How is thyroid disease diagnosed?

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Last Updated on September 25, 2022 by Dr. Shikha Shiromani

It is difficult to diagnose thyroid disease as its symptoms are easily confused with certain conditions, such as pregnancy, or ageing. Few tests like blood tests, imaging tests, and physical exams can help determine if the symptoms are being caused by a thyroid issue.

A physical exam is done by a healthcare provider to check for any growths or enlargement of the thyroid. One of the most definitive ways to diagnose a thyroid problem is through blood tests that measure the thyroid hormones in your blood. The blood tests that are done to test your thyroid include:

  1. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is produced in the pituitary gland and regulates the balance of thyroid hormones, including T4 and T3 in the bloodstream. Normal TSH range for an adult: 0.40 – 4.50 mIU/mL (milli-international units per liter of blood). Its deficiency is indicative of hyperthyroidism and its elevated levels are indicative of hypothyroidism.
  2. T4: Thyroxine- Normal T4 range for an adult: 5.0 – 11.0 ug/dL (micrograms per deciliter of blood). Low T4 is indicative of hypothyroidism, whereas high T4 levels may indicate hyperthyroidism.
  3. FT4: Free T4 or free thyroxine- Normal FT4 range for an adult: 0.9 – 1.7 ng/dL (nanograms per deciliter of blood). High levels may indicate an overactive thyroid, also known as hyperthyroidism. Low levels may indicate an underactive thyroid, also known as hypothyroidism.
  4. T3: Triiodothyronine- Normal T3 range: 100 – 200 ng/dL (nanograms per deciliter of blood). Low T3 levels can be observed in hypothyroidism, but mostly it is done to check hyperthyroidism, where T3 levels are elevated.
  5. FT3: Free T3 or free triiodothyronine- Normal FT3 range: 2.3 – 4.1 pg/mL (picograms per millilitre of blood).  High levels may indicate an overactive thyroid, also known as hyperthyroidism. Low levels may indicate an underactive thyroid, also known as hypothyroidism.

These tests alone aren’t meant to diagnose any illness but only abnormal levels of thyroid hormones and additional testing is necessary to evaluate for a possible thyroid disorder.

Additional blood tests might include tests for thyroid antibodies, calcitonin, and thyroglobulin. Imaging tests such as ultrasound are done to look at your thyroid to check for increased size, shape, or growths (nodules).

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Last Updated on September 25, 2022 by Dr. Shikha Shiromani

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on September 25, 2022 by Dr. Shikha Shiromani

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on September 25, 2022 by Dr. Shikha Shiromani

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on September 25, 2022 by Dr. Shikha Shiromani

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on September 25, 2022 by Dr. Shikha Shiromani

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

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Last Updated on September 25, 2022 by Dr. Shikha Shiromani

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on September 25, 2022 by Dr. Shikha Shiromani

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on September 25, 2022 by Dr. Shikha Shiromani

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on September 25, 2022 by Dr. Shikha Shiromani

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Last Updated on September 25, 2022 by Dr. Shikha Shiromani

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

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Dr. Shikha Shiromani
Dr. Shikha Shiromani
A dental surgeon by education and medical writer by profession, Shikha is passionate to bring her knowledge and experience in busting the myths around medicine and health. At THIP, she is involved in researching, fact-checking and answering all kinds of questions related to health.
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