A Refresher on The Diagnosis of Hypothyroidism

The thyroid is a small gland that can be found on the lower front part of the neck. It is responsible for aiding to regulate several processes of the body, including energy generation, metabolism, and mood. This gland produces two vital hormones known as triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). However, in case the thyroid gland of a person is unable to produce enough of these hormones, they might experience symptoms like depression, lack of energy and weight gain. This condition is called hypothyroidism.

Diagnosis of Hypothyroidism

Several symptoms of hypothyroidism include various common complaints people with a normally functioning thyroid gland may have. Hence it can be difficult to diagnose this condition by just assessing the symptoms. Hence doctors typically check the medical history of the patients and conduct certain physical examinations to see if they have any viable indication of suffering from hypothyroidism. Based on the findings of these evaluations, the doctors subsequently prescribe a thyroid function test to them.

· Medical History: The patients must provide as many details as they can about their personal medical history and family history. They especially must discuss:

1. The general state of health of the patients, with a particular focus on any noticeable changes, witnessed in the overall well-being.  

2. The health history of the family of the patient, especially if any of their close relatives have been diagnosed with thyroid-related issues.

3. If the patients have ever had thyroid surgery, or radiation to their neck to treat cancer.

4. Any medicines that they are taking which might cause hypothyroidism, such as lithium, interferon, and interleukin-2.

· Physical examination: The doctors would perform a thorough examination of the patients and check for various signs of hypothyroidism, which includes:

1. Swelling around the eyes and legs

2. Evidence of dry skin

3. Slower reflexes

4. Slower heart rate

· Blood Tests: Based on the findings of the above two steps, doctors tend to prescribe certain blood tests for hypothyroidism to the patients. The two key thyroid blood tests include:

1. TSH Test: The thyroid-stimulating hormone or TSH is a blood test where the amount of T4 (thyroxine) that the thyroid gland is being signaled to make is measured. If it is found out that people have an abnormally high level of TSH in the test, then it could mean that they are suffering from hypothyroidism.

2. T4 (thyroxine) Test: T4 is produced by the thyroid gland. The free T4 and the free T4 index are two types of blood tests, which in combination with a TSH test, can let the doctors know how the thyroid gland of their patient is working.

People prescribed with a thyroid function test by their doctor can visit any reliable pathology lab to take the test. There are many renowned providers of diagnostic and related healthcare tests in India who provide the patients with the benefit of collecting their blood samples right from their home, whose results are then uploaded on the web. By seeking out the services of these providers people can get their thyroid tests done right at their home and do not have to deal with the hassle of visiting any separate pathology lab.