“What tests should I take to see my thyroid levels?”
I am 40-year-old female and want to take tests to see my thyroid levels. What tests should I take?
9 Answers
Endocrinology-DiabetesEndocrineDiseases
Dr. Jennifer Rittenberry
Endocrinology, Diabetes
The TSH of the most sensitive indicator of thyroid function. When first evaluating for thyroid disease I typically check a TSH, free T4 and thyroid antibodies (TPO and Thyroglobulin antibodies). A low TSH suggests overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) and high TSH suggests interactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). Elevated antibodies mean you’re at risk for thyroid disease.
TSH level only, except in very rare cases, (pituitary deficiency) if the TSH is normal, the thyroid level is normal.
Dr. Paul Norwood
Dr. Paul Norwood
Your thyroid function tests should include: TSH, Free T4, total T3.
Hope it helps.
Dr Marina Strizhevsky
Hope it helps.
Dr Marina Strizhevsky
There are only 2 important tests to take as screening but several others is screen says you may have thyroid disease. 1) Tell the doctor if you have any symptoms & have him feel the thyroid gland in your neck to see if you have enlargement or nodules. 2) ID no symptoms (or some) & the gland feels normal the a blood test for thyroid function is needed. There are 2 tests-Free T4 (thyroid hormone) & TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone from the pituitary gland). If your thyroid is low, the TSH goes up to make the thyroid gland work harder and if the gland is overproducing (hyperthyroid) the TSH goes down. So this is an important test. If any of these tests are abnormal, then further testing is needed but I won't go further here. This is all that's needed now to answer your question, I hope it turns out OK.