Everything About Hypothyroidism Tests

By Jane Jack Collins

Tests and Procedures
Blood
After careful evaluation, your physician will decide whether or not you will require hypothyroidism test. The only way to diagnose hypothyroidism is to perform a series of blood tests that will measure the levels of thyroid hormone that the body is producing. Often times you will also receive some antibody tests, which measure the levels of thyroxine in your body. Thyroxine levels generally fall when the condition of hypothyroidism is present. Other hypothyroid tests that may be performed during your blood work up will detect levels of calcitonin, cholesterol, prolactin, and thyroglobulin; each important in the diagnosis of hypothyroidism.
Imaging
Another type of non-invasive hypothyroidism test is visual imaging testing. This type of testing uses the technology of CT or computed tomography, and MRI or magnetic resonance imaging. You will be asked to drink a small amount of radioactive dye, and then wait so that the dye has time to travel throughout your body. This will generally take around 20 to30 minutes. The imaging testing will be performed, and will be able to show any overactive or underactive glandular areas in your body.
Ultra sound is another test that combines the technology of sound, with the imagery to be able to detect the presence of a goiter or thyroid swelling in the base of the neck. It is a quick and simple test that should only take minutes to perform.
Biopsy
When performing a test, a needle aspitation biopsy may be performed. It is a safe and mildly invasive procedure that can usually be done on an outpatient basis. This type of hypothyroidism test is done by inserting a needle into the thyroid gland and extracting cells that will be analyzed in a lab. Pain is minimal, and this kind of hypothyroidism test is very effective in diagnosing hypothyroidism. This test is also used to diagnose cancer of the thyroid gland.
When to Get Tested
Hypothyroidism generally occurs in older adults, so it is advised that anyone over the age of 60 get a test done. Women are more prone to the disease, so it is advised that they get a hypothyroidism test by the age of 50.
Pregnant women are encouraged to get a hypothyroidism test within the first trimester of pregnancy. Hypothyroidism during pregnancy can lead to birth defects and premature delivery.
Hypothyroidism is a serious but treatable disease. When left untreated, it can lead to severe and possibly deadly conditions, but all of this can easily be prevented by getting a simple hypothyroidism test.
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