The prevailing diagnostic test for diagnosing hypothyroidism is the blood test in which thyroxine (T4) and Thyroxine Stimulating Hormone (TSH) are measured. Most thyroid specialists rely solely on blood tests that other endocrinologists find erratic. These doctors view blood testing as an accessory to diagnosis, not the sole and impeccable basis of it. Besides conducting laboratory tests, they diagnose hypothyroidism by carefully perusing a patient's medical record, identifying and examining the symptoms, and measuring the basal body temperature. Reviewing a hypothyroid patient's medical record and family history is of great import before giving diagnosis. Several symptoms and manifestations of hypothyroidism appear in the early juvenile years of a person; these signs may be reflected in his/her medical record. Any or a combination of these disorders may also be present in a family member of a hypothyroid patient; hence, the family history of the patient is very helpful in the early detection of such thyroid disease. To completely diagnose hypothyroidism, thyroid specialists also require their patients to undergo physical examinations and basal body temperature measurements. These physical tests show symptoms like thin hair, brittle nails, eyebrow loss, swollen muscles, and sluggish pulse rate, among others. Meanwhile, a hypothyroid has a basal body temperature that is lower than the average, which is between 97.8 and 98.2 degrees Fahrenheit. Once diagnosed, hypothyroid patients should undergo hormone replacement therapy in which patients procure quantities of thyroid hormones that the body needs to maintain. These thyroid hormones come in various forms: synthetic, herbal/natural, liquid, or tablet/pill. While synthetic forms of thyroid hormones like levothyroxine, liothyronine, and liotrix are by far the most popular, dessicated thyroid hormones come close today. These medications of varied forms promise one ultimate therapeutic benefit: to make the hypothyroid patient feel better continuously. However, these hormones may vary in terms of degree of outcome and resulting changes in the patient's body. For instance, three people might have started their treatments at the same time and might all be using one kind of medication, but they may have different speeds of recuperation and show dissimilar signs of recovery. Therefore, it is best for hypothyroid patients to have follow-up visits with their physicians to monitor how their bodies react to the respective dosages of thyroid medication given to them. |
