Hypothyroidism diagnosis is usually done following a thorough examination of the patient's medical history as well as results of the physical exam and several laboratory tests.
The physical exam and laboratory tests are often mandatory because they help provide sufficient and reliable evidence to diagnose the condition.
Since hypothyroidism has similar symptoms as to that of other conditions, it is important to measure levels of different thyroid hormone levels.
Physical Examination Physical examination is one of the initial procedures done when diagnosing hypothyroidism.
The doctor will basically check the hair, skin, eyes, and heart as well as body reflexes to see if there are any symptoms of hypothyroidism.
If there's an enlarged thyroid or goiter, the doctor will eventually see or identify it through physical examination.
Another indication of hypothyroidism is that if there's a rubbery and painless enlargement along the thyroid gland.
This is associated with the Hashimoto's disease.
Likewise, if the thyroid is enlarged but tender and not exactly symmetrical then it can be diagnosed as subacute thyroiditis.
In case symptoms are still to be verified then other tests would be initiated.
Thyroid Hormone and Antibody Tests Hypothyroidism diagnosis also includes blood tests.
Only a person's blood sample can help provide accurate information on thyroid hormone levels.
It is also considered as the most trusted test when correctly diagnosing hypothyroidism.
There are also cases when diagnosis needs the aid of antibody tests.
This type of test is used to measure T4 levels.
However, it is important to note that multiple antibody tests may need to be performed because T4 levels tend to unstable.
Unless several tests indicate that T4 levels are at an alarming rate then that is the only time proper diagnosis can be made.
To measure T4 levels, a method referred to as the T3 resin uptake is used.
Other tests may be needed to have a better and stronger basis for diagnosis such condition.
Needle Aspiration Biopsy Needle aspiration biopsy is a kind of test done at a microscopic level.
To perform the test, thyroid cells need to be obtained.
In many instances, doctors in fact rule out the possibility of cancer in individuals that have abnormal findings when it comes to their ultrasound or thyroid scan.
Cancer is also ruled out for patients with goiter or thyroid nodules.
The test is done in the same way that blood samples are obtained.
The doctor uses a small needle and injects in along the thyroid gland area to get the necessary cells.
The cells are stained and then examined.
Doctors may also provide other types of screening recommendations depending on the condition of the individual.
In many cases, screening recommendations are given to older patients.