Hi there, I'm Kira Shepherd. When my kids were little, I spent a lot of time at the health care clinic. Children need an exam when they hurt themselves or run a high fever. Any other distressing symptoms are also best explored by a qualified physician. Thankfully, my local health care clinic always helped reassure me that the kids were healthy and developing well. I will share information about common diagnostic procedures and treatments performed at health care clinics. I will talk about alternatives, like going to the hospital or treating at home. My site will cover common symptoms and complications caused by a wide range of illness and injuries. Please visit my site often to learn more information. Thank you.
Hypothyroidism refers to low thyroid function. It is a very common autoimmune disease. It is more common in women than in men, and its symptoms can mimic those of other illnesses. Diagnosing hypothyroidism is essential so that prompt treatment can be implemented. If left untreated, hypothyroidism can raise your risk for heart disease, high cholesterol, obesity, and anemia. Here are some ways your family care doctor can confirm a hypothyroidism diagnosis.
Physical Exam And Oral Medical History
Your family care doctor will perform a physical examination to help rule out hypothyroidism. They will palpate your neck to determine if you have any swellings, lumps, or irregularities. The doctor will focus on the front lower part of your neck because this is where your thyroid gland is located.
The thyroid gland is shaped like a butterfly and it can sometimes become swollen in people with thyroid disease. Large swellings of the thyroid gland are known as goiters; however, proper thyroid treatment may take care of the goiter.
Your doctor may also assess your hair, eyes, and skin to look for signs of hypothyroidism because this disorder can cause dry, flaky skin, thinning hair, and puffy eyes. The physician can also gain helpful information by taking an oral medical history from you. They will ask you about your symptoms, and if you report that you have frequent bouts of constipation, fatigue, or joint pain, they may suspect hypothyroidism. Other symptoms of a low-functioning thyroid gland may include intolerance to cold, weight gain without increasing your caloric intake, and a hoarse voice.
Blood Tests And Ultrasounds
Your doctor may also perform a blood test known as a thyroid panel. If your thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is abnormal, your thyroid may be underactive. An ultrasound of the thyroid gland can also prove beneficial in the diagnosis of hypothyroidism. It can evaluate your thyroid gland for nodules, most of which are benign, goiter, and tumors.
If your diagnostic tests suggest hypothyroidism, your doctor may prescribe thyroid replacement hormones. It may take a while for your medication to work; however, once you build up a therapeutic blood level of thyroid hormone, your symptoms may improve.
If you have any of the above signs or symptoms of hypothyroidism, see your family care doctor as soon as possible. When hypothyroidism is diagnosed and effectively treated, your risk for developing high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and painful joints may significantly decline.
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