Thyroid Testing
Thyroid tests may be conducted in order to check whether the thyroid gland is functioning correctly. They may also be used to ensure that the correct dosage of medication for hypothyroidism is being given.
Thyroid tests measure the levels of the thyroid hormones thyroxine or T4 and triiodothyronine or T3. The levels of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone or TSH, a hormone produced by the pituitary gland in order to regulate the activity of the thyroid gland, may also be measured.
During the diagnosis process, if a thyroid problem is suspected, the level of the hormone T4 in the blood will be measured. In some cases, the level of the hormone T3 may also be measured. The levels of thyroid hormones in the blood will tell the doctor whether the problem is an overactive or an under active thyroid.
The level of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone in the blood can be used to determine what is causing the thyroid problem. It will show the doctor whether the problem is with the thyroid gland itself of with the pituitary gland.
If a diagnosis of hypothyroidism is made, then it will be necessary to take synthetic thyroid hormones in order to replace those that the thyroid gland is failing to produce. This medication will usually be taken in the form of a daily tablet. The initial dose will be low, but it will be gradually increased until the correct dose is found. The patient who is being treated for hypothyroidism will have to undergo regular blood tests in order to check whether the medication is working. Initially these thyroid tests will be conducted every two to three months. The levels of thyroid hormones in the blood will be tested. If they are still too low, then the dosage will be increased. If the levels of thyroid hormones in the blood have become too high, then it will be necessary to reduce the dosage of the medication. Once the thyroid tests reveal that the levels of thyroid hormones in the blood have become normal, the correct dosage of thyroid hormone medication will have been found. The thyroid tests can then be conducted less often. It will still be necessary for a thyroid blood test to be taken once a year, in order to check that the dosage is still working. In some cases, more frequent tests may be necessary. A woman who has hypothyroidism will need to be tested more frequently if she becomes pregnant, for example, as this will affect the amount of thyroid hormones that are required by her body.
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