How to Diagnose Thyroid Problems
The thyroid is a small gland that is located at the bottom of the throat. The thyroid produces hormones that affect bodily functions such as stabilizing body temperature, regulating the heart rate and how quickly a person metabolizes food. Thyroid problems, such as tumors on the gland or the over- or under-production of hormones can make a person very sick. Physical examinations as well as testing can diagnose thyroid problems.
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Instructions
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Schedule an appointment with your primary care physician if you suspect you may have a problem with your thyroid. There are certain signs he will look for when examining you, such as if your thyroid is enlarged, if your eyes appear to be bulging or if your hands shake. All of these physical symptoms, in addition to a rapid pulse, are consistent with some thyroid conditions such as hyperthyroidism, and may be the first step toward diagnosis.
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Have your blood drawn to test TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) and thyroxine (thyroid hormone) levels. High levels of TSH and low readings of thyroxine mean that your thyroid is underactive, a condition called hypothyroidism. Low amounts of TSH and high levels of thyroxine indicate that your thyroid is working too much and producing too many hormones, which is called hyperthyroidism.
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Submit to a radioactive iodine test. During this test, you will consume a small amount of radioactive iodine and be monitored over several hours to see if your thyroid has absorbed the iodine. This test can determine whether your thyroid is overactive or if you have a short-term infection called thyroiditis.
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Get a biopsy taken of your thyroid to confirm a diagnosis of thyroid cancer. Your doctor will have performed other tests first and will do a biopsy if she thinks there may be a tumor that is affecting hormone production.
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