyroidism results in too little thyroid hormone being produced, and both conditions will require some form of treatment.
Tests help determine how much thyroid hormone is being produced and which hormones are not being produced in sufficient quantities. A health provider can then determine what action to take to correct hormone imbalances.
What Tests Are Appropriate
Millions of people are affected by hypothyroidism in the U.S. alone every year. Because of this health providers need a simple and accurate test to diagnose an underactive thyroid. Fortunately there is a simple test...a blood test...that doctors can use to test this disease.
Hypothyroidism is a disease that often falls in the category of autoimmune diseases, where the body's immune system attacks itself instead of foreign invaders. This form of hypothyroid is known as 'Hashimoto's'.
In cases of hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones to regulate the body's key functions including heart rate and metabolism. Inflammation of the thyroid gland can cause this, as can illness or surgical removal of part of the thyroid gland.
The doctor will measure the amount of various hormones in the blood including thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine or T4, and triiodothyronine or T3 in the body.
Typically a range between 0.4-3.0mlU/L is normal for TSH, but this may vary from person to person, and acceptable ranges will vary between labs. Levels outside of this range are indicative of a problem. If TSH is much higher than this, it suggests that an individual has hypothyroidism.
To get a full picture your doctor should also check levels of free T3 and free T4. If these levels are low this can also be indicative of low levels of active thyroid hormones, also suggestive of hypothyroid disease.
Other Tests
There are other tests a doctor may want to take to examine the health of the thyroid gland. For example, modern technology now allows the health provider to conduct tissue scans using ultrasound, and computed tomography (CT) together with radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU) tests.
Doctors also test newborn babies for hypothyroid because infants born with hypothyroidism can develop mental problems, so it is important they receive treatment immediately. Infants receive testing through blood tests.
What To Do Following Testing
If your lab results come back abnormal you should consult with your health provider and develop a plan of action to help restore health to the thyroid gland. This may involve changing your diet, developing an exercise plan, taking certain herbs, vitamins and minerals, considering iodine supplementation, and/or beginning a regimen that includes supplementation with synthetic hormones.
Be sure you understand your test results completely before you begin any changes in your lifestyle. You should feel comfortable asking your health provider questions about your results. You may also ask for a copy of your results to review on your own. You can keep a file of these at your home so you can monitor your progress with time as you make healthy lifestyle changes.
hashimoto s thyroiditis diet.