Thyroid evaluation at DHHC involves
Thyroid evaluation at DHHC involves the following: LISTENING to your symptoms of hypothyroidism, full thyroid panel, AND BIO-ENERGY Testing to evaluate T3 at the cellular level to determine your next steps.
learn more at https://dhhealingcenter.com/metabolic-testing/
and watch more videos about thyroid and Dr. Kelly here: https://dhhealingcenter.com/health-journey/?category=Thyroid
How do healthcare professionals typically evaluate the thyroid?
Healthcare professionals evaluate the thyroid through a combination of clinical assessments, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. Here’s an overview of the common methods used:
Clinical Evaluation
Medical History: The doctor will ask about symptoms, family history of thyroid disease, and any other relevant medical conditions.
- Common symptoms of thyroid dysfunction include fatigue, weight changes, changes in heart rate, temperature sensitivity, and changes in hair, skin, or nails.
Physical Examination: The doctor will palpate (feel) the thyroid gland located in the neck to check for size, texture, and the presence of nodules or tenderness.
Laboratory Tests
- Blood Tests:
- Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH): Measures the level of TSH in the blood. Elevated TSH can indicate hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), while low TSH can indicate hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).
- Free Thyroxine (Free T4): Measures the level of unbound thyroxine hormone, which is the active form of T4. This helps determine thyroid function.
- Free Triiodothyronine (Free T3): Sometimes measured to evaluate hyperthyroidism.
- Thyroid Antibodies: Tests such as anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies can help diagnose autoimmune thyroid diseases like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or Graves’ disease.
Imaging Studies
Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to create images of the thyroid gland. It helps in evaluating the size, shape, and structure of the thyroid, and can identify the presence of nodules or cysts.
Thyroid Scan: Involves the use of radioactive iodine or technetium to create an image of the thyroid gland. This test helps assess the function and detect areas of overactivity or underactivity within the gland.
Radioactive Iodine Uptake Test (RAIU): Measures how much radioactive iodine the thyroid gland absorbs from the bloodstream. This helps in evaluating thyroid function and differentiating between different types of thyroid disorders.
Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) Biopsy
- If nodules are detected, a fine needle aspiration biopsy may be performed to obtain a sample of thyroid tissue. This sample is examined under a microscope to determine if the nodule is benign or malignant.
Specialized Tests
- Thyroid Function Tests During Pregnancy: Special considerations are given to thyroid function during pregnancy, as thyroid hormone levels can affect both the mother and the developing fetus.
- Thyroglobulin: Used primarily as a tumor marker in patients who have been treated for thyroid cancer.
Follow-Up and Monitoring
- Regular Monitoring: For individuals diagnosed with thyroid disorders, regular monitoring of thyroid function tests is essential to ensure that treatment is effective and to adjust dosages as needed.
By combining these various evaluation methods, healthcare professionals can accurately diagnose thyroid conditions and develop appropriate treatment plans tailored to the individual patient's needs.