Interpretation of Thyroid Hormone Tests

In my previous post, I wrote about the symptoms and the probable causes of Hyperthyroidism. In order for the physician to diagnose properly a thyroid problem, evaluating the symptoms together with blood testing must be done. A typical thyroid test result shows  hormones levels, which were measured through the testing of blood. Below is a sample of a Thyroid test result and a diagram for its interpretation.

There a few factors why thyroid hormone level should be measured and interpreted:

• Doctors depend on these thyroid hormones for proper diagnosis. Based on the normal values, thyroid hormones will be classified as Normal, High or Low, which will interpreted as Hyperthyroid, Hypothyroid or other types of thyroid problems.
• Hormone levels will determine the proper prescription of drugs and dosage.
• Hormone levels will show if the condition improves or worsen with taking of the necessary drugs.

Though we have our doctors to help us analyze our condition, I believe that we patients should also have a better understanding of our condition. Being knowledgeable on our disease is one way of curing ourselves aside of course from having a proper diet and healthy lifestyle. There is really power in knowledge!