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Page: Diagnostic Testing
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To diagnose primary hypothyroidism, many doctors simply measure the amount of Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) being produced. High levels of TSH indicate that the thyroid is not producing sufficient levels of Thyroid hormone (mainly as thyroxine (T4) and smaller amounts of triiodothyronine (fT3)). However, measuring just TSH fails to diagnose secondary and tertiary forms of hypothyroidism, thus leading to the following suggested minimum blood testing:
* thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
* free triiodothyronine (fT3)
* free levothyroxine (fT4)
* total T3
* total T4
Additionally, the following measurements may be needed:
* antithyroid antibodies - for evidence of autoimmune diseases that may be damaging the thyroid gland
* serum cholesterol - which may be elevated in hypothyroidism
* prolactin - as a widely available test of pituitary function
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Important notice:
The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other
qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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