How to Diagnose Hashimoto's Thyroiditis (Every Thyroid Patients Needs THESE Tests)
How to diagnose Hashimoto's thyroiditis using lab tests. You will learn how to test for Hashimoto's, the best lab tests for Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and how ultrasound and biopsies may be necessary for some people.
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the #1 cause of low thyroid in the United States and SO many thyroid patients have this condition without even realizing it.
Doctors are trained to check only the TSH or thyroid stimulating hormone. Because of this, they usually don't miss a diagnosis of hypothyroidism but they DO miss a diagnosis of Hashimoto's.
Every single patient with low thyroid should be tested for Hashimoto's because it impacts what type of treatments you should be using. It also tells you if you can REVERSE your condition!
These are the 4 best tests for diagnosing Hashimoto's thyroiditis:
#1. Thyroid antibodies.
Including both thyroglobulin antibodies and thyroid peroxidase antibodies. These are the EASIEST way to tell if you have Hashimoto's. But note that not everyone with elevated antibodies HAS Hashimoto's. You must combine the positive thyroid antibodies with #2.
#2. Abnormal thyroid lab tests.
If you have BOTH abnormal thyroid lab tests (such as TSH, free T3, free 4, or reverse T3) AND elevated thyroid antibodies then it's VERY likely that you have Hashimoto's.
You can also combine your lab tests with your symptoms. The presence of thyroid antibodies alone, without abnormal thyroid lab tests or symptoms may mean you don't have Hashimoto's.
#3. An ultrasound.
An ultrasound can give you information about the size of your thyroid gland and whether or not there is inflammation present. If you have inflammation in your thyroid gland then there's a good chance you DO have Hashimoto's thyroiditis. An ultrasound is usually NOT required.
#4. A biopsy of your thyroid gland.
The last option is to get a biopsy of your thyroid gland. I do NOT recommend this option as it's usually not necessary and is a medical procedure with risks. Instead of using a biopsy, use #1 and #2 above and go to #3 if necessary.
Lastly, you should be aware that some people have what's called sero negative Hashimoto's. This is a condition in which they have true Hashimoto's but do NOT have elevated thyroid lab tests. This is rare but it does occur in about 5-10% of people.
Download my free thyroid resources here (including hypothyroid symptoms checklist, the complete list of thyroid lab tests + optimal ranges, foods you should avoid if you have thyroid disease, and more): https://www.restartmed.com/start-here/
Recommended thyroid supplements to enhance thyroid function:
- Supplements that everyone with hypothyroidism needs: https://bit.ly/3tekPej
- Supplement bundle to help reverse Hashimoto's: https://bit.ly/3gSY9eJ
- Supplements for those without a thyroid and for those after RAI: https://bit.ly/3tb36nZ
- Supplements for active hyperthyroidism: https://bit.ly/3t70yHo
This video is for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, treatment, diagnosis, prescription, or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Childs and you. You should not make any changes to your medications or health regimens without first consulting a physician. If you have any questions please consult with your current primary care provider. Restart Medical LLC and Dr. Westin Childs are not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis, or any other information, services, or product you obtain through this website or video.
#thyroid #hypothyroidism #hashimoto's
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the #1 cause of low thyroid in the United States and SO many thyroid patients have this condition without even realizing it.
Doctors are trained to check only the TSH or thyroid stimulating hormone. Because of this, they usually don't miss a diagnosis of hypothyroidism but they DO miss a diagnosis of Hashimoto's.
Every single patient with low thyroid should be tested for Hashimoto's because it impacts what type of treatments you should be using. It also tells you if you can REVERSE your condition!
These are the 4 best tests for diagnosing Hashimoto's thyroiditis:
#1. Thyroid antibodies.
Including both thyroglobulin antibodies and thyroid peroxidase antibodies. These are the EASIEST way to tell if you have Hashimoto's. But note that not everyone with elevated antibodies HAS Hashimoto's. You must combine the positive thyroid antibodies with #2.
#2. Abnormal thyroid lab tests.
If you have BOTH abnormal thyroid lab tests (such as TSH, free T3, free 4, or reverse T3) AND elevated thyroid antibodies then it's VERY likely that you have Hashimoto's.
You can also combine your lab tests with your symptoms. The presence of thyroid antibodies alone, without abnormal thyroid lab tests or symptoms may mean you don't have Hashimoto's.
#3. An ultrasound.
An ultrasound can give you information about the size of your thyroid gland and whether or not there is inflammation present. If you have inflammation in your thyroid gland then there's a good chance you DO have Hashimoto's thyroiditis. An ultrasound is usually NOT required.
#4. A biopsy of your thyroid gland.
The last option is to get a biopsy of your thyroid gland. I do NOT recommend this option as it's usually not necessary and is a medical procedure with risks. Instead of using a biopsy, use #1 and #2 above and go to #3 if necessary.
Lastly, you should be aware that some people have what's called sero negative Hashimoto's. This is a condition in which they have true Hashimoto's but do NOT have elevated thyroid lab tests. This is rare but it does occur in about 5-10% of people.
Download my free thyroid resources here (including hypothyroid symptoms checklist, the complete list of thyroid lab tests + optimal ranges, foods you should avoid if you have thyroid disease, and more): https://www.restartmed.com/start-here/
Recommended thyroid supplements to enhance thyroid function:
- Supplements that everyone with hypothyroidism needs: https://bit.ly/3tekPej
- Supplement bundle to help reverse Hashimoto's: https://bit.ly/3gSY9eJ
- Supplements for those without a thyroid and for those after RAI: https://bit.ly/3tb36nZ
- Supplements for active hyperthyroidism: https://bit.ly/3t70yHo
This video is for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, treatment, diagnosis, prescription, or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Childs and you. You should not make any changes to your medications or health regimens without first consulting a physician. If you have any questions please consult with your current primary care provider. Restart Medical LLC and Dr. Westin Childs are not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis, or any other information, services, or product you obtain through this website or video.
#thyroid #hypothyroidism #hashimoto's
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