Thyroid Range

Copyright (c) 2009 Stephen Smith

There are a variety of thyroid function tests may be performed to assess the extent to which a person's thyroid function rather than standard blood test for thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), which is usually done.

These tests thyroid involve collecting information from various sources.

Here are the best tests to perform thyroid to determine thyroid function:

Blood tests:

Currently, most doctors do not test for TSH and only if it is outside the normal range thyroid they then test for T3 and T4.

A normal level of TSH has been considered 0,5-5.0 mIU / L. However, what has since been revised to 0.2 2.5mIU / L by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists.

Unfortunately, the result TSH provides limited information because it is still possible to have normal levels of TSH, but symptoms of hypothyroidism due to the production of antibodies the body of the thyroid.

It is preferable for blood tests to be done for the 3 hormones (TSH, T4 and T3). However, blood tests for antibodies to the thyroid and rT3 can also provide useful information and give you a more complete results.

Physical Exam:

There are many physical signs of hypothyroidism. These include: thinning of the eyebrows, the swelling under the eyes, dry skin, puffy eyes, streaked or split nails, scalloping of the tongue and cheeks flushed.

The physical symptoms of thyroid problems should always be considered in conjunction with other tests of thyroid function.

evaluation of symptoms:

There are many symptoms that may indicate thyroid problems. All these symptoms should be taken in combination with other tests.

BBT:

One of the byproducts of energy metabolism is the production of heat. Since the thyroid gland is intimately involved in the metabolic control of the basal body temperature may be a test of the efficient functioning of the thyroid.

Hypothyroidism often results in a lower body temperature (below 36.5 degrees) compared to normal thyroid gland.

People with hyperthyroidism may have a higher basal body temperature.

It is always best to test the temperature first thing in the morning before arising. This is called the basal body temperature.

tests nutrition for thyroid

There are a variety of nutrients that are important for optimal functioning thyroid. Consequently, testing can be a nutritional function test thyroid valuable. They may indicate possible deficiencies in the body that caused the symptoms of thyroid problems.

tests nutrition for the thyroid can be done by blood, urine and hair.

Toxic metal testing:

Some metals are toxic to the body and can impair thyroid function, particularly when high levels. Hair and urine can indicate whether there are excessive levels of toxic metals in the body of a person.