The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly shaped gland located in the lower front part of the neck area. The hormones secreted by the thyroid gland control the body’s metabolism and how cells convert oxygen and calories into energy. More than 27 million Americans may have a problem with their thyroids including too little thyroid hormone, called hypothyroidism, or too much thyroid hormone, called hyperthyroidism.
Women are more likely than men to develop hypothyrodism and may find it difficult to be diagnosed properly from their physicians. Because the thyroid can affect almost every system in the body the symptoms may vary and affect numerous systems within the body.
Symptoms of a Low Thyroid Condition (Hypothyroidism) Include:
-
Fatigue
Weight Gain
Puffy Face
Joint and Muscle Pain
Intolerance to Cold
Constipation
Dry, Thinning Hair
Outer 3rd of Eyebrows may appear very thin or sparse
Decreased sweating
Irregular or Heavy Menstrual Periods
Depression
Slow Heart Rate
Doctors may miss many cases of thyroid disorders, especially if seen in their women patients because women who come into a clinician’s office complaining of weight gain and some of the other symptoms associated with low thyroid disorders may be told they are simply pre-menopausal or that weight gain “is to be expected” at a certain age etc. Or physicians may not order a full range of thyroid tests when checking for thyroid dysfunction, thus missing critical pieces of the diagnostic puzzle for those patients dealing with thyroid issues.
It is important for patients to learn how to advocate for themselves by asking for specific thyroid testing to be done if they have symptoms of a thyroid disorder. In the next segment, we will cover the thyroid tests you can ask your doctor to order for you if you are concerned about your thyroid function.
You May Also Be Interested In:
|
Share the love
|
Get free updates
|
Find a doctor you can trust who will run tests that you ask for, not only the ones that insurance recommends. I have had a full spectrum of problems, diagnosis and tests done for the last 3 years. (post menopause) Even if your labwork is “normal”, be certain you report all of your symptoms, and be very sure the doctor palpates the thyroid, and orders appropriated scans/ultrasounds. I had multi-nodular thyroid, that biopsied positive for papillary cancer. Hopefully, it was caught in time, the experts say this is “the best cancer to have”. I certainly hope so.
RE: What Tests Should I request to have Done to Check My Thyroid?
Belinda, I went in and asked my doctor to test all of the ones mentioned here in the dicussions. So that is:
TSH
Free T3
Free T4
Reverse T3
TPO Antibodies which is Thyroid Perioxidase Antibodies
and
Thyroglobulin Antibodies or TG Antibodies
Bethanie helped me out so much and I think she also has some others you may want to ask for that can be related to thyroid issues like the ferritin and some others, so you may want to ask her for help here if you need more information.
I didn’t know there was a way to have “missed” a thyroid problem for years. Could someone please help me with a list of the thyroid tests that I need to ask my doctor to order just to make sure that my thyroid is ok?
I’ve sure learned so much after reading all through the various thyroid posts on your website. This also explains what I believe to be my problem. Not being diagnosed with a thyroid disorder even though I have every single symptom possible. I have never had the thyroid antibodies tested, nor did any of my numerous physicians ever test Free T3 and Free T4. That I will get done. Thank you for all the valuable help on the thyroid.
For over 17 years I’ve had regular blood tests. Each year when I see my doctor, I always complain of being tired and my hair falling out. Every year, she says it sounds like my thyroid–yet when has tested, she says my thyroid levels are perfectly normal. After reading so many of the stories here I wonder if I could also be hypothyroid–yet my doctor’s are not either doing the right tests, or reading them correctly. What should I do to make sure that I am properly checked for a thyroid problem? My annual exam is this week so I would appreciate the help.
Thyroid diagnosis are often missed Alexa because of the testing that is mentioned in the article. I’m a nurse practitioner student and in my clinicals I get to see physicians who do a better job with thyroid testing, and then others who just check the TSH and let it be. Even if the patient has all the classic symptoms of being hypothyroid. I’m not exactly sure how many are missed, but if I find any more specific numbers I’ll let you know.
Do you know how many people per year are told that they don’t have a thyroid problem when they really still do? How long could this go on–being undiagnosed?
I’ve thought I’ve had a thyroid problem for many years. Now in reading about it more, I’m convinced I need to get better testing to find out once and for all. It’s good that you’re putting this info out there. Very important to know.