Question 1

What is Hypothyroidism?

Accepted Answer

Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones to meet the body's needs. It is caused by insufficient production of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) hormones, often due to autoimmune disease, iodine deficiency, or thyroid gland dysfunction. The Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) test is the most important test for diagnosis because elevated TSH levels indicate the body is trying to compensate for low thyroid hormone production.

Question 2

What causes hypothyroidism?

Accepted Answer

Hypothyroidism is caused by insufficient production of thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) by the thyroid gland. The most common cause is Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. Other causes include iodine deficiency, thyroid surgery, radiation therapy to the neck, certain medications like lithium, and pituitary gland problems that affect thyroid-stimulating hormone production. In some cases, people are born with an underactive thyroid gland or no thyroid gland at all, a condition called congenital hypothyroidism.

Question 3

What is the best test for hypothyroidism?

Accepted Answer

The Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) test is the most important test for hypothyroidism because it detects the earliest changes in thyroid function. When your thyroid doesn't produce enough hormones, your pituitary gland releases more TSH to try to stimulate hormone production, so elevated TSH levels are the hallmark of hypothyroidism. For a complete evaluation, the Thyroid Profile with TSH is the best comprehensive option because it measures TSH, total T4, T3 uptake, and Free T4 Index together, giving a complete picture of your thyroid function. Your doctor may also order a Free T4 test to measure the actual amount of unbound, active thyroid hormone in your blood, which confirms the diagnosis when TSH is elevated.

Question 4

When should I get tested for hypothyroidism?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience persistent fatigue that doesn't improve with rest, unexplained weight gain despite no changes in diet or exercise, feeling unusually cold when others are comfortable, or noticeable thinning hair and dry skin. Other warning signs include constipation, depression or mood changes, brain fog or difficulty concentrating, heavy or irregular menstrual periods, and muscle weakness or joint pain. Testing is especially important if you have a family history of thyroid disease, are pregnant or planning pregnancy, have had thyroid surgery or radiation treatment, or take medications that can affect thyroid function like lithium or amiodarone.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism?

Accepted Answer

Hypothyroidism causes a wide range of symptoms because thyroid hormones affect nearly every organ in your body. Common symptoms include persistent tiredness and fatigue, unexplained weight gain, sensitivity to cold temperatures, constipation, dry skin and hair, thinning hair or hair loss, puffy face, hoarse voice, muscle weakness and aches, joint pain and stiffness, depression and mood changes, memory problems and difficulty concentrating, slower heart rate, and heavy or irregular menstrual periods in women. Symptoms typically develop slowly over months or years and may be mistaken for normal aging or stress, which is why blood testing is essential for accurate diagnosis.

Question 6

Who is at risk for hypothyroidism?

Accepted Answer

Women are at higher risk than men, especially women over age 60. Your risk increases if you have a family history of thyroid disease or other autoimmune conditions like type 1 diabetes, celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus. People who have had thyroid surgery, radioactive iodine treatment, or radiation therapy to the neck or chest are at increased risk. Other risk factors include being pregnant or having recently given birth, taking certain medications like lithium or amiodarone, having Turner syndrome or Down syndrome, and living in areas with iodine deficiency. If you have these risk factors, regular thyroid screening can help catch hypothyroidism early.

Question 7

What happens if hypothyroidism is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated hypothyroidism can lead to serious health complications over time. Your cholesterol levels can rise significantly, increasing your risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. You may develop peripheral neuropathy, which causes pain, numbness, and tingling in your arms and legs. Women may experience infertility or pregnancy complications including miscarriage and preeclampsia. Mental health can deteriorate with worsening depression and cognitive impairment. In severe cases, untreated hypothyroidism can lead to myxedema coma, a rare but life-threatening condition characterized by extreme cold intolerance, drowsiness, and unconsciousness. Regular blood testing and treatment with thyroid hormone replacement can prevent all of these complications.

Question 8

Can hypothyroidism be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, hypothyroidism is definitively diagnosed through blood tests that measure thyroid hormone levels and thyroid-stimulating hormone. The TSH test is the primary screening tool and is highly accurate for detecting hypothyroidism. When TSH levels are elevated above the normal range, it indicates your thyroid is underactive. Additional blood tests like Free T4 and Free T3 measure the actual levels of thyroid hormones in your blood to confirm the diagnosis and assess severity. Blood tests can also detect thyroid antibodies to determine if autoimmune disease is the cause. Unlike many other conditions, hypothyroidism cannot be reliably diagnosed based on symptoms alone because they overlap with many other health issues, making blood testing essential.

Question 9

How is hypothyroidism treated?

Accepted Answer

Hypothyroidism is treated with daily thyroid hormone replacement medication, most commonly levothyroxine (brand names include Synthroid, Levoxyl, and Unithroid). This synthetic version of thyroxine (T4) replaces the hormone your thyroid gland cannot produce in sufficient amounts. Treatment is highly effective and usually lifelong, requiring you to take one pill every morning on an empty stomach. Your doctor will start with a low dose and adjust it based on follow-up blood tests every 6-8 weeks until your TSH level returns to normal range. Once stabilized, you'll need blood tests once or twice a year to ensure your dose remains correct. Most people feel significantly better within a few weeks of starting treatment, with symptoms gradually improving over several months.

Question 10

How can I prevent hypothyroidism?

Accepted Answer

While you cannot prevent autoimmune-related hypothyroidism, you can reduce your risk by ensuring adequate iodine intake through iodized salt, seafood, dairy products, and eggs. Avoid excessive consumption of raw cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and kale, which contain goitrogens that can interfere with thyroid function when eaten in very large amounts. If you have risk factors like a family history of thyroid disease or other autoimmune conditions, get regular thyroid screening with blood tests. Avoid unnecessary exposure to radiation, especially around your neck area. If you take medications that can affect thyroid function, work closely with your doctor to monitor your thyroid levels regularly.

Question 11

What natural remedies help with hypothyroidism?

Accepted Answer

While thyroid hormone replacement medication is the only proven treatment for hypothyroidism, certain lifestyle measures can support thyroid health and improve your well-being. Ensure adequate selenium intake through Brazil nuts, fish, and eggs, as selenium is essential for converting T4 to the active T3 hormone. Manage stress through meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises, as chronic stress can worsen thyroid function. Get regular exercise to boost metabolism and improve energy levels, mood, and weight management. Prioritize quality sleep of 7-9 hours per night to support hormone regulation. Some people find that avoiding gluten helps reduce inflammation, especially if they have Hashimoto's thyroiditis, though this should be discussed with your healthcare provider. Always take your thyroid medication as prescribed and never replace it with supplements or natural remedies without medical supervision.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

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Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

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Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

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Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

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Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

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Hypothyroidism Blood Test

What is Hypothyroidism?

What causes hypothyroidism?

What is the best test for hypothyroidism?

When should I get tested for hypothyroidism?

References

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