How to Interpret a Thyroid Test
You’re losing or gaining weight without changing your diet and are fatigued or unable to sleep. You’ve noticed a change in the texture of your hair and skin, and you don’t seem to be digesting food properly. If you have these symptoms and others, your doctor may have you get a thyroid test to determine if you have an underactive or overactive thyroid gland. However, the numbers and initials that are your doctor talks about are confusing, and it may be difficult to understand the implications of the results.First, you need to understand what the thyroid is and what it controls. The thyroid is a small butterfly shaped gland at the base of the throat. It secretes two hormones: triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). These hard-to-pronounce hormones control the rate your body functions—everything from your heartbeat, temperature, digestion and metabolism to brain function and breathing. You may be producing too much hormone (hyperthyroid) or not enough (hypothyroid), and your symptoms will vary depending on type and severity. Your doctor may decide to run a number of different thyroid tests, but the most common is the TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) test.
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Instructions
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Understanding TSH
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TSH doesn’t measure T3 or T4; it measures the effect the hormone released by the pituitary gland to signal the thyroid to discharge more hormones. Therefore, the higher the number in the result of your test, the lower your thyroid function.
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When you receive your test results, you will see a number. A normal TSH test result is between 0.3 and 3.0. If your results fall above 3.0, you are considered hypothyroid, and if they fall below 0.3, you are hyperthyroid. These standards changed in 2003, so make sure your doctor is aware of the modification.
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If you are hypothyroid, your doctor will probably prescribe some sort of synthetic thyroid hormone like levothyroxine or a natural replacement like Armour.
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Hyperthyroidism requires a variety of approaches including anti-thyroid drugs or surgery depending on the situation. This requires clear communication between the doctor and patient. Don't be afraid to ask questions or ask for more clarification.
What Does it All Mean?
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If your TSH comes back high and you are prescribed a replacement hormone, you will most likely begin to see results within a few weeks. However, your doctor may spend six months or more adjusting your dosage to best treat you. During this time, expect to have frequent TSH tests and possibly other thyroid tests too. Once the dosage is set, you need to be tested at least once a year to monitor your thyroid’s function.
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If your TSH is low, you and your doctor will decide on the best type of treatment for you. There are a number of options depending on your condition, but your best treatment may be to disable or remove the thyroid. In that case, you will become hypothyroid and will be prescribed thyroid hormone.
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If your TSH comes back normal but you still have symptoms consistent with thyroid disease, ask your doctor for a free T3 test (normal between 80 to 220) and free T4 test (normal between 0.7 to 2.0). You may also want to consider an antibodies test as well.
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Tips & Warnings
Good communication between doctor and patient is essential to fully understand test results.
You have a right to know your results. Most states have laws that will back you up.
Don't be afraid to get a second opinion if your doctor isn't answering your questions.
Don't try to self-diagnose and treat. Thyroid disease is potentially life threatening and needs a physician's attention.
